Sector: Lands and Economic Development
Position Title: Economic Development Officer
Reports To: Director of Lands & Economic Development
Subject To: Terms and Conditions of the Personnel Policy
Annual Approved Budget
Summary of Organizational Responsibilities:
The Economic Development Officer (EDO) is a highly visible accomplished professional who reports to and works closely with the Director of Lands and Economic Development. The EDO must have the ability to make good strategic decisions, demonstrate strong leadership; build relationships with potential partners, business community and surrounding municipalities. The EDO shall use their expertise to help define the character and trajectory of economic growth by focusing on and promoting the community and developing sustainable jobs matching to local employment needs and opportunities, and increasing the tax base.
Duties and Tasks:
Analyze and evaluate economic and business development opportunities and identify strategies to develop these opportunities;
Work with and coach LNIB entrepreneurs in the development of new businesses and expansion of existing ones;
Assist in securing funding for economic development activities and programs.
Liaise with Aboriginal economic development and financial institutions, such as All Nations Trust Company, BC First Nations Community Futures Development Corporation, New Relationship Trust
Interact with federal and provincial government economic development agencies, including Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada, BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, engaged in the delivery of economic development programs and initiatives to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities
Liaise with neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Merritt, the District of Logan Lake, Thompson Nicola Regional District, Nicola Valley Community Futures, and community based institutions, such as chambers of commerce, and other economic development organizations.
Assist the Lower Nicola Indian Band with the development of programs and services to improve the business environment in the Nicola Valley.
Promote local opportunities and identify valuable commercial and industrial lands and assist businesses and investor prospects to view these properties.
Identify need for and develop a variety of promotional and marketing tools and community building events to attract new businesses.
Assists the Director of Lands & Economic Development of LNIB in developing resources to support, implement, and monitor effective marketing strategies for LNIB member-owned businesses.
When required, assist with research, analysis, planning, and evaluation for the LNIB Development Corporation.
Attend regularly scheduled meetings of the Land & Economic Development sector of LNIB, working groups, and other teams.
Maintain a keen awareness of regional, provincial and federal economic planning programs and activities relevant to Aboriginal economic development.
Develop and maintain active contact with other business and economic development organizations of current programs and services and ensure that the community’s interests are served.
Develop an effective relationship with the Chief & Council members, community entrepreneurs and members, the Executive Director of LNIB, and the LNIB Lands & Economic Development Sector Director and staff.
Facilitate partnerships between business, government, financial and educational institutions and the community.
Manage relationships with consultants and experts, including accounting and legal professionals hired by the Lands & Economic Development sector of LNIB.
The incumbent will have proficient knowledge in the following subjects/areas:
Economic development theories and practices.
Business planning and business expansion/marketing strategies.
Financial management and analysis.
Local, regional and provincial economic potential and opportunities.
Building strategic partnerships and facilitating the development collaborative relationships.
Understanding statistical methods, principles and trends in social and economic fields.
Understanding of the relevant First Nation legislation framework, legal environment and relevant court decisions, policies and procedures.
Understanding of the local and regional economic, culture and political environment.
The incumbent must demonstrate the following:
Ability to develop and analyze business models, strategies, and plans.
Ability to identify and promote community economic development strategies, projects and initiatives.
Ability to prepare research and prepare statistical reports to committees, Council, and the community.
High level of proficiency with computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, and Access.), email, ecommerce, and internet searching
Able to work effectively with stakeholder groups, business owners, executives and elected officials.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated through the ability to facilitate, network, lead, research, negotiate, analyze, and resolve issues.
Possess a strong sense of personal integrity and uphold ethical practices.
Effective negotiation and mediation skills.
Stress management and time management skills.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or Accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Professional economic development designation (preferred).
Minimum five years of relevant experience.
Extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with accounting systems, budgets, internal controls, business planning and asset management is desirable.
Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
High level of integrity, confidentiality and accountability.
Strong work ethic and positive team attitude.
Sound analytical, thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
Ability to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanor.
Excellent public relations and public speaking skills.
A well defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
Excellent teamwork and team building skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with other departments, key business partners, and government officials.
Strong problem identification and resolution skills.
Ability to delegate tasks when required.
Work Conditions:
Occasional travel may be required.
High paced work environment.
Complex assignments and tight deadlines.
Long hours of work may be required.
Attend meetings in the evening and weekends.
Ability to attend internal and external meetings for the purpose on conducting presentations.
Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
Use of own reliable vehicle and safe driving record.
Salary: Competitive Salary & Benefits package to be negotiated
Deadline: Friday, January 29, 2016
Start Date: February 2016 (preferred)
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Candidates are required to submit a cover letter, personal resume and 3 relevant references to:
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| Location: | Merritt, BC | ||
| Profession(s): | Economic Development | ||
| Date Posted: | Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 12:35:22 PM (PST) | ||
| Posting Expires: | Friday, January 29, 2016 at 4:30:00 PM (PST) | ||
