The Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) is nestled in the heart of the mid coast of British Columbia. The area encompasses around 25,000 square kilometers and includes five electoral areas. The CCRD serves a population of less than 4,000 residents, all living in rural and unincorporated communities.

The CCRD is seeking a suitable candidate to dive into the rich and diverse cultures of the Central Coast region and fill the position of Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO) for a one to three year contract, with the potential to be extended beyond this term. This position will be situated in Bella Coola, British Columbia located in the Bella Coola Valley. The community is accessible by Highway 20 and serviced by Pacific Coastal Airlines and BC Ferries.

Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Chief Administration Officer (CAO), the CEDO will approach community economic development with the theory of developing from “inside out” or bottom up for the entire region. It will be holistic in nature, collaborative, and from a community driven perspective. She/he will understand that goals and successes for rural and remote economic development are quite different than in an urban setting.

The successful applicant will be responsible for facilitating, promoting and ensuring community and economic development across the CCRD region. She/he will assist the region’s businesses and communities by using tools to build and sustain economic development suited to their needs. The CEDO will act as a key player in building community capacity, empowerment, and self-reliance. This role requires a broad based skill and knowledge set.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Active at the community level
Enhance collaborative economic development and partnership efforts with Nuxalk Nation, Heiltsuk Nation, Wuikinuxv Nation, key businesses, tourism, communities and other strategic partners
Strengthen region by focusing on “inside out” or bottom up community and economic development
Promote buy local/shop local “Shop smart & shop local”
Implement strategic priorities that are set out in the Integrated Strategic Plan 2015 – 2019
Point of contact for businesses, organizations and investors
Work directly with Outer Coast communities to develop economic sustainability specific to their needs
Implement the CCRD Community Economic Development Operating Plan 2016 – 2019
Facilitate community economic development in order to identify and establish local opportunities
Prepare grants in collaboration with the CAO
Oversee the CCRD contract grant writer
The CEDO will collaborate with the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) to provide achievable and sustainable recommendations on community economic development to the Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) Board of Directors for their considerations and to find revenue sources that would sustain the employment of the CEDO beyond the term of the contract.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree, preferable in community or economic development/international development or related field Three (3) to five (5) years related experience
Strong computer skills, including ability to proficiently use relevant hardware, software (including MS Office)
Knowledge of local, regional and rural Northern British Columbia Economy
Knowledge of Community Economic Development theory
Excellent relationship building skills, able to establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff, elected members, businesses and communities
Strong interpersonal skills, candidate must be self-reliant, motivated, be flexible and independent
Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills
Must be able to multi-task and balance changing workloads and priorities
Enthusiastic and self-motivated. Works well individually as well as in a team environment
Possess a valid Class 5 BC Driver Licence

Application:
CCRD are offering a competitive salary to a suitable candidate. Please see Job Description and submit a resume and cover letter clearly demonstrating why you are the best candidate for this position, in confidence to the Chief Administrative Officer at the Central Coast Regional District, at cao@ccrd.bc.ca by January 13, 2017. Only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.