Overview:

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 fill the position of Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO) for a two 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.

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 the link between the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) and the CCRD Board of Directors.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Active at the community level
Enhance collaborative economic development and partnership efforts with First Nations (Heiltsuk and Nuxalk), 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”
Work with the EDAC on a variety of projects
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 (i.e. Denny Island and Ocean Falls) to develop economic sustainability specific to their needs
Review and update the Economic Development Plan and Website in collaboration with the EDAC
Facilitate community and economic development in order to identify and establish local opportunities
Prepare grants in collaboration with the CAO
The CEDO will collaborate with the EDAC to find revenue sources that would sustain the employment of the CEDO beyond the two (2) year contract

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree, preferable in community or economic development/business 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