business and economic development manager - Markham - M'Chigeeng First Nation

Description

Position Summary

The Business and Economic Development Manager will serve as a strategic leader in the planning and support of all M'Chigeeng First Nation's economic development goals. The Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and reporting on economic development partnerships, initiatives, and long‑term planning for major projects. The Manager will lead and participate in policy work, create processes, write proposals, and seek revenue and funding opportunities for M'Chigeeng First Nation.

The Manager will review the existing structural relationship between HIAH Economic Development Corporation, MERE, Freshmart Mart Grocery Store, Grasshopper, and M'Chigeeng First Nation and review existing business entities owned and affiliated by M'Chigeeng First Nation. The Manager will create efficiencies and long‑term plans, review and assess supports for existing band member businesses, develop and support new and existing entrepreneurs, and create a long‑term plan for economic development for both M'Chigeeng First Nation and its membership.

Reporting Relationship

The Business and Economic Development Manager will report to the Enaagdenjged.

Essential Functions

• Establish strategic direction for community economic development and create a comprehensive economic development plan for the benefit of MFN and band member businesses.


• Define, develop, and implement both short‑term and long‑term goals for growth.


• Provide relevant updates to the Board of Directors and when requested, from Chief and Council.


• Lead the development of new and innovative programs and initiatives, assist with proposal development, and motivate community members to participate in business and training opportunities.


• Organize and carry out economic development programs and projects through the phases of conceptualization, planning and development as well as implementation.


• Report to the HIAH Corp Board of Directors, MERE and Freshmart Grocery Store Board monthly (more frequently as necessary) to ensure updated budget forecasts, financial statements, and current operational activities.


• Produce and publish an annual report once per fiscal outlining the corporation's activities and achievements for the period.


• Ensure regular reporting on activities to community stakeholders, primarily through ensuring ongoing communication with Chief and Council.


• Oversee the effective and efficient administration of day‑to‑day program activities, including the business operations of any and all entities or enterprises which fall under the responsibility of MFN.


• Prepare and oversee preparation of operational and project budgets.


• Ensure that budgets, performance measures and regular reporting are in place, thereby ensuring financial accountability and transparency. Including an annual Work Plan and Master Workplan for the department.


• Continuously develop and maintain regional economic development partnerships.


• Assist with business plans and funding proposal preparation.


• Coordinate economic development initiatives, including funding sources and terms, commercial debt, and equity financing options, structure, criteria, and documentation.


• Prepare and submit regular reports to the Enaagdenjged, Chief and Council, funders, partners, and other stakeholders.


• Improve and make recommendations to improve operations planning.


• Develop, coordinate, manage, implement, and evaluate current and prospective economic development opportunities.


• Identify profitable business opportunities and develop long‑term business growth strategies for both M'Chigeeng First Nation and M'Chigeeng First Nation Band Members.


• Build relationships and attend meetings with existing and potential entrepreneurs.


• Assess business risk by analysing financial, statistical, and economic data.


• Develop in‑depth knowledge of opportunities and identify profitable business opportunities.


• Create marketing plans that would benefit existing and new community entrepreneurs, create marketing plans for M'Chigeeng owned businesses.


• Preparation of all documentation required for proposals.


• Identify sources of revenue to support small businesses within the community.


• Develop and manage strategic partnerships to grow and support small businesses and first nation businesses.


• Represent M'Chigeeng on various boards including but not limited to: Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, Castle Building Centre, and Waubetek BDC; develop new partnerships that can contribute in a positive way to M'Chigeeng First Nation.


• Keep informed of current issues, programs, initiatives, training, and research that are available locally and nationally in order to make informed decisions.


• Participate in community consultation processes; conduct community needs assessments, conduct special studies; perform research and analysis; and prepare recommendations, documents and/or special reports.


• Plan, organize, and manage business startups, develop, and implement plans to stimulate commercial and other economic development plans for M'Chigeeng First Nation.


• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business management, business administration, economics, commerce, or a related field.


• At least five (5) years' work‑related experience in progressive management responsibility in business based on a multi‑disciplinary team approach.


• Strong knowledge of research and analytics relating to current and future economic development projects.


• Knowledge of First Nations culture and experience working in or with First Nations, understanding the unique political, legal, and business values of First Nations.


• Must be a strategic and proactive thinker with strong entrepreneurial and networking skills.


• Ability to become familiar with business needs of M'Chigeeng First Nation.


• Strong skills in marketing, public speaking, and financial/project management.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly in business writing.


• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office).


• Must have proven, well‑developed staff/public relations.


• High‑level experience with proposal writing, budgeting, and reporting.


• Knowledge of corporate entities would be an asset.

Additional Assets

• Aboriginal Economic Development Certification.


• Finance management experience.


• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, traditions, teachings, and community dynamics.


• Ability to speak and understand the Ojibwe language would be a strong asset or the willingness to learn.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of socio‑economic factors, conditions, and developments of the region and the potential impacts on the economy and employment.


• Strong negotiation skills and a proven track record.


• Ability to analyze business information and distill, summarize, and share key information with others to assist in decision making.


• High level of analytical skills, detail oriented using professional standards for oral and written communication.


• Proven results working independently, and following through on concepts, ideas, or initiatives preferably with an indigenous focus.


• Knowledge of municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governmental systems.

Other Requirements

• Must be flexible in terms of hours of work in order to deal with meetings and events that occur outside normal office hours.


• Must have a valid "G" Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.


• Police CRC requirement: thirty (30) days current, original, and certified copy.


• CRC Rationale: Applicants must provide a clear record of any convictions relating to alcohol, drugs, assault, violence, and theft. The CRC must be current (30 days), must be original and submitted prior to start of employment.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit COVER LETTER, RESUME, THREE (3) CURRENT REFERENCES (2 work‑related references from a direct supervisor/manager and 1 character reference), and education certifications to:

c/o Human Resources
P.O. Box 333 M'CHIGEENG, ON P0P 1G0
Fax

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