Director, Economic Development Jobs

Do you have a passion for supporting Métis communities across the homeland?

Do you have an interest in supporting the Métis National Council’s work with these communities?

The Director of Economic Development plays a vital role in bringing economic opportunities to Métis citizens primarily by focusing on the economic development priorities set out in the Canada- Métis Nation Accord which was negotiated through the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism. This includes initiating and leading policies and programs that grow the Métis economy, build Métis financial institutions, and support the economic priorities of the Métis government.

The Director of Economic Development is uniquely positioned and qualified to influence and advance economic development priorities that support the organization’s goals, objectives and vision and improve fiscal outcomes. In addition, this role provides expert input into the organization’s strategic and business planning as it relates to economic growth and prosperity.

In addition, the Director of Economic Development develops productive, long-term relationships

with government departments and convening working groups of the Governing Members to support economic development initiatives with a focus on natural resource development.

About

The Métis Nation is a distinct Indigenous people recognized under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982. The Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members advocate for the Métis Nation. The primary mandate of the MNC is to work with federal and other key stakeholders to resolve systemic issues and concerns of the Métis Nation such as the fiscal relationship with the federal government; economic development; health; childcare and family services; education; environment, Métis veterans, and language promotion and protection. The MNC represents the Métis Nation both domestically and abroad and seeks to reinforce the Métis Nation’s right to self-government in Canada.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide expert input and advice on short- and long-term economic development strategies and business plans that align with the organization’s stated goals, objectives and vision.

• Collaborate with national Métis partners (MNC, MNO, MN-S, MNA, MNBC and AMCC) and provide leadership to develop and implement key economic policy and program initiatives.

• Participate in and advocate for the Métis Nation through the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism to advance the relationship with the federal government, identify joint priorities and co-develop economic development policy that advances the goals of the Métis Nation at the federal level.

• Analyze and review proposed legislation at the national level that impacts MNC economic development priorities to determine the potential impact of the legislation on the organization; propose responses and prepare position papers and briefing notes for the President and Board of Governors. Facilitate discussions between MNC President and Executive and other stakeholders as required.

• Analyze and review proposed economic development programs, funding or government priorities at the national level to determine the potential impact these may have on the organization; propose responses and prepare position papers and briefing notes around the economic impact for the President and Board of Governors.

• Strengthen the Métis financial infrastructure in banking, insurance, trusts, pensions and the Métis Finance Authority through direct oversight and focused management.

• Secure investment funding streams for Métis businesses through capital markets, capital gains incentives, loan guarantees, international ESG programs and immigrant investor program enhancements.

• Expedites access to government economic development programming including the Canada Small Business Financing Program, ISC programs, Regional Development Agencies programs, Clean Growth Fund and the CMHC.

• Implement strategies that provide access to international markets while providing recognition and protection of Métis intellectual property.

• Establishes secure supply chains and access to procurement in cooperation with corporate and government entities and coordinates funding for Métis business registries.

• Provide regular feedback and reports to the Chief of Strategy & Intergovernmental Affairs on the status of key deliverables, identify potential economic development issues facing the organization and proactively, provide informed and sound solutions.

• Develop robust metrics to track organizational economic development objectives; monitor the effectiveness of the metrics to provide relevant and timely data to the organization’s decision-makers.

• Build alliances and partnerships with strategic external stakeholders including government representatives, organizations and funders to advance the MNC’s economic goals and objectives.

• Attend and participate fully in national and international conferences, forums and other venues that amplify the Métis voice to a national and worldwide audience.

• Participate in all senior management meetings.

• Maintain good interpersonal relationships internally and with external stakeholders by using effective negotiating skills to reconcile differences, influence outcomes and bring people together for a shared purpose.

• Prepare or contribute to technical press releases, communications, position papers and responses to inquiries regarding MNC positions on economic development research, policy and implementation.

• Set goals for staff reporting to the position and mentor, guide and monitor staff to ensure that they meet their objectives and effectively manage their areas of responsibility.

• Serve as the technical expert on any MNC economic development committees. In conjunction with the Governing Members, determine pertinent agenda topics and identify speakers. Confirm meeting logistics and review and edit meeting minutes and follow-up actions for completeness, accuracy and follow-through.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field and/or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Extensive experience working with and lobbying government agencies, elected representatives and committees at a national and international level as well as knowledge of the overall functioning of government

• Experience in managing and mentoring staff to ensure they are meeting their goals and objectives through regular meetings and performance management.

• Strong knowledge of business principles and practices and recent experience with a First Nations organization or governing body

• Experience in economic development including planning, organizing, directing and managing.

• Highly developed interpersonal negotiating skills as well as the ability to resolve grievances and conflicts and positively manage interpersonal relationships

• Successful financial negotiating skills and an ability to work with government and non-government agencies to secure the best funding outcomes on behalf of the organization

• Strong analytical abilities to identify strengths and weaknesses and recommend areas for improvement and growth.

• Analytical ability to quickly synthesize complex information and situations and provide timely advice and creative, realistic and appropriate solutions in the best interests of the MNC

• Excellent communication skills: able to professionally articulate a position and the ability to influence others through a reasoned and well-thought-out idea

Preferred Skills

• Excellent judgement and creativity
• Resilience and adaptability
• High level of tact, diplomacy, discretion
• Organizational, multi-tasking and time-management skills

Salary:$125,000 annually

This position offers a competitive salary and employee package which includes vacation and sick leave, Group Benefits, and RRSP Contribution. Salary is commensurate with experience.

If interested, please send your CV to Madison Tipler at [email protected]