Director Economic Development and Resource Management

Director Economic Development and Resource Management

Company: Ginoogaming First Nation

Location: Longlac, ON

Position Overview:

The Director: Economic Development and Resource Management is responsible for the management and delivery of all programs, services and initiatives within the department. Reporting to the Band Manager, the Director will oversee and coordinate departmental operations spanning activities associated with economic development, project management, environmental initiatives, lands and resources management, communication consultation and employment opportunities within its specialized program areas.

The Director is accountable for the development and implementation of plans to both protect and increase the Nations’ opportunities for revenue generation through existing and potentially new resources and initiatives. The Director leads departmental planning and coordinates staff through direction, guidance and monitoring progress of activities. This role works closely with internal and external stakeholders in support of economic activities for the Nation, must compile and provide records and documents to the relevant governments and agencies and ensure all business and operations are conducted in a responsible and ethical way.

Responsibilities:

Strategic and Operational Planning

• Support development of organizational strategic and operational plans under the direction of the Band Manager and Chief and Council.
• Develop an economic and resource development strategy and plans for the department.
• Develop Strategic Training Plans in partnership with Ontario Works, KKETS, the Community, and other partners.
• Ensure the strategy is developed into departmental operational and work plans.
• Monitor implementation and progress of all plan activities and provide consistent reports.
• Direct and support in-depth research and studies of new or potential initiatives, expansions or diversifications of business industry, lands and resources and marketing operations.
• Provide advice and guidance to members with economic development ideas or interests.
• Develop business plans in conjunction with interested parties and support preparation of detailed estimates.
• Ensure that all department operations are conducted within relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and manage relationships, agreements and partnerships with applicable government and private agencies and departments and submit reports to applicable government departments or agencies as required.
• Manage the departments’ infrastructure and assets including supervision of equipment and facility use and maintenance.
• Provide input into policies, procedures and bylaws.
• Ensure filing and record keeping systems are established and maintained.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans.

Financial Operations Management

• Monitor and manage departmental finances, working closely with Finance Department personnel.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of all budget and funding requirements, applicable government financial legislation and policies, as well as all Band financial policies and procedures.
• Participate in the preparation of the departments’ budget for Band operations.
• Provide required data to inform monthly and quarterly financial statements and reports and review the reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure established internal financial controls are understood and followed.
• Monitor departmental purchasing, tendering and other financial transactions per defined procedures.

Band Council Support and Administration

• Prepare materials and reports as requested by the Band Manager and in support of Band Council operations.
• Attend and participate in various business meetings, seminars, conferences and other related functions to promote the Nation’s advantages, and to provide action plans and recommendations as a result of these meetings.
• Represent the Band at local, regional, provincial or other meetings as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position, and as assigned by the Band Manager or Chief and Council.

Human Resources Management

• Provide clear direction and instruction to staff to ensure priorities are understood and day-to-day activities are coordinated, ensuring work plans are documented and progress is monitored.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings to ensure awareness of and coordination of departmental activities.
• Promote and foster development of a strong and cohesive team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support of one another for the department and Nations’ benefit.
• Lead the departments’ performance evaluation process in conjunction with the Human Resources manager, focusing on growth and capacity building.
• Work with the Human Resources Manager to recruit, coach, and mentor staff including coordination of training and development activities.
• Coordinate other departments to ensure strong teamwork and communications.
• Promote and provide for a positive working environment aligned with the culture and values of the First nation.
• Maintain awareness of and ensure compliance with all related Band and human resource legislation, regulations and policies.

Program and Service Delivery Management

• Coordinate delivery of and supervise departmental programs and services.
• Develop strategic training plans for related managers/staff.
• Coordinate advice and guidance on lands and natural resources management, ensuring the advice appropriately matches the development stages.
• Develop proposals for program funding.
• Ensure program funds are expended appropriately.
• Develop needs assessments and evaluation criteria to identify and measure the effectiveness of programs and service delivery.
• Prepare regular reports to inform community of economic and resource development activities and results.

Working Relationships

• Consult with contractors and consultants on projects including coordination of preparatory work associated with scope, initial design and procurement processes.
• Develop and foster a strong network of subject matter experts.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with government agencies within federal, provincial and First Nations governments and Tribal Councils.
• Source out and develop strong partnerships with industry representatives including but not limited to experts in lands, forestry, mining, construction and infrastructure.
• Establish a strong rapport with community members by providing expertise and connecting them with subject matter experts to potentially advance economic or resource development opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures relating to First Nations administration.
• Ability to develop clear economic and resource development strategies and plans and manage resources, including people, materials, assets, and money, to achieve desired goals.
• Good knowledge of environmental concerns and land management practices and how best to balance with economic development opportunities.
• Business acumen including good negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Strong team leadership and management skills with demonstrated ability to coach and mentor others to build skills and capacity.
• Good financial and operations management skills.
• Ability to establish good working relationships, both internally and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage conflict using sound judgement.
• Effective written and oral communications skills including use of software applications such as MS products.
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Demonstrate a dedication to the role and to the Community.

Experience and Education Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in business, environmental science, lands and natural resources, project management, or other related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of prior management and related experience, ideally in a management role within a First Nations organization, with responsibility for the following areas:
• Planning
• Economic development
• Natural resources management
• Human resources management
• Program management, delivery and evaluation

Environmental Conditions:

• Physical Effort: Office environment
• Physical Environment: Little to none
• Sensory and Mental Attention: Busy environment responding to many requests at one time, participating in meetings.

Other Requirements:

• Professional appearance.
• Follow all GFN Policies and Procedures and display a commitment to the values and culture of the GFN.
• Ability to successfully and periodically undergo an appropriate criminal records review and police record check is required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the department manager, Band Manager or Chief and Council.