Managing Director, Indigenous Entrepreneurship Fund

Choosing BDC as your employer means working in a healthy, inclusive and skilled workplace that puts forward the best conditions to bring together unique teams where employees are empowered to act. It also means being at the centre of ambitious economic and financial projects to see further and to do things differently to fuel the success of Canadian entrepreneurs. Choosing BDC as your employer also means: Flexible and competitive benefits including an Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, a $750 wellness and health care spending account and more. In addition to paid vacation each year, five personal days, sick days as necessary, and our offices are closed from December 25 to January 1. A hybrid work model that truly balances work and personal life. Opportunities for learning, training and development and much more. Explore the BDC Way in our Culture Book. BDC Capital, the investment arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), is seeking a Managing Director to lead the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Fund, a $100 million investment platform created to support the growth and success of Indigenous-led businesses across Canada. The Fund reflects BDC’s commitment to reconciliation and inclusive economic development providing equity‑like capital through approaches grounded in trust, collaboration and long‑term impact. The Managing Director will shape and implement the Fund’s strategy, structure and operations ensuring it delivers meaningful results for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities. Working closely with BDC Capital teams and partners across the country, the successful candidate will guide investment activities, build strategic relationships and help define new pathways for Indigenous economic participation and prosperity. ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS FUND In 2024 BDC Capital launched a new $100 million Indigenous Entrepreneurs Fund designed to support and grow the number of businesses led by Indigenous entrepreneurs. The Fund invests alongside ecosystem partners in businesses seeking equity capital to grow sustainable businesses, create jobs and actively contribute to the growth of the Indigenous community and the Canadian economy. The Fund includes a combination of direct investments in businesses and indirect investments in funds. POSITION OVERVIEW Reporting directly to the SVP of Inclusive Investment, the Managing Director of the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Fund is responsible for overall leadership of the Fund, designing its strategy, structure and operations and guiding its evolution from concept to full execution. The Managing Director will serve as BDC Capital’s most senior Indigenous leader and will be key to shaping how the organization advances reconciliation through economic development. The Managing Director will represent the Fund internally and externally strengthening BDC’s relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs, economic development organizations and key ecosystem partners. The role blends strategic leadership, investment understanding and community engagement. With a deep understanding or expertise in investments, finance or financial markets, the Managing Director will oversee the design of investment vehicles that generate returns while providing much‑needed equity capital to this underserved segment of the market. The candidate will have a passion for supporting entrepreneurs, demonstrate innovation and possess strong leadership skills. CHALLENGES TO BE MET Lead strategic fund development: analyze the needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs and the gaps that BDC could fill to complement the ecosystem. Define the Fund’s long‑term strategy structure and operating model in collaboration with the CEO and Board. Develop a unifying vision roadmap and investment thesis for the deployment of $100 million to fill identified gaps. Develop and implement investment vehicles that balance financial returns with social impact. Identify and understand emerging needs in consultation with partners and the market to evolve the Fund. Establish partnerships with Indigenous entrepreneurs, development corporations and financial institutions. Build and lead a team of four to six highly qualified professionals to support the Fund’s activities. Oversee investment activities and portfolio management: due diligence, risk assessment, forecasting, planning and budgeting. Ensure ongoing management of portfolio company documentation and lead due diligence on new and existing opportunities. Effectively manage internal and external service providers, including attorneys and other consultants. Lead marketing strategy and ecosystem support efforts: public relations, speeches, panel discussions, press interviews, authorship, conferences and media engagement. Strengthen BDC’s internal understanding of Indigenous business realities and guide culturally informed investment practices. Liaise closely with venture capital teams, the ecosystem team and other BDC members to build a sustainable community for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Collaborate across BDC divisions to integrate the Fund’s objectives within the broader Impact platform. LOCATION & MODE OF WORK This position is hybrid with national travel as required. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR The ideal candidate is an Indigenous leader with a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, values and economic development. They are trusted within Indigenous business communities and bring strong credibility, cultural awareness and relationship‑building skills. They combine that grounding with practical knowledge of investment, entrepreneurship and/or governance and are skilled at bridging financial systems with Indigenous worldviews. The candidate is strategic, resilient and collaborative, comfortable advising at the highest levels of BDC Capital and representing the organization publicly. The successful candidate has experience leading teams, managing partnerships and designing or overseeing investment initiatives. They approach the role with humility and confidence, balancing commercial discipline with a commitment to Indigenous prosperity and long‑term impact. They believe in the mandate of BDC and BDC Capital as well as the vision and mandate of the Impact platform. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of industry dynamics for technology and non‑technology companies, awareness of long‑term market trends and the ability to characterize and quantify risk factors specific to the industry and each segment. Has an existing network in the market that can be leveraged. Demonstrates a strong understanding of key business processes. Demonstrates the ability to identify and think creatively about investments and markets. Possesses a solid understanding of product development lifecycle, development methodologies, growth strategies and pricing strategies. Exhibits strong business acumen with insight into the significance of financial data as it relates to a company’s operations throughout its lifecycle. Demonstrates superior written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence others to achieve results. Can sell ideas and build consensus with colleagues, portfolio companies and future investors while remaining attentive to both the details and nuances of information exchange across diverse audiences. Encourages constructive debate to achieve the best outcomes. Displays results‑oriented thinking and takes action in stressful situations. Remains calm, productive and efficient under pressure. Is exceptionally reliable; consistently monitors and controls progress; and values supports and develops key internal processes. EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree required. MBA, CFA, law degree or Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation are assets. EXPERIENCE Experience as an entrepreneur or investor or both with a proven ability to perform as both an individual contributor and team player in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments. Proven senior executive experience leading the development, start‑up and growth of a successful technology company competing in global markets from inception to positive cash flow or exit. Demonstrated experience working with venture capitalists, accelerators or incubators to deliver programs to market in an agile environment. Experience serving as a board member and management advisor to emerging start‑up companies. We are proudly one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment where all employees can thrive and feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. If you require an accommodation to complete your application please do not hesitate to contact us at . While we appreciate all applications we advise that only the candidates selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted. Required Experience: Director Key SkillsBusiness Development, Expense Management, Financial Acumen, Management Experience, Profit & Loss, Acquisitions, Investment Banking, Relationship Management, Social Media Management, Financial Modeling, Customer Relationship Management, Leadership Experience Employment Type : Full‑Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 #J-18808-Ljbffr