Regional Business Liaison

**District of Vanderhoof**:
**Regional Business Liaison**:
Vanderhoof is a friendly and welcoming rural community located in the geographical center of British Columbia and is at the “Heart of it All” when it comes to lifestyle, affordable living, and employment opportunities. With a population base of roughly 4,500, and serving a larger area of nearly 10,000, Vanderhoof is an active community with great indoor/outdoor recreation facilities and trails. Vanderhoof is situated along Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway), and located an hour west of Prince George, BC.

The Regional Business Liaison is responsible for providing community outreach business support services for the region. The services will support economic re-development for rural businesses and communities impacted by forest policy changes and other impacts to the forest sector by providing direct one-on-one advisory services. Outreach activities include, but are not limited to, social media, phone calls, community meetings/workshops, flyers, advertising and attending where those in need are located.

**DUTIES**
- Support small and medium enterprises in accessing support programs made available in response to the forestry curtailments and policy changes.
- Serve as an advocate for the businesses and services within the community and region promoting economic re-development and diversification following forestry policy changes.
- Assesses and plans for business re-development needs.
- Provides leadership through broad regional involvement which promotes the well-being of the economic climate.
- Promotes development opportunities and general attributes to applicable business segments and target markets.
- Develops and manages programs and services to improve the business environment in the community and surrounding area.
- Maintains updated information on businesses and types of businesses provided support.
- Maintains updated information of businesses referred to Northern Developments business support programs.
- Coordinates visits to the District and surrounding area for prospective business re-development.
- Drafts reports and makes presentations to Council and other groups as required.
- Provides advocacy and support to new and existing business proponents, industry and community services and community organizations.
- Maintains relations and communications with stakeholders in the forestry sector.
- Attends Council meetings and Board meetings as required.
- Network and liaise with other regional business and economic development peers to ensure current broad base knowledge and information sharing of initiatives and trends.
- Networks and liaise with local business owners and organizations, community groups and First Nations to support economic re-development.
- Other duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.

**SKILLS**
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Understanding of relevant municipal legislations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to build strategic partnerships and facilitate the development of collaborative relationships.
- Ability to develop and analyze business plans and identify and promote regional economic development projects and initiatives.
- High level of proficiency with computer programs including word, outlook, power point, and excel.
- Ability to work effectively with stakeholder groups, business owners, other communities, executives, and elected officials.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- College diploma or university degree in commerce, economics, or a related field.
- Working experience in marketing, and public relations. Minimum three years’ experience in the business development field or related knowledge and experience in a related field.
- Relevant experience in local government is desired.
- A valid BC Class 5 Driver’s license.
- A clear police information check.
- A clean driver’s abstract.

The position is a temporary full-time excluded position for approximately 1-year and is funded by the Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Business Liaison Grant. The position is scheduled to work 35 hours per week at $31.76 to $43.41 per hour based on experience.
- We_ _want_ _to_ _thank_ _all_ _applicants,_ _however_ _only_ _those_ _chosen_ _for_ _an_ _interview_ _will_ _be_ _contacted._

Education : Other trades certificate or diploma
Experience : 3 years to less than 5 years