Director of Economic Development

Overview

The Director of Economic Development is a full-time, permanent position that reports to the Chief and Council. This role focuses on facilitating impactful projects to establish RRIB as a regional economic hub. The work week consists of 35 hours, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Director promotes inclusive growth rooted in Anishinaabe values, while overseeing investment opportunities, structuring deals, and driving long-term community prosperity through major infrastructure, energy, and natural resource projects. In collaboration with internal teams and external Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners, the Director drives business development, strengthens community-owned enterprises, and builds partnerships that create long-term benefits for RRIB members.

Employment Details

- Employment Type: Full Time

- Job Occupation Type: Economic Development Officer EDO

- Total Positions: 1

- Wage: TBD

- Hours/Week: 35

- Days of Work: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

- Closing Date / Apply By: 10/23/2025

- Start Date: n/a

Duties

- Implementing a comprehensive economic development strategy aligned with community goals

- Identifying, evaluating, and advancing investment and partnership opportunities

- Conducting detailed financial analysis, due diligence, and risk assessments on potential deals

- Structuring investment transactions and negotiating favourable agreements

- Leading mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures to support strategic growth

- Overseeing equity participation in energy and infrastructure projects, including Public-Private Partnership (P3) models

- Managing relationships with potential investors, business partners, and government funders

- Collaborating with internal departments, legal, and leadership to align economic initiatives

- Overseeing budgets, contracts, and reporting for economic development projects

- Ensuring compliance with funding agreements and regulatory requirements

- Driving business development efforts and supporting existing community enterprises

- Representing the First Nation in external negotiations and funding discussions

- Monitoring the performance of economic ventures and ensuring alignment with community values

- Managing projects to meet timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes and providing reports to Chief and Council

Qualifications

Candidate Qualifications

To qualify, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Indigenous Studies, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience in economic development, business development, or corporate finance.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

- An advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or a professional designation (e.g., CPA, CFA)

- Proven experience in financial due diligence, investment analysis, and deal structuring

- Track record of leading large-scale energy, infrastructure, or natural resource development projects

- Familiarity with P3 financing models and understanding of government funding and grant programs

- Understanding of Indigenous governance structures and economic development priorities

- Experience engaging with external stakeholders including investors, legal counsel, and government agencies

- Knowledge of mergers, acquisitions, and joint venture planning

As our ideal candidate, you will possess exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes while building strong partnerships. You are diplomatic, proactive, and collaborative, with the interpersonal skills to manage relationships with leadership, council, and external partners alike.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for someone who wants to help shape the economic future of RRIB. You will play a vital role in identifying investment opportunities, structuring high-impact deals, and helping to build a sustainable, long-term economic vision that benefits the community for generations to come.

Compensation and Benefits

- Competitive salary grid based on skills and experience, and a host of excellent benefits including:

- Health and Dental Benefits

- 3 weeks of vacation

- 15 Personal Days

- RPP matching program

- Opportunities to contribute to high-impact, large-scale infrastructure and energy projects

- Work alongside a seasoned leadership team that prioritizes mentorship, clear direction, and cross-departmental support to help you deliver high-impact results

About the Community

The Red Rock Indian Band (RRIB), traditionally known as Opwaaganasiniing—“where the pipestone is”—is an Ojibwe First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, located near Nipigon and Thunder Bay. RRIB resides on two reserves, Red Rock 53 and Lake Helen 53A, spanning 950 acres of culturally and naturally significant land.

A signatory to the 1850 Robinson Superior Treaty, RRIB has long stewarded its lands with deep respect for the environment and heritage, continuing traditions through language, ceremony, and land-based practices.

Focused on sustainable growth, RRIB invests in infrastructure, energy, tourism, and agriculture to create lasting opportunities for its members. A key milestone was the opening of its Professional Business Complex—now the central hub for governance and services, and a symbol of RRIB’s commitment to self-sufficiency and economic development. Join RRIB in building a resilient future that honors tradition and embraces innovation.

Employment Equity

RRIB is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To Apply

If you share our vision and possess the skills to succeed in this vital role, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to linda.berube@rrib.ca for consideration.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Chief Odawa at chief@rrib.ca.

Miigwech for your interest in this opportunity — we look forward to welcoming a new team member who shares our commitment to community and growth.

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