Business and Economic Development Manager

Classification: Senior Management $72,800 - $135,200

Employment Status: Regular Full Time

Department: Economic Development

**Position Summary**

The Business and Economic Development Manager will serve as a strategic leader in the planning and support of all M’Chigeeng First Nation’s economic development goals. The Business and Economic Development Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and reporting economic development partnerships, initiatives, and long-term planning for major projects. The Business and Economic Development Manager will lead and participate in policy work, creating processes, writing proposals, and seeking revenue and funding opportunities for M’Chigeeng First Nation.

The Business and Economic Development Manager will review the existing structural relationship between HIAH Economic Development Corporation, MERE, Freshmart Mart Grocery Store, Grasshopper and M’Chigeeng First Nation and review existing business entities owned and affiliated by M’Chigeeng First Nation. The Business and Economic Development Manager will create efficiencies and long-term plans, review and assess supports for existing band member businesses, develop and support new and existing entrepreneurs, and create a long-term plan for economic development for both M’Chigeeng First Nation and its membership.

**Reporting Relationship**

The Business and Economic Development Manager will report to the Enaagdenjged.

**Essential Functions**
- Establish strategic direction for community economic development and create a comprehensive economic development plan for the benefit of MFN and band member businesses.
- Define, develop, and implement both short term and long-term goals for growth.
- Provide relevant updates to the Board of Directors and when requested, from Chief and Council.
- Leads the development of new and innovative programs and initiatives, assists with proposal development, and motivates community members to participate in business and training opportunities.
- Organize and carry out economic development programs and projects through the phases of conceptualization, planning and development as well as implementation.
- Report to the HIAH Corp Board of Directors, MERE and Freshmart Grocery Store Board monthly (more frequently as necessary) to ensure updated budget forecasts, financial statements, and current operational activities.
- Produce and publish an annual report once per fiscal outlining the corporation’s activities and achievements for the period.
- Ensure regular reporting on activities to community stakeholders, primarily through ensuring ongoing communication with Chief and Council.
- Oversee the effective and efficient administration of day-to-day program activities, including the business operations of any and all entities or enterprises which fall under the responsibility of MFN.
- Prepare and oversee preparation of operational and project budgets.
- Ensure that budgets, performance measures and regular reporting are in place, thereby ensuring financial accountability and transparency. Including an annual Work Plan and Master Workplan for the department.
- Continuously develop and maintain regional economic development partnerships.
- Assist with business plans and funding proposal preparation.
- Coordinate economic development initiatives, including funding sources and terms, commercial debt, and equity financing options, structure, criteria, and documentation.
- Prepare and submit regular reports to the Enaagdenjged, Chief and Council, funders, partners, and other stakeholders.
- Improve and make recommendations to improve operations planning.
- Developing, coordinating, managing, implementing, and evaluating current and prospective economic development opportunities.
- Identifying profitable business opportunities and developing long-term business growth strategies for both M’Chigeeng First Nation and M’Chigeeng First Nation Band Members.
- Build relationships and attend meetings with existing and potential entrepreneurs.
- Assess business risk by analysing financial, statistical, and economic data.
- Develop in-depth knowledge of opportunities and identify profitable business opportunities.
- Create marketing plans that would benefit existing and new community entrepreneurs, create marketing plans for M’Chigeeng owned businesses.
- Preparation of all documentation required for proposals.
- Identify sources of revenue to support small businesses within the community.
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships to grow and support small businesses and first nation businesses.
- Represent M’Chigeeng on various boards including but not limited to: Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, Castle Building Centre, and Waubetek BDC; Develop new partnerships that can contribute in a positive way to M’Chigeeng First Nation.
- Keep informed of current issues, programs, initiatives, training, and research that are available locally and nationally in order to make informed decisions