Director of Economic Development

Esquimalt Nation

Director of Economic Development

Rate of pay: Recruitment Range: $49.81 – $58.60 per hour
Growth Range: up to $67.38 per hour
Schedule: Permanent, full-time, 32 hours per week - Monday to Thursday, 8 hours per day including a one-hour paid lunch break
Important notes: The successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment.

Position Summary
The Director of Economic Development is a new, foundational leadership role tasked with establishing and growing the Esquimalt Nation’s economic development department. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will lead the design and implementation of an economic development strategy rooted in Esquimalt Nation values, reconciliation, sustainability, and prosperity. The Director will explore and evaluate strategic economic opportunities, initiate partnerships, and support Nation members in economic participation through business and employment pathways.

This role requires both visionary planning and hands-on execution to lay the groundwork for future economic self-sufficiency.

Primary Responsibilities
Economic Development Board Representation

• May be appointed to represent the Esquimalt Nation as a board member on various Economic Development related boards by the Chief and Council
• Provide regular reports to the Chief and Council on the progress made and projects at the economic development boards

Strategic Planning and Visioning

• Lead the creation and implementation of an Economic Development Strategy in collaboration with community, leadership, and business partners.
• Conduct feasibility assessments and business case development for key opportunities in areas such as land development, tourism, leasing, joint ventures, and Nation-owned enterprises.
• Identify sector-specific strategies aligned with community values (e.g., tourism, trades, cultural enterprises, clean energy, land development).

Business Development and Partnerships

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate economic partnerships and joint ventures on behalf of the Nation.
• Develop internal policies and templates for agreements, NDAs, MOUs, and benefit-sharing arrangements.
• Build trusted relationships with private sector partners, government agencies, Indigenous organizations, and academic institutions.

Project Development and Implementation

• Oversee projects from ideation through execution, including budgeting, resourcing, timelines, and reporting.
• Coordinate with legal and financial advisors as needed.
• Monitor and report on risks, benefits, and progress of economic initiatives.
• Facilitate community engagement to ensure initiatives reflect member priorities and values.
• Develop and launch programs that support entrepreneurship and employment readiness for Nation members.
• Advocate for community-focused initiatives that build wealth, skills, and opportunities within the Nation.

Financial Management

• Identify and apply for relevant grants and funding opportunities to support strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate with Finance and the Executive Director on reporting and compliance for funding agreements.
• Applies for, monitors the application, and finalizes approved funding agreements
• Creates and monitors the Esquimalt Nation Economic Development Budgets;
• Presents completed budgets to Council for approval;
• Ensures compliance with the Esquimalt Nation Financial Administration Law (FAL).
• Creates alliances and connections with contacts at government agencies to increase funding opportunities and assist Esquimalt Nation employees in networking with these organizations

Management Team

• As a member of the Management Team, serves as a role model for the Esquimalt Nation’s core competencies and guiding principles.
• Ensures that all new staff are hired and managed in accordance with the Xwsepsum Human Resource Policy Manual.
• Build internal capacity through recruitment, mentoring, and professional development of team members as they are hired.
• Develops and implements a phased staffing plan for the Economic Development department.

Other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Training, Education, and Experience
Degree in in a related field (such as Economic Development, Business Administration, Indigenous Governance, or similar) plus 5 years of related experience, ideally with a First Nation Government or Indigenous organization. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated success in leading complex projects, securing funding, and building new initiatives.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, project management software, or financial tools is an asset.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Indigenous economic development principles and community-centered planning preferred.
• Familiarity with laws, regulations, and funding programs impacting First Nations (Indian Act, treaty context, lands management, taxation) preferred.
• Experience in business planning, entrepreneurship, and financial modeling.
• Exceptional negotiation, partnership-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to balance economic growth with cultural, environmental, and social priorities.
• Project management experience from conception to implementation.
• Experience working with or for Indigenous governments or organizations is strongly preferred.

Critical Success Factors
Committed to our guiding principles:

• Every individual reflects the whole
• Connect our spirituality to our work
• Promote self sufficiency

About Esquimalt Nation
Our mission is to build a legacy for present and future generations of Esquimalt Nation members by ensuring our work is rooted in the teachings and natural laws that flow from the Sacred Trust. We will promote and advance holistic health, self-sufficiency and safety of Esquimalt Nation members by offering meaningful programs and services and working with our partners for mutually beneficial goals.

Applications
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to humanresources@esquimaltnation.ca

Pursuant to Section 41 of BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit), with the required combination of education and experience.

The Esquimalt Nation administration office is located on Reserve land. As such, in accordance with Section 87 of the Indian Act, individuals who have Status under this act may be eligible for tax-exempt employment income. Eligibility is determined by the Canada Revenue Agency.