Community Economic Development (CED) Liaison

Community Economic Development (CED) Liaison

Join Us in Shaping a Resilient and Inclusive Future for Lillooet and Surrounding Communities

The District of Lillooet, in partnership with the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Electoral Area B, is inviting applications for a dedicated and relationship-focused Community Economic Development (CED) Liaison for a five-month contract position beginning in August 2025. The position is funded via the District of Lillooet and SLRD Area B 2025 Economic Development Capacity Building grants awarded by Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT). The intent is to renew the contract for a full year term in 2026, subject to funding award and mutual agreement.

This exciting opportunity is ideally suited for someone with a deep commitment to rural community economic development, Indigenous partnerships, reconciliation, and inclusive economic transformation. The successful candidate will be a skilled communicator, consensus-builder, and strategist who understands the complexities of modern governance, multi-jurisdictional collaboration and the unique challenges and opportunities within the Lillooet region.

The Role
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the District of Lillooet, the CED Liaison will work across local and St’át’imc governments, communities, and sectors to strengthen collaboration and partnerships, improve economic vitality, enhance community engagement, and support sustainable and equitable CED in alignment with local government and St’át’imc objectives. You will act as a bridge between the District of Lillooet, SLRD, St’át’imc governments and organizations, the business community, and other community economic partners—ensuring all CED initiatives align with shared goals and the principles of reconciliation, stewardship, Indigenous self-determination and economic sovereignty.

Key Responsibilities
1. Relationship Building & Economic Reconciliation

• Build and strengthen relationships between local and St’át’imc governments, ensuring that all CED activities respect principles of Indigenous self-determination and economic sovereignty as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Coordinate the planning and facilitation of Community-to-Community, Intergovernmental Leadership Committee and related Working Group meetings to improve collaboration and advance shared priorities.
• Coordinate the development of a Terms of Reference, Protocols MOU or similar, to enable respectful cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
• Coordinate the development of a joint CED Manifesto outlining guiding principles, roles, responsibilities and shared goals for community economic development in northern St’át’imc Territory.
• Coordinate infrastructure and servicing discussions, including developing frameworks for water/sewer agreements and submitting joint funding applications.

Expected Outcomes:

• Stronger, more effective intergovernmental relationships
• Agreement on shared priorities, goals and objectives
• Increased economic equity and Indigenous participation in community economic development
• Stronger advocacy and improved grant funding opportunities

2. Planning for Resilience & Sustainability

• Develop strategies to integrate St’át’imc knowledge and values, promote economic resilience and attract and retain businesses and investments that contribute to long-term community well-being.
• Initiate a Main Street Revitalization and Land Use Activation project, including inventorying underutilized buildings, engaging owners, and creating phased redevelopment concepts.
• Convene a local Archaeological Working Group to improve coordination, streamline cultural permitting, strengthen heritage protection, and reduce infrastructure delays.
• Work with the Lillooet Chamber of Commerce, Community Connect HUB, Lillooet Agriculture and Food Society, interested St’at’imc organizations, regional economic development agencies and other relevant community partners to support business attraction, retention, and succession planning and to attract and retain investment that aligns with community values and priorities.

Expected Outcomes:

• More inclusive CED strategies
• More vibrant, inclusive Main Street and downtown area
• Stronger cultural and heritage stewardship in development planning
• Community buy-in and visible support for CED initiatives
• Increased protection of cultural values and reduced project delays

3. CED Partner & Community Engagement

• Facilitate regular meetings with economic development partners across local and St’át’imc governments, businesses, and community organizations.
• Explore and develop partnerships with the Lillooet Community Connect Innovation Hub, Chamber of Commerce, St’át’imc organizations, educational institutions, and industry partners to support skill-building, job creation, business development, and workforce participation.
• Support the Lillooet Agriculture and Food Society in enhancing the viability of the agricultural sector and food-related businesses, aligned with the St’át’imc Agricultural Plan.
• Create and implement a Communications and Engagement Plan to gain feedback and support for CED initiatives in collaboration with community partners.

Expected Outcomes:

• Improved communication, information and project coordination among local government, St’át’imc, and community partners
• Increased public participation, trust and understanding of CED opportunities and impacts
• Signed infrastructure and service agreements
• Improved access to funding and regional coordination

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Knowledge of community economic development principles and strategies, preferably within a local or Indigenous government context
• Degree or diploma in community economic development, Indigenous governance, community planning, public administration, or a related field—or equivalent experience.

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of Indigenous rights, history, the principles of truth and reconciliation and the enduring legacy of colonization in Canada and B.C.
• Strong facilitation, engagement, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in administration, grant writing, communications, and policy development.
• Knowledge of rural economic ecosystems and small-town challenges.
• Training in Indigenous cultural safety or equivalent lived experience demonstrating an ability to establish culturally safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue and collaboration.
• Experience designing and facilitating complex multi-party and community engagement processes is an asset.
• Familiarity with the St’át’imc context is a significant asset.

Budget & Support
The 2025 Work Plan includes budget support for:

• CED Liaison fees: $30,000
• CED Advisory, Knowledge Keeper and other Technical/ Support Resources: $20,000
• CED Partner Engagement Expenses: $10,000
• Community Engagement Planning & Implementation: $15,000

Note: All expenditures must align with NDIT’s Economic Development Program Guide. Honoraria and hospitality expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.

Why Join Us?
The Lillooet region is not just stunning—it’s transformational. With strong local government and Indigenous leadership, bold local vision, and a culture of partnership, we’re not afraid to think big or dig deep. Join us and be part of the movement toward economic reconciliation and community resilience.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to build something lasting, meaningful, and truly shared.

Full Job Description

Please submit applications to: [email protected]

www.lillooet.ca