Economic Development Officer

About Us:

Hiawatha is a vibrant First Nation community located on the beautiful north shore of Rice Lake. We are located approximately 20 minutes from Peterborough, ON and 45 minutes from Cobourg, ON. There are approximately 1000 registered citizens, with approximately 235 residing in Hiawatha. In the summer months our population increases significantly. Hiawatha is an employer that prides itself on diversity and fairness, providing a progressive working environment that fosters culture, positivity and growth.

Position Summary:

The Economic Development Officer (EDO) manages, co-ordinates, organizes and delivers the Economic Development Program with the long-term vision of the community guiding the activities. The main duty of the EDO is to support HFN Citizens in the creation and retention of Citizen-owned businesses. The EDO also provides support and assistance on special projects and providing active participation with internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent must follow the strategic plans of the organization, adhering to the HFN vision and values.

Reporting and Relationships:

The Economic Development Officer reports to the Operations Manager. This position supervises the CORDA Secretariat position and the Serpent Mounds Project Supervisor. This may change from time to time based on specific projects related to the Economic Development driven projects.

This position will have to interact with internal departments, Chief and Council, HFN Citizens, Zhooniya Makak LP Economic Development Corporation (ZMLP) Board and staff, government agencies, and political-territorial organizations. This position will have to sit on committees as directed by the Operations Manager or Council or as required based on the duties of this position.

Main Responsibilities

Delivering of economic goals and objectives as set by Hiawatha First Nation Council;

Assisting and providing guidance to HFN Citizens on new and existing businesses through various methods such as hosting workshops, sharing of information, and the hosting of seasonal vendors markets.

Collaborating with other HFN departments and ZMLP staff on a variety of projects and issues, as appropriate;

Working with ZMLP staff, as appropriate, to prepare, create and conduct studies on economic ventures and utilizing these studies to the benefit of HFN Citizens;

Maintaining an active role and building relationships related to Economic Development; both within and outside of HFN;

Collaborating with Mississauga Nation EDO’s to bring growth and prosperity to the Nation;

Preparing a proposed budget for each upcoming fiscal year, while following all HFN policies and procedures;

Monitoring the budget throughout the year; watching for posting errors and advising finance if there are budget adjustments required and providing variance reports on a regular basis and when requested;

Preparing reports for Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Chief and Council, funders, committees or other agencies as required;

Preparing paperwork for cheque requisitions for expenses in the department (i.e. payments to vendors);

Preparing paperwork for invoice requisitions for invoices for travel reimbursements (when required),

Seeking out and preparing proposal submissions, budgets for projects, etc.;

Adhering to all HFN policies, procedures and values, while working toward overall organizational goals;

Working within relevant legislations and within funding guidelines;

Maintaining accurate records and up to date files and ensuring security of those files in accordance with appropriate legislation;

Ensuring all reports (including financial) are prepared regularly as required and within the deadline;

Handling all incoming and outgoing communication (mail, voicemail, calls and email) are processed in a timely manner, consistent with providing service excellence;

Working with co-workers in a positive and effective manner on various initiatives as required;

Being a part of committees and working groups in areas that are relevant to Economic Development or as requested by the Operations Manager or Council (i.e. Mississauga Nation EDO Collective, etc.)

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Certification as a Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) preferred;

Certification as a Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED) an asset;

Undergraduate Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Commerce, or another relevant field an asset or

Diploma in relevant field and willing to obtain PAED certification required;

Minimum three years’ relevant experience; or

A combination of education, training or work experience which Hiawatha deems to be equivalent

Experience in a First Nations setting preferred

Must provide a satisfactory CPIC (documentation will be required if successful applicant)

Valid Driver’s License and vehicle

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience with computer programs (i.e. Microsoft Office, databases, email, etc.)

Experience with common office equipment and working in an office environment

Demonstrated experience in preparing funding and grant applications and report writing

Knowledge and understanding of federal programs and relevant legislation

Ability to deal with a diversity of individuals, such as HFN staff, Citizens and stakeholders using utmost tact and diplomacy

Proven problem identifying and problem-solving skills

Knowledge of codes, legislation and programs as they relate to a First Nation

Knowledge of Indigenous histories (i.e. residential school, sixties scoop, colonization & impacts

Ability to create proposed budgets using projections and work within a balanced budget including variance reporting

Ability to work within tight deadlines

Ability to work as an individual and as part of a team

Well developed interpersonal, public relations and relationship building skills

Excellent organizational, time and file management skills

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Ability to liaise with stakeholders

Ability to communicate effectively using written or oral reports and group presentations

Ability to create and maintain a strong network of contacts and connections related to Indigenous business and economics

Ability to gather community data, analyze results and formulate sound conclusions and recommendations based on the data

Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills

Behavioural Competencies:

Empathetic and non-judgemental

Honest, respectful and trustworthy

Indigenous-centered service approach

Results Oriented

Personal Effectiveness

Dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement

Demonstrate sound work ethic

Demonstrate keen attention to detail

Proven ability to work with people of diverse education, cultural and language backgrounds

Creative

Optimistic

Community-minded

Working Conditions:

Work will be carried out primarily in an office environment, but travel requirements may lead to a variety of work environments

Extended periods of sitting with moderate periods of concentration

Local travel with some extended travel from time to time

Interaction with employees, management and the community

May have to deal with upset clients from time to time

Occasional overtime or requirement to work outside normal working hours

Work will involve stressful situations pertaining to pressure brought on by deadlines, heavy workloads during peak periods (i.e. fiscal year end), and stresses related to public speaking and project management duties

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $56,420.00-$62,720.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-02-25