Sumas First Nation
Position Description
Job Title: Economic Development Director
Classification: Management
Department: Economic Development
Effective Date: 02/01/2017
Position Summary
The Sumas First Nation are in the process of establishing the business arm of the Nation to centralize and
streamline all economic development ventures within the structure of the Sema:th Development Corporation
(The Corporation).
The Economic Development Director (EDD) will play a vital role in structuring the Sema:th Development
Corporation; working with chief and council as the interim board of directors and work directly with and
reports to the General Manager until such time that the corporate structure is establish and functioning.
The EDD will provide support and direction for the Sema:th Development Corporation Board of Directors
and develop and manage its long term goals and day to day operations of the Corporation.
The EDD will be responsible for the delivery and administration of business development programs,
management and attraction of new business and maintaining relationships with partners and other
organizations doing business with Sumas.
The areas of primary focus include design and implementation of strategic plans and subsequent updates;
secures funding and grants to support economic development functions and develops and administers an
annual work plan and budget. Oversees and directs department personnel.
Working Relationships

The Director reports directly to the SFN General Manager until such time that the Sema:th
Development Corporation is established and functioning; and

Must develop and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, Lands and Resources
Office and Sumas First Nation members.

The Director manages and supervises the department personnel including but not limited to the
Economic Development Officer (EDO)
Specific Responsibilities

The EDD will have the responsibility of preparing annual business and work plans focusing on
strategic priorities.
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
Facilitate the development, implementation and updating of the Corporation long term Economic
Development Plan.

The EDD will be responsible for external outreach, communicating with stakeholders, evaluating
results, liaising with governments, promoting the Corporation opportunities to attract new
business and.

The EDD will be responsible for managing the projects and resources of the corporation,
directing employees and other professional service providers as required.

Establish business assessment criteria ensuring business development of the corporation is in
line with the vision, mission and goals of the corporation. Provides conclusions and
recommendations on projects and other related assignments for final decision making by the
BoD

Administrative duties include but are not limited to the establishment of the Corporations policies and
procedures, promotional materials, and Website; actively participates in multi-departmental initiatives
as required.

Community Labor Market and capacity building: supervise and direct corporate personnel to actively
engage and foster community member development, and assist with economic opportunities that
promote and enhance locally owned member business.

Ensures the department implement appropriate training initiatives that will enhance and promote
member first employment and training opportunities for Sumas membership.
Economic Initiatives

Respond to inquiries from businesses and individuals wanting to engage in economic pursuits with
SFN

Develop relationships with Businesses and Investors to secure partnerships or joint ventures

Assist with the negotiations concerning joint ventures and partnership and research. Analyze
and identify the risks/benefits of these agreements.

Act as the primary point of contact for all ongoing partnerships and joint ventures including conducting
site visits, monitoring business results and compliance with agreements.

Provide assistance/advice on preparing a business plan including financing alternatives and
market planning

Conduct financial analysis and net wealth generation from economic opportunities

Assist SFN members who are pursuing independent economic development initiatives
Representation and Reporting

Represent the SFN Economic Development Office in meetings and communications with members,
the public, local governments and economic development agencies (i.e.Chamber of Commerce)

Serve as the delegated authority in communicating approved economic opportunities to external
bodies.

Develop relationships with SFN membership
to promote and consult on economic
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opportunities

Deliver presentations to SFN Administration, colleagues and clients/stakeholders on strategic
issues.

As required by the BoD establish community committees and working groups to engage the
Sumas community as required.
Financial and Asset Management

Research private and public funding opportunities and consult with industry and
government representative concerning eligibility requirements for funding.

Prepare proposals and secure funding or grant monies for projects that support Economic
Development

Ensures all necessary reporting is submitted to ensure compliance for funding

Develop multi-year budgets that support the strategic goals of the department. Administer, monitor and
authorize expenditures within approved budgets.
Qualifications and Experience

4 year University Degree: Master’s Degree preferable in Business Administration, economics,
marketing, finance or related discipline;

Demonstrated records of accomplishments in business and economic development with a
minimum of 5 years relevant senior management experience with demonstrated successful
management of a development corporation (preferably in a First Nation Environment)

Proven ability to work with Business and investors to develop joint venture opportunities

Proven ability to secure funding and grant monies to support projects that further develop economic
opportunities for the community.

Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License

Completion of RCMP and Province of BC Criminal Records Checks
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Community Economic Development theories and practices including knowledge of
joint ventures/partnerships and principles that guide the various types of economic agreements.

Ability to develop and analyze risk/benefits of business plans; effective negotiation and mediation skills;
experience and understanding of working with First Nation communities and/or organizations and
understanding the cultural environment of First Nations communities; Ability to effectively promote
economic opportunities through various media channels; proven experience in preparing and
administering budgets; ability to effectively plan, organize and implement strategic objectives; effective
verbal, written and presentation communication skills; high level of competency in computer software
including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); high professional and ethical standards
and demonstrated sound work ethics.
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SIGNATURES
I have read, understand and agree with this position description. Further, I understand this Job Description is
not a full and complete list of the duties and responsibilities carried out by the Director, and are subject to
review from time to time.
_
Economic Development Director
Signature
Date
This position description was reviewed and approved by the Sumas General Manager.
_
SFN General Manager
Signature
February 2017
Date
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