Position Title: Manager of Development

Location: Sarnia, ON

Duration: Permanent

Posting Closes/Deadline: January 10, 2025

Tentative Interview Date(s): January 15 & 16, 2025

Scope of the Position:

The Manager of Development is responsible for the leadership of economic development, land, and environment, pipelines, and corporate initiatives undertaken on behalf of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation (AFN). This role is responsible for improving AFN’s capacity for sustainable economic growth, seeking economic diversification, and working collaboratively with both internal and external groups. The Manager of Development focuses on opportunities and development priorities to grow the economy and support AFN’s economic priorities. This role is also responsible for the management of oversight of the Lands Office and Land Registry related to reserve lands. The role provides supervision, oversight, and direction to the Development department staff, Environment department staff, Lands department staff and contributes to the strategic and business planning for AFN.

Responsibilities

1. Development Leadership
   • Identify, lead, and manage community and economic development planning and initiatives; identifying and fostering community economic development opportunities; secure funding for economic development activities and programs; assisting local organizations, businesses, and individuals, with establishing economic development plans and projects
   • Oversee the conservation and protection of the air, land, and water environments initiatives for AFN
   • Engage in  and develop the Strategic Business Plan for AFN based on engagement and input from members of the community, public, Chief and Council
   • Recommend strategic initiatives, and identify opportunities for further economic development
   • Accountable for providing strategic and operational leadership on all aspects of development
   • Promote and champion the AFN community to expand economic development opportunities
   • Provide expert input and advice on short- and long-term economic development strategies and business plans that align with the AFN’s stated goals, objectives, and vision
   • Develop the annual work plan, report and budget based on identified priorities and requirements of partner funding entities
   • Identify and provide oversight management of applications for grants and funding opportunities or partnerships available to further the economic development goals/initiatives of the community
   • Remain informed of Provincial and Federal initiatives and communicate this information to Chief, Committee, Council, and program staff as needed
   • Build alliances and partnerships with strategic external stakeholders including government representatives, organizations, and funders to advance AFN’s economic goals and objectives
   • Establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships internally and with external stakeholders by using effective negotiating skills to reconcile differences, influence outcomes and bring people together for a shared purpose
   • Liaise with other departments and various internal services to ensure that a cooperative and integrated level of service is provided
   • Manage and plan development projects, engaging with a variety of industrial and commercial enterprises, community and business associations, and government agencies
   • Oversight of corporations assigned to the Corporation Manager, ensuring planning, development, coordination, and implementation satisfies shareholders and tenants
   • Ensure that corporations are preserved and increase the value and integrity of the properties and to meet the financial objectives of the board of directors and shareholders
   • Identify, review, and assign commercial or industrial development proposals, providing strategic advice on procedures and approval requirements
   • Ensure social and economic profiles of AFN urban and rural areas are updated and accurate to encourage investment and development in the community
   • Utilize data, metrics, and research to make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions
   • Conduct frequent research and analysis
2. People Management
   • Provide leadership and direction to the Development department, Environment department and Lands department
   • Supervise and support direct reports to ensure and foster wellbeing in a cooperative working environment
   • Direct staff in accordance with policies, procedures, and systems in place, ensuring that staff conduct themselves in a professional manner in dealing with Aamjiwnaang Band members, staff, and the public
   • Provide guidance, coaching, support, and training and development opportunities while engaging direct reports in goal setting and performance evaluation
   • Manage all aspects of scheduling, including time off requests and ensuring adequate staffing coverage
   • Work closely with Human Resources to manage hiring, discipline, or termination of direct reports
   • Oversee new hires and onboarding process
3. Health and Safety Compliance
   • Ensure workplace health and safety by identifying prevention opportunities, ensuring staff are training in incident reporting systems, investigating potential risk and accidents, and applying timely corrective measures
   • Maintain awareness of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures
   • Adhere to policies of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, along with relevant economic development, reserve lands, employment, and other legislation requirements.
4. Finance and Administration
   • Oversee Full Cycle financial management to ensure financial accountability and the efficient utilization of all health resources
   • Manage the departmental budget, including identifying new opportunities for revenue and approving sending requests
   • (In Partnership with) Development of funding proposals, including planning, writing, and implementation
   • Complete reporting related to budget and funding obligations, including financial, statistical, and qualitative
   • Manage all funding and partnership contracts related to economic development and reserve lands
   • Attend appropriate workshops, seminars and training sessions as required to remain current on topics of concern to the department and scope responsibility
   • Attend all management, Committee, Council, and community meetings as required.