Job Description

Commerce and Industry – Manager of Program Development

Location of Work: Mistissini

Status: Permanent Full-Time

Closing Date: May 8, 2024

Core Functions

The Manager of Program Development is responsible for providing overall supervision on the programs and services under the Department of Commerce and Industry. More specifically, the incumbent is responsible for providing expertise and support for financial, technical and overall review and presentation of funding applications. He/she is also responsible for program updates, monitoring and supervision of programs and services staff.

Functional Responsibilities: 

• Provide financial guidance on economic development projects to stakeholders.
• Oversee and guide the Strategic Planning for Commerce and industry Department.
• Oversee the joint table of DCI/Community Economic Development Officers
• Assist with the implementation and operation of the Cree Nation Free Trade and Agreement specifically, the Business Registry.
• Oversee projects under the Regional Rurality Funds and the Cree Real Estate Entrepreneurship Development Programs
• Collaborate with team on the development of the program and related services.
• Support communities and partners so that Economic Development and Social Economy projects are built according to our partners’ needs and capacities.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop strategies, organizational objectives and seek out potential partners to develop special programs/projects.
• Assist the Director and stakeholders to identify opportunities for local economic development and growth.
• Perform and supervise qualitative and quantitative analysis of opportunities including financial projects and valuation analyses for the programs and funding offered by the Department of Commerce and Industry.
• Assist with merger and acquisition opportunity documents, including indications of interest, term sheets, proposals and other related documents.
• Determine necessary legal documents related to business development opportunities and review legal documents drafted by internal and external counsel.
• Oversee operational initiatives including development of required work plans and utilizing appropriate internal resources to achieve desired outcomes.
• Conduct process reviews, in consultation with the Director and stakeholders, on specific business issues and processes and implement measures related to key issues.
• Coordinate budget and planning processes and track key organization key performance indicators.
• Responsible to support sustainability and capacity building for small and medium enterprises.
• Track and follow up on relationships vital to the success of economic development.
• Assist in the development and promotion of communication strategies including social media content and pod casts.

Interaction/Communication Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with team on the development of programs and related services.
• Communicate internally and externally on transaction evaluations and opportunities.
• Seek out and develop proposals and projects for new economic endeavors in new and existing sectors.
• Act as the staff liaison on local and regional economic development files (financial and business tables).
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders at the senior level to discuss and develop strategic economic development initiatives and their potential impact on the communities.
• Consult with the Directors, Managers, Councils and stakeholders on various corporate projects to solicit input in addition to receive and/or provide expertise on specific issues.
• Monitor and maintain a communications plan for programming and services under the Department of Commerce and Industry.
• Provide technical support and training within the department and for the communities.
• Prepare reports as required and participate in drafting the annual report.

Managerial Responsibilities:

• Supervise and lead direct reports.
• Assist with development of team objectives, as well as individual objectives for direct reports by ensuring that performance is aligned with those objectives. Ensure that supervisors within team are establishing objectives that are in alignment with departmental objectives, in collaboration with the departmental Director.
• Identify training needs, recommend solutions, and support training and development.
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations for direct reports and assist supervisors through formal performance evaluations and regular one-on-one meetings.
• Promote ongoing, effective and open communication with employees. Keep staff members informed of decisions that impact them and/or their department.

Other Responsibilities:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in area(s) of responsibility.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Master’s in Business Administration is an asset.

Experience:

• Five to eight years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in project management, business development, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, valuations, and economic planning.

Language:

• Fluency in English and French
• Fluency in verbal Cree is an asset.

 Knowledge and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of various financial structures and investment services, operations supporting them and pertinent regulations affecting their delivery.
• Customer-focused and service-oriented.
• Proven success in maintaining strong communication, including the ability to facilitate effectively.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong project management skills.
• Proven ability to demonstrate strong judgment in complex situations.
• Proven ability to problem-solve, to think strategically, and to take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work under significant pressure and to adapt to a changing environment.
• Proficiency in latest version of Microsoft Office products.

Additional Requirements:

• Typical office setting where there are no unusual physical demands.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

The Cree Nation Government may, at its discretion, waive any or all of the aforementioned requirements if a suitable candidate who is a JBNQA beneficiary accepts to follow a training plan determined by the Cree Nation Government as a condition of employment.