Director of Economic Development

• Be the driving force behind impactful large-scale energy and infrastructure projects 
• Earn a competitive salary of $150K–$200K, enjoy a 4-day workweek, 6 weeks of vacation, and full travel coverage
• Join a seasoned leadership team and help build a long-term, sustainable economic strategy from the ground up

About Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation

The Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation (LDMLFN) is located in Northwestern Ontario, 135 km West of Thunder Bay, and encompasses roughly 5,000 HA of Mother Nature's most spectacular beauty. Our people have held and cared for our Lands and Traditional Territories since time immemorial.  

LDMLFN is committed to fostering sustainable growth and long-term prosperity for our community. Our mission is to create meaningful economic opportunities that support the well-being and advancement of our members. Join us in shaping a resilient economic future and making a lasting impact.

For more information, please visit our website: lacdesmillelacsfirstnation.ca/

About the Opportunity

LDMLFN is looking for a full-time Director of Economic Development based in Thunder Bay, ON, or remotely from within Canada, with the ability to travel to site for 1 week per month. This role follows a 4-day workweek schedule.

Reporting to the Administrator, the Director of Economic Development plays a key leadership role in shaping and executing the Nation’s economic strategy, overseeing investment opportunities, structuring deals, and driving long-term community prosperity through major infrastructure, energy, and natural resource projects.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive economic development strategy aligned with community goals
• Identifying, evaluating, and advancing investment and partnership opportunities
• Conducting detailed financial analysis, due diligence, and risk assessments on potential deals
• Structuring investment transactions and negotiating favourable agreements
• Leading mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures to support strategic growth
• Overseeing equity participation in energy and infrastructure projects, including P3 models
• Managing relationships with potential investors, business partners, and government funders
• Collaborating with internal departments, legal, and leadership to align economic initiatives
• Driving business development efforts and supporting existing community enterprises
• Representing the Nation in external negotiations and funding discussions
• Monitoring the performance of economic ventures and ensuring alignment with community values
• Managing projects to meet timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes

About You

To qualify, you will need a Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or a related field and a minimum of 10 years of experience in economic development, business development, or corporate finance. 

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• An advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or a professional designation (e.g., CPA, CFA)
• Proven experience in financial due diligence, investment analysis, and deal structuring
• Track record of leading large-scale energy, infrastructure, or natural resource development projects
• Familiarity with P3 financing models and understanding of government funding and grant programs
• Understanding of Indigenous governance structures and economic development priorities
• Experience engaging with external stakeholders including investors, legal counsel, and government agencies
• Knowledge of mergers, acquisitions, and joint venture planning

As our ideal candidate, you will possess exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes while building strong partnerships. You are diplomatic, proactive, and collaborative, with the interpersonal skills to manage relationships with leadership, council, and external partners alike.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for someone who wants to help shape the economic future of LDMLFN. You will play a vital role in identifying investment opportunities, structuring high-impact deals, and helping to build a sustainable, long-term economic vision that benefits the community for generations to come.

About the Benefits

Compensation based on skills and experience, is a competitive annual salary of $150K–$200K, and a host of excellent benefits including:

• A 4-day work week (Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
• Health and dental plan
• 6 weeks of vacation
• Travel expenses fully covered 
• TFSA matching program
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote or hybrid options
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact, large-scale infrastructure and energy projects
• A collaborative and experienced leadership team, with deep knowledge in legal, finance, and project development

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!