Website Red Rock Indian Band
Director of Economic Development
Red Rock Indian Band, 2 Gas Rd, Lake Helen Reserve
Nipigon, Ontario | 807-887-2510
About the Community
The Red Rock Indian Band (RRIB), traditionally known as Opwaaganasiniing—“where the pipestone is”—is an Ojibwe First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, located near Nipigon and Thunder Bay. RRIB resides on two reserves, Red Rock 53 and Lake Helen 53A, spanning 950 acres of culturally and naturally significant land.
A signatory to the 1850 Robinson Superior Treaty, RRIB has long stewarded its lands with deep respect for the environment and heritage, continuing traditions through language, ceremony, and land-based practices.
Focused on sustainable growth, RRIB invests in infrastructure, energy, tourism, and agriculture to create lasting opportunities for its members. A key milestone was the opening of its Professional Business Complex—now the central hub for governance and services, and a symbol of RRIB’s commitment to self-sufficiency and economic development. Join RRIB in building a resilient future that honors tradition and embraces innovation.
About the Opportunity
The Director of Economic Development is a full-time, permanent position that reports to the Chief and Council. This role focuses on facilitating impactful projects to establish RRIB as a regional economic hub. The work week consists of 35 hours, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The Director promotes inclusive growth rooted in Anishinaabe values, while overseeing investment opportunities, structuring deals, and driving long‑term community prosperity through major infrastructure, energy, and natural resource projects.
In collaboration with internal teams and external Indigenous and non‑Indigenous partners, the Director drives business development, strengthens community‑owned enterprises, and builds partnerships that create long‑term benefits for RRIB members.
More specifically, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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 Public-Private Partnership (P3) models
Managing relationships with potential investors, business partners, and government funders
Collaborating with internal departments, legal, and leadership to align economic initiatives
Overseeing budgets, contracts, and reporting for economic development projects.
Ensuring compliance with funding agreements and regulatory requirements.
Driving business development efforts and supporting existing community enterprises
Representing the First 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 and providing reports to Chief and Council
Candidate Qualifications
To qualify, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Indigenous Studies, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field and a minimum of 5 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 RRIB. 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.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary grid based on skills and experience, and a host of excellent benefits including:
Health and Dental Benefits
3 weeks of vacation
15 Personal Days
RPP matching program
Opportunities to contribute to high-impact, large-scale infrastructure and energy projects
Work alongside a seasoned leadership team that prioritizes mentorship, clear direction, and cross‑departmental support to help you deliver high‑impact results
To apply for this job email your details to linda.berube@rrib.ca.