Director of Métis Economic Development

Métis Nation of Ontario•Sudbury, ON

About The Position

The Director of Economic Development provides strategic leadership for the Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) economic development vision, ensuring that programs, partnerships, and policies meaningfully advance the prosperity of Métis entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities across Ontario. As the senior leader for the MNO Economic Development Branch, the Director establishes the strategic direction for business support, capacity‑building, procurement and partnership development, and the creation of high‑quality economic data and reporting products that inform decision‑making across the MNO. The Director oversees the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of economic development initiatives that enable Métis-owned businesses to start, grow, and sustain their enterprises. They ensure that programs, resources, and services are delivered effectively, professionally, and in alignment with MNO values and community needs. The Director builds and maintains strong relationships with government, industry, and community partners to expand economic development opportunities and strengthen access to funding, training, and procurement pathways. As a senior leader, the Director is accountable for Branch planning, operational performance, and financial stewardship. They provide guidance and oversight to the MNO Economic Development team, fostering a positive, respectful, and high‑performing work environment. The Director is responsible for employee well‑being and workplace safety, risk mitigation, and upholding organizational integrity. Through strategic leadership, partnership development, and strong team management, the Director ensures that economic development initiatives deliver measurable impact and contribute to the long‑term economic self‑sufficiency of Métis people in Ontario.

Requirements

7-10 years of experience working or interacting with federal, provincial municipal and Indigenous governments.
5 years of senior management experience.
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic approaches within organizations through effective regional economic development, collaboration and working in partnership with private sector, government and other stakeholders.
A demonstrated ability to manage staff and work collaboratively using a team-based approach.
Demonstrated ability to adhere to MNO Policies and Procedures and MNO’s Financial Policies and Procedures and uphold MNO’s Standards of Professional Conduct.
Demonstrated ability to adhere to all relevant employment related legislation, including privacy laws, and respect confidential information.
Proven ability to conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to support business cases and large-scale development initiatives.
Experience in negotiating partnerships and funding agreements with governments, financial institutions, and private sector organizations to advance community infrastructure priorities.
Proven ability to develop and execute business strategies that drive sustainable economic outcomes for Indigenous or community-based organizations.
Strong, effective management and organizational skills, and demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced multi-issue environment, serving a wide range of varied internal and external interests.
Strong interpersonal skills in order to liaise with MNO leadership and management, government, community partners and other internal and external stakeholders.
A solid understanding of government processes and protocol.
Significant skill and experience speaking to a variety of audiences.
Knowledge of the Ontario Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workers' Safety and Insurance Board, Ontario Human Rights Code, Canadian Human Rights Act, and other legislative requirements.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours (including weekends as required) and travel throughout Ontario.
A high degree of digital literacy, including demonstrated knowledge of MS Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight and direction for initiatives that support the economic well‑being of Métis businesses and Communities, in alignment with MNO’s Statement of Prime Purpose and political direction.
Oversee the development, promotion, and continuous improvement of the MNO Secretariat Business Registry, ensuring its strategic use for procurement, reporting, and business development.
Guide the creation and implementation of tools, training, programs and supports that strengthen Métis entrepreneurship, business capacity, and participation in procurement opportunities.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with Regional Métis Communities, MNO Chartered Community Councils, external governments, private sector partners, and other stakeholders that advance Métis business development, support Métis procurement, and foster business‑to‑business networking activities.
Advise executive leadership and the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) on policy, legislative, and regulatory matters affecting Métis economic development and procurement opportunities.
Conduct high‑level scans of economic, demographic, market, and technological trends to inform strategic economic development direction and identify emerging opportunities or risks.
Collaborate with Métis Capital Corporations, Métis Infinity Investments (MII), other MNO Secretariat staff, and external financial institutions (e.g., BDC) to expand investment opportunities and advocate for improved access to capital for Métis-led economic development initiatives.
Ensure all economic development programs and initiatives meet key performance indicators, reporting requirements, and funding obligations.
Prepare, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with funding agreements.
Provide leadership and oversight for staff within the Economic Development Branch, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and capacity building.
Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies, including health and safety requirements.
Promote the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with others (employees, citizens, council, volunteers, advocates, etc.)
Report all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within the MNO’s policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
Perform other job/branch-related duties as required.

Benefits

Comprehensive employer-paid health benefits and pension plan
Generous vacation allotment starting at 15 day's for regular employees and 20 day's for management
Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December
16 paid public and employer holidays
15 paid health & wellness days
Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development
Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
Employee Assistance Plan
Telemedicine plan
Health care spending account
Goodlife corporate membership discount
Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
Staple's corporate discount
Dell member purchase program
Mark's corporate discount