kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation

Business Development Officer

Position Title: Business Development Officer
Location: setɬamékmən Coquitlam IR #2
Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer

About kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation
kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation are a distinct BC First Nation whose traditional territory centres on the Coquitlam Lake Watershed and the surrounding areas. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm draw our name “Red Fish Up the River” from a run of sockeye salmon that once flourished in the Coquitlam River and Coquitlam Lake prior to the construction of the Coquitlam Dam. Our name reflects the strong connection our people have always had to our lands, and the river and lake at the heart of our traditional territory. The traditional language of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm people is hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. Our people descended from Elders who were renowned as spirit and winter dancers, skilled canoe builders, and master sturgeon and salmon fishers. The Nation is committed to building a strong, self-governing Nation that honors our rich culture, language, and history and is based on ancient Coast Salish laws and protocols. Today, as in the past, we are guided by the teachings of our ancestors to be stewards and guardians of our lands and water for past, present, and future generations.

Job Summary
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Business Development Officer is responsible for managing business activities and strengthening relationships with current and future strategic partners for KFN Enterprises LP (KFNE), a kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation-owned business enterprise.

Job description

1. Strategic Business Development Planning:

Build and strengthen relationships within Indigenous business engagement programs with KFNE strategic partners, including BC Hydro, FortisBC, and Metro Vancouver, who manage projects within the traditional territory of kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation (KFN).
Maintain a strong understanding of Indigenous business engagement programs and the economic benefits they provide to KFN through the involvement of KFNE designated business partners in procurement activities.
Identify and pursue new relationship-building opportunities with project owners who recognize they operate on KFN traditional territory and who demonstrate a commitment to economic reconciliation through partnerships or procurement activities.
Initiate and facilitate regular meetings with KFNE strategic partners to:
- Advocate for KFNE designated business partners in procurement processes in a manner that supports and advances KFN’s rights, values, and economic interests.
- Monitor the status of active and closed procurement opportunities.
- Explore future project opportunities.
Develop and update the KFNE Business Development Plan as required.
Collaborate with KFN to ensure business development activities align with upcoming project opportunities and KFN’s broader strategic direction.

2. Management of Business Development Activities:

Review all available documentation for incoming project or subcontracting procurement opportunities to understand scope, timelines, and Indigenous business engagement benefits, and develop project-specific revenue-sharing strategies.
Distribute procurement opportunity notifications to KFNE designated business partners whose core services align with the required scope of work.
Prepare and issue project-specific Letters of Support (LOS) to strengthen designated business partners’ bids and enhance their competitiveness.
Prepare, issue, receive and file project-specific Letter of Commitment (LOC) confirming partner’s financial contributions following successful procurement.
Conduct regular follow-ups with KFNE strategic partners and designated business partners regarding the status of procurement opportunities.
Request, collect, and track quarterly reports from KFNE designated business partners.
Verify and reconcile reported amounts from designated business partners with Spend-to-Date reports provided by strategic partners.
Prepare and execute project-specific Revenue Sharing Agreements with designated business partners after they secure contracts supported by KFNE’s Letter of Support.
Continuously assess the portfolio of KFNE designated business partners to ensure diversity, competitiveness, and alignment with market needs.
Conduct market research to identify and evaluate potential new designated business partners.
Initiate and participate in meetings and events with current and prospective designated business partners to explore partnership opportunities and maintain strong relationships.
Develop and maintain an accurate, organized, and up-to-date record-keeping system for:
- Incoming project or subcontracting procurement opportunities from strategic partners.
- Issued Letters of Support
- Executed Revenue Sharing Agreements.
- Active and prospective designated business partners, including contact information and core service offering.

Education, Skills, and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, construction management, or a related discipline.
Minimum five years of experience leading First Nations economic development initiatives.
Excellent knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices with hands on experience leading day to day operations including financial reporting/tracking and relationship management.
Strong background in both contract and civil law.
Developing and delivering business plans in a First Nation, Government (Federal, Provincial or Municipal) or highly regulated environment.
Effecting interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
Building strong relationships and demonstrates behaviours aligned with the Nation’s values.
Superior ability to communicate both orally and in writing, including proposal writing.

Job Competencies

Collaboration & Teamwork
Perseverance & Resilience
Accountability & Results Oriented
Customer Focus
Authenticity, Transparency & Integrity

Other requirements

Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and the ability to travel from time to time.
Overtime, weekend, and evening work may be required from time to time.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to an exciting time of growth and change within the Kwikwetlem Nation, and to be a part of a team that creates a place that supports growth and promotes the values of the Kwikwetlem people. If this opportunity matches your values, education, and experience, please send a cover letter indicating your salary expectations and a resume to hr@kwikwetlem.com

We thank you for your interest in advance. Short-listed candidates will be contacted; others will be kept in our database for future consideration.

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