Role Profile
Position Title: Business Development & Ventures Officer
Department: Economic Development
Reports To: Director of Economic Development (or designate)
FTE/Hours: Full-Time, $70,000 – $115,000 (Annual)
Location: Merritt, British Columbia, Canada
ABOUT LNIB
The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) is a vibrant and growing First Nations community in British Columbia, committed to the well-being, culture, and prosperity of its members. LNIB provides a wide range of programs and services including health, education, social development, governance, and economic development initiatives.
We value innovation, collaboration, and respect for our traditions, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe work environment for all employees. LNIB follows Indigenous governance principles and prioritizes community engagement, cultural knowledge, and sustainable development in all its operations.
Join LNIB and be part of a team that is making a meaningful impact in the community while contributing to a dynamic and culturally rich workplace.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Business Development Officer (BDO) is a community-focused professional who supports entrepreneurship, economic growth, funding development, and strategic partnerships for LNIB. Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the BDO works directly with LNIB Members, entrepreneurs, businesses, DevCo, and external partners to help create sustainable economic opportunities and increase community participation in regional and major economic projects.
This role is responsible for supporting member-led business initiatives, researching and writing grants, coordinating funding opportunities, and helping advance LNIB economic initiatives, including D4N and other community-driven projects. The BDO will also work collaboratively with DevCo to help identify opportunities for LNIB Member-owned businesses to participate in projects, procurement, contracts, and economic initiatives wherever possible.
The ideal candidate is relationship-oriented, organized, strategic, and passionate about supporting Indigenous economic growth and community development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MEMBER SUPPORT
- Work directly with LNIB Members interested in starting, growing, or strengthening their own businesses and entrepreneurial initiatives.
- Provide guidance and support with business planning, goal setting, funding applications, and navigating available business resources.
- Connect entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and external business supports.
- Assist Members in identifying opportunities connected to major regional projects, procurement opportunities, and Indigenous partnerships.
- Support the development of community capacity by encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic participation.
- Help identify barriers impacting Member participation in business and economic opportunities and assist in developing solutions and supports.
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- Support the growth and coordination of LNIB economic initiatives, including the D4N initiative and other community-driven opportunities.
- Maintain a collaborative working relationship with DevCo to support economic participation opportunities for LNIB Member-owned businesses.
- Work with DevCo and project stakeholders to help prioritize LNIB Member-owned businesses for project opportunities, procurement, contracts, and service delivery where appropriate.
- Advocate for community business participation and encourage the utilization of LNIB Member-owned businesses before external outsourcing opportunities are considered where feasible.
- Assist in developing partnerships and opportunities that create long-term economic benefits for LNIB and its Members.
- Conduct outreach and engagement with community members to better understand barriers, priorities, and economic goals.
- Support the promotion and awareness of LNIB economic initiatives, programs, and services within the community and with external partners where appropriate.
- Research and identify economic development opportunities that align with LNIB priorities and strategic goals.
- Support community-based projects and initiatives that encourage economic participation and sustainability.
GRANT WRITING & FUNDING DEVELOPMENT
- Research, identify, and pursue grant and funding opportunities that align with LNIB priorities and economic development goals.
- Prepare, write, and coordinate grant applications, funding proposals, and supporting documentation.
- Track funding deadlines, reporting requirements, and project deliverables.
- Collaborate with internal departments, consultants, and external partners to gather information required for successful applications.
- Assist with funding reporting and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGY
- Support the planning and implementation of LNIB economic development strategies and initiatives.
- Research economic trends, partnership opportunities, and regional developments that may impact LNIB.
- Assist in the development of feasibility studies, business cases, and project recommendations.
- Monitor opportunities related to infrastructure, procurement, tourism, natural resources, workforce development, and community investment.
- Prepare reports, presentations, briefing notes, and updates for leadership as required.
RELATIONSHIP & PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with LNIB Members, businesses, government agencies, funding organizations, industry representatives, DevCo, and Indigenous partners.
- Represent LNIB at meetings, networking events, workshops, and community engagement sessions.
- Foster collaborative partnerships that create sustainable economic opportunities for the Nation and its Members.
- Act as a liaison between community members and external stakeholders where appropriate.
ADMINISTRATION & REPORTING
- Maintain accurate records, reports, funding files, and project documentation.
- Support departmental planning, budgeting, and project tracking activities.
- Ensure confidentiality and professionalism in all communications and documentation.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or Accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 5-years of relevant professional experience.
- A professional economic development designation is preferred.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is an asset.
- Ability and willingness to submit a criminal record check.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Computer literate in Microsoft 365 Suite.
- Proven ability to market professional services and close sales with external partners.
- Ability to speak or a sincere willingness to learn the Nlaka’pamux language.
- Ability to make good strategic decisions and demonstrate strong leadership.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
- This position involves both office-based strategic work and community-based engagement.
- Significant travel may be required to meet with other Nations, and regional partners for sales and marketing purposes.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required to support events and economic initiatives.
PREFERENCE
The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) follows Section 25 of the Human Rights Code, giving preference to Indigenous applicants where applicable.
