Business Development Officer

Position Title: Business Development Officer

Department: Administration

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week working onsite 8:30am – 4:30pm

Location: 320 Chippewa Road, Muncey ON

Posting Date: Wednesday October 29th 2025

Posting Closes: Wednesday November 19th 2025

‍

Summary:

Reporting to the Administrative Officer, the Business Development Officer advances economic

growth and community self-sufficiency for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (Deshkan

Ziibiing). As a key member of the Project Team within the Prosperity Development sector, the

role leads strategic initiatives that foster business development, build skills training pathways,

and expand employment opportunities for members. Operating in a multidisciplinary

environment, the incumbent assesses, coordinates, and implements priority initiatives and

external development proposals; conducts due diligence and project reviews; and cultivates

partnerships with investors, developers, and industry leaders that reflect the Nation’s values.

Through community engagement and strategic collaboration across programs, the position

drives measurable outcomes in job creation, revenue generation, and capacity building to

support long-term prosperity for Deshkan Ziibiing.

‍

Responsibilities:

 Coordinate and assess prospective projects for fit with community priorities by

completing feasibility reviews (financial, operational, risk, cultural/environmental) and

provide clear recommendations.

 Review proposals, pro formas, and supporting documents to evaluate viability and

alignment with COTTFN values and governance and negotiate terms where appropriate.

 Build and maintain relationships with governments, industry, Indigenous organizations,

and post-secondary partners and draft/track MOUs, contribution agreements, and

vendor contracts.

 Advance entrepreneurship, local employment, and capacity building through

programming, mentorship, and procurement opportunities that benefit members and

community businesses.

 Establish KPIs, monitor and evaluate active initiatives, prepare briefings and strategic

recommendations for leadership/Council on progress, risks, and next steps.

 Identify and secure grants and strategic funding, prepare proposals and budgets and

ensure compliance, reporting, and close-out with funders.

 Guide community members and entrepreneurs on business planning, financing,

licensing, and regulatory navigation across First Nation, provincial, and federal

requirements.

320 Chippewas Road Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0 Phone 519-289-5555 Fax: 519-289-

 Promote initiatives that integrate environmental stewardship, land-based knowledge, and

cultural protocols into economic development.

 Maintain accurate project files, CRM/trackers, financials, and documentation to support

accountability and audits.

 Represent COTTFN in meetings, forums, and negotiations related to economic

development and consultation, ensuring the Nation’s interests are protected and

advanced.

‍

Qualifications:

 Post-secondary degree/diploma in Business Administration, Economic Development,

Indigenous Governance, or related field; an equivalent combination of education and

experience will be considered.

 Progressive experience in business development, project coordination, or strategic

partnerships (experience with Indigenous communities/organizations is a strong asset).

 Solid understanding of Indigenous rights and governance, consultation/accommodation

frameworks, and community-driven economic development models.

 Ability to review pro formas and budgets, assess feasibility and risk, and prepare clear

recommendations and experience with grants/contribution agreements and reporting.

 Proven capacity to build relationships and work with governments, industry, and funders

and familiarity with MOUs, contracts, and due diligence.

 Strong facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to work across departments and

translate complex information into plain-language, culturally appropriate materials.

 Advanced Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook) with

experience working with CRM/project tools a strong asset.

 Familiarity with Deshkan Ziibiing’s values, laws, and strategic priorities is a strong asset

along with the commitment to respectful engagement with Elders/Knowledge Keepers

and OCAP®-aligned data practices.

‍

Hiring of Indigenous people will be given preference, please identify.

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter, resume, three work related references,

photocopies of education documents to:

human.resources@cottfn.com

OR

320 Chippewa Road, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0

Please indicate "Business Development Officer” in your application.

‍

We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be

contacted. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of

the selection process.

‍