ABOUT THE JOB
The Opportunity:
Guided by the Saskatchewan Growth Plan, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development advances a strong and sustainable economy to build a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people. The ministry leads international engagement and coordinates a cross-government approach to grow trade and investment, diversify international markets, increase Indigenous participation, and add value to the economy.
The Economic Development Division is seeking for an experienced strategic leader to join a team of dedicated professionals as the Executive Director of the Indigenous Economic Development Branch, located in either Regina or Saskatoon.
As the Executive Director of the Indigenous Economic Development Branch, you will provide strategic leadership and direction to a high-performing branch focused on advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation, business development, investment opportunities, and partnerships across Saskatchewan. As a member of the ministry's executive team, you will provide advice and support to the Assistant Deputy Minister by contributing to policy development, strategic planning, and the implementation of government priorities and cross-ministry initiatives. You will play a key role in achieving the ministry's strategic objectives, ensuring the branch successfully delivers on its business plan goals, performance measures, and desired outcomes.
You will also champion reconciliation efforts to support the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC), fostering collaborative relationships and promoting innovative approaches that enhance access to capital, support Indigenous entrepreneurship, and strengthen Indigenous economic growth throughout the province. Through your leadership, you will advance the ministry's corporate agenda, contribute to government-wide priorities, and build meaningful partnerships with First Nations and Métis governments, and their respective organizations and businesses.
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for:
- Leading the Government of Saskatchewan's engagement with First Nations and Métis governments and businesses on economic development opportunities and challenges, including remote and northern development.
- Facilitating partnerships between the private sector and Indigenous businesses and communities.
- Providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and other senior officials on Indigenous economic development and reconciliation.
- Providing leadership to the Indigenous Economic Development team and supporting the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Corporation (SIIFC).
- Nurturing partnerships between Saskatchewan Indigenous nations, their respective organizations, provincial and federal government officials, financial institutions and others on Indigenous equity ownership opportunities, with awareness and support of the SIIFC process.
- Actively participate in the Ministry’s senior and leadership team with a strong commitment to a “one team” approach.
- Overseeing fiscal planning and management of the branch’s operations, programs and annual budget.
- Leading, coaching and mentoring an engaged team to achieve branch, division and ministry goals and priorities.
- Creating and sustaining an innovative and supportive environment that enables employees to achieve results and supports our corporate values.
- Collaborating with government ministries and stakeholders regarding Indigenous economic development.
Qualifications
The ideal Indigenous candidate for this role will have:
Job Capabilities
For this executive leadership role, we are seeking someone who:
- Is outcomes-focused, establishes vision, community goals, and measures effectiveness of those outcomes.
- Fosters a culture of accountability and ensures resources are directed to support strategic goals.
- Is an innovator who removes barriers, enables responsible risk-taking and encourages forward thinking.
- Is a collaborator who creates and nurtures opportunities for engagement and strategic partnerships.
- Champions inclusion, addresses systemic barriers, and encourages divergent perspectives.
- Is adaptable, leads decisively in a rapidly changing environment and demonstrates resilience.
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
- Leadership experience at the senior level with proven experience inspiring and directing a diverse team.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a team, lead strategic initiatives, manage change, and achieve positive results.
- Experience in the financial sector, including knowledge of financial models and tools, business case analysis, and due diligence.
- Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation, policies and programs relevant to First Nations and Métis people.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate strategically with a wide variety of First Nations and Métis partners, federal, provincial, municipal and territorial colleagues, and other political institutions and service agencies.
- A post-secondary degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including senior level leadership and management experience, will be considered.
- Working with local, municipal, regional, provincial, federal, First Nations and Métis political institutions and service agencies.
- Saskatchewan’s economic strengths, particularly in the natural resource sector, and
- Business lending practices and principles, including risk factors, business structures and client management.
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including First Nation, Inuit and Métis citizens. The ability to speak an Indigenous language such as Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda or Michif is a valued asset.
Job Skills:
- Communication (Level D)
- Critical Thinking (Level D)
- Digital Skills (Level D)
- Interacting with Others (Level D)
- Navigating Ambiguity (Level D)
- Managing Self (Level D)
- Health, Safety and Wellness (Level E)
- Data Literacy (Level D)
- Influence (Level D)
- Political and Organizational Awareness (Level D)
- Managing Organizational Resources (Level D)
- Managing Talent (Level D)
What We Offer:
- Dynamic and challenging work
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension
- Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
- Inclusive work environments
- Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Elder/Knowledge Keeper Services available through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Diverse and inclusive work environments such as an Indigenous Employee Network
- Advancement and development opportunities.
Our Commitment to Excellence:
The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.
