Position Summary

The Town of Fort Frances is looking for a talented, strategic, and community-focused Economic Development Officer (EDO) to spearhead initiatives that will impact our local economy. You will offer professional leadership and direction on planning and executing economic and land development strategies that match the strategic plans and goals set by the Town of Fort Frances. This position will focus on promoting, growing, and enhancing the municipality’s economic base by retaining and expanding existing businesses, as well as attracting new business investments.

As the Economic Development Officer, you will take charge of planning and implementing economic and land development strategies. Your role will be crucial in supporting current businesses, attracting new investments, coordinating community funding efforts, and promoting Fort Frances as an ideal place for growth. You will work closely with the CAO, planning and building departments, and other community development partners, while also independently guiding the economic development strategy.

This is your opportunity to lead high-impact projects with autonomy, collaborate with local and regional partners, and be a key influencer in the future direction of our community.

• Be a key decision-maker in a supportive, small-town environment.

• Gain broad and diverse experience across economic development, planning, and community engagement.

• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing meaningfully to a thriving and resilient community.

Direction Received

This position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer

Direction of Others

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Revenue, Asset and Expenditure Scope

Drive economic strategies that guide proactive decisions and unite all internal and regional stakeholders.

Shape development plans that create opportunities, align workforce competencies, and build long-term talent and infrastructure capacity.

Manage budgets, seek grant funding, and promote cost-effective growth aligned with sustainable asset and land use planning.

Collaborate with the CAO to engage with First Nation communities across the District, aiming to establish partnerships and to guarantee that economic opportunities and benefits are assessed and promoted.

General Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Lead the development and execution of the Town’s Economic Growth Strategy.

Design and manage marketing initiatives to promote the Town regionally and locally.

Build strong connections with developers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and industry partners.

Undertakes extra duties and/or responsibilities as assigned by the CAO.

Business & Investment Support

Serve as the primary contact for new and expanding businesses, providing data, insights, and support.

Act as a liaison between investors and municipal departments to ensure a smooth path to development.

Identify, pursue, and manage funding opportunities and grants (NOHFC, FedNor, Trillium, etc.).

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with partners such as the Rainy River Future Development Corporation, BIA, and Chamber of Commerce.

Develop and manage local grant programs (Community Improvement Plans, Small Community Grants, Bursaries).

Represent the Town at trade shows and conferences to champion investment and tourism.

Independent Leadership

Lead and manage projects with minimal supervision, exercising strong judgment and initiative.

Represent the Town in meetings with government officials, developers, and industry stakeholders.

Act as a self-directed ambassador for Fort Frances in regional and provincial forums.

Operational Responsibilities

Prepare annual division budgets and long-term capital plans.

Create and present regular economic development reports to Council and committees.

Maintain up-to-date economic, demographic, and market databases to support strategic initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications, Training & Experience:

A post-secondary degree in Economic Development, Urban Innovation, Planning, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.

Minimum 3 years’ experience in economic development, business strategy, public sector planning, municipal budget planning, and forecasting and maintenance.

Experience in planning marketing campaigns and knowledge in developing, researching, writing marketing materials.

Knowledge of the Northern Ontario resource sector would be an asset.

Experience with

Strong skills in research, communication, financial planning, project management, working with government funding programs and inter-agency collaboration.

Effort

Must hold a valid Ontario Class G license.

Standard hours: 40 hour workweek during regular business hours.

Occasional work out of town is required while attending courses, meetings, or seminars.

This position requires the incumbent to attend meetings beyond the normal business hours and/or overtime as required by the CAO or in the case of an emergency situation.

This position can involve a high level of stress due to the commitment necessary

to provide the required level of performance.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory Criminal Background Check

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $74,880.00-$90,459.20 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Fort Frances, ON P9A 3P9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-05-20