Director, Business Development

Scope of the Position

The Director, Business Development is a senior leadership role responsible for setting and executing Nch'kaý's business development strategy to drive sustainable growth and long-term value for Squamish Nation and Nch'kaý. This role provides strategic direction, leadership, and oversight across opportunity identification, partnerships, and growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with Nch'kaý's Strategic Plan and broader economic objectives.

The Director leads the end-to-end business development lifecycle—from market intelligence and opportunity assessment through to partnership formation and project advancement—while building strong external relationships and guiding internal teams. The role will also have an operational portfolio and required to support active businesses. Through a strategic, disciplined, and results-driven approach, the Director strengthens Nch'kaý's market position, expands its portfolio, and advances high-impact economic opportunities.

Duties, Responsibilities, Authority, and Accountabilities

Strategic Opportunity Identification & Portfolio Development

• Establish and oversee a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with Nch'kaý's Strategic Plan and Business Development Strategic Plan.
• Lead market intelligence efforts to identify priority sectors, target markets, and high-potential opportunities, including assessment of financial impact, risk, and return on investment (ROI).
• Direct advanced economic and financial analyses, including business cases, valuation models, and scenario planning, to inform executive decision-making.
• Set criteria for opportunity screening, qualification, and prioritization to ensure disciplined capital and resource allocation.
• Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership on new ventures, partnerships, and growth initiatives.

Client, Partner & Relationship Leadership

• Serve as a senior representative of Nch'kaý, building and sustaining high-value relationships with key clients, partners, investors, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations on complex, high-value partnerships and agreements, ensuring alignment with Nch'kaý's objectives, values, and long-term interests.
• Oversee the development of compelling value propositions, proposals, and partnership structures.
• Act as a trusted advisor to partners, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Strategic Growth & Market Positioning

• Collaborate with executive and senior leaders across Real Estate, Finance, HR, and other business units to advance integrated growth strategies.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, regulatory environments, and emerging technologies to identify risks and opportunities.
• Establish performance metrics to track the effectiveness of business development initiatives and continuously optimize strategies.
• Ensure alignment between business development priorities and Nch'kaý's economic reconciliation and Nation-building objectives.

Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement

• Represent Nch'kaý and Squamish Nation at senior-level industry events, conferences, and strategic forums.
• Position Nch'kaý as a credible and respected leader within priority industries through relationship-building and thought leadership.
• Cultivate and maintain a strong professional network that supports long-term growth and opportunity development..

Project Oversight & Governance

• Provide executive oversight of business development projects through the formal gating process, ensuring adherence to governance, financial, and risk requirements.
• Ensure project timelines, milestones, and deliverables are clearly defined and monitored.
• Identify and manage strategic, financial, and operational risks associated with new opportunities.
• Enable cross-functional collaboration to ensure projects progress efficiently toward investment or implementation decisions.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the business development team, building organizational capability and succession readiness.
• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular coaching, and foster accountability and high performance.
• Promote a collaborative, results-oriented, and values-driven team culture.
• Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and professional growth within the team.

Other

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive workplace culture.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Adheres to and promotes Nch'kaý's six Guiding Principles (Leadership, Trust, Respect, Wisdom, Competence, and Passion).

Reporting Responsibilities and Authorities from Supervisor

• Reports to Executive Vice President, Business Development & Partnerships

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge

• A degree in Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) an asset.
• Deep understanding of business development strategy, partnerships, deal structuring, and negotiations.
• Strong financial acumen, including advanced business case development and ROI analysis.
• Understanding of Nch'kaý and Squamish Nation's mission, vision, and economic objectives (an asset).

Skills

• Executive-level communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic and systems thinking with strong decision-making capability.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people-management skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, project governance, and performance management tools.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information.

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in business development, strategy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and complex initiatives.
• Experience working with or for First Nations is a strong asset.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced environments.

Special Requirements

• Sign Nch'kaý Confidentiality Agreement;
• Willing to work additional hours as required;

Working Conditions

• Office work (prolong sitting, lifting boxes up to 5 lbs.);

ABOUT NCH'ḴAY̓

Nch'ḵay̓ Development Corporation (Nch'ḵay̓) was established in 2018 as the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation –—Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw—to allow for the separation of business and politics. Nch'ḵay̓'s mandate is to develop, manage, and own the active businesses of the Nation, and our mission is to pursue successful business opportunities that contribute to the long-term wealth and prosperity of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Stélmexw (People). 

What we Offer

In alignment with our values, we offer our Team Members generous benefits to help them achieve their goals, including

• Opportunities for career growth and development,
• Friendly, supportive, and dynamic work environment,
• Flexible hybrid work schedule,
• Extended dental and health care benefits,
• Employee and Family Assistance Program,
• Pension Plan and Supplementary Savings Plan,
• Life Insurance,
• Paid leave (sick leave, vacation, seven Squamish Family Days
• 14 statutory holidays.