Director – Energy

Who We Are
The Ojibways of Batchewana First Nation (BFN) are a progressive and vibrant Indigenous community situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Superior adjacent to the City of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The First Nation Is comprised of four land bases: Rankin, Goulais Bay, Obadjiwon, and Whitefish Island.

Batchewana First Nation has the charm of small-town life with access to urban areas and proximity to the international bridge. As part of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians and signatories to the Robinson Huron Treaty, Batchewana First Nation assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and expressions of nationhood through a multitude of approaches each and everyday.

Position Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of Batchewana First Nation’s progressive senior leadership team, leading an important and growing area that supports the strategic vision of Chief and Council and long-term sustainability of the First Nation. The Director – Energy, leads projects in the energy sector from conception through to operation. This role is instrumental in shaping BFN’s energy project portfolio, driving business growth, guiding project phases, providing information that enables operational and political decision making and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. The incumbent, in collaboration with operational leadership, the Energy Committee and Council, ensures that the well-being, prosperity and best interest of BFN is advanced and protected.

Important aspects of the role include:
• Ensuring optimal outcomes for BFN in its “for-profit” energy related businesses through efforts that include securing mandates from Council, negotiating partnership agreements that align with the vision and assertions of the nation, aligning political and operational efforts and influencing external stakeholders to advance the interests of BFN.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive business development strategies by performing duties such as completing feasibility studies, conducting analysis, and identifying opportunities in order to identify and pursue new energy sector projects that are of benefit to BFN.
• Conducting market and project analysis in order to provide strategic insights, evaluate risks and opportunities in the energy landscape through duties that include keeping abreast of regulation changes, political factors, and industry trends to inform planning and decision making.
• Leading project teams through all phases of project development which includes duties such as collaborating with other BFN functional leaders, creating business/project plans, implementing a standardized evaluation process, developing reporting and monitoring tools and vetting information through the Energy Committee, in order to ensure adherence to timelines, decision making processes and budgets.

The Director - Energy takes broad direction from the vision of Chief and Council, the approved operational objectives of the Senior Leadership Team and guidance from the Energy Committee. Within this framework, the incumbent influences the direction of BFN in terms of evaluating, recommending and identifying opportunities to advance BFN’s interests. The position must act in concert with other senior leaders but will affect decision making and direction of for-profit energy related endeavours based on their thought leadership, foresight and judgment.

The position has a significant impact on the financial position and future success of the First Nation. Decisions will be made at a high level based on recommendations and information provided by the incumbent. The position is accountable for including functional areas in formation of recommendations, creating unity in actions and furthering the overall interests of BFN in a way that promotes a high-functioning organization.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field; Masters Degree in Business or related field is preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the energy sector, with a focus on project development, finance, and business development.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex energy projects from inception to completion.
• Minimum of 5 years experience leading other professionals.
• Experience working in or with a First Nation and demonstrated understanding of the social and political landscape is highly valued.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Technical Skills
• Strong understanding of energy markets, project finance mechanisms, and commercial strategies.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis related to energy projects.
• Strong ability to manage projects in accordance with professional standards.
Leadership Skills:
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Collaborative leadership style.
Communication Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong presentation skills for engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
Other Skills:
• Experience with renewable energy technologies and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and policy development in the energy sector.
• Established network within the energy industry, including relationships with potential clients, partners, and investors.

Batchewana First Nation offers a competitive total compensation package including generous pension plan, benefits and actively promotes employee work life balance through our 4 day work week! Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.