We are hiring…
Director of Nation Engagement & Industry Relations
The Role
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Nation Engagement & Industy Relations will play a pivotal role in expanding the reach and influence of the Pehta Foundation. This individual will be primarily responsible for bringing First Nations on as signatories to the Pehta Framework and owners of Pehta LP/GP. Furthermore, they will work with First Nations communities to develop and implement economic strategies that involve engaging with industry partners, thereby encouraging the adoption of Pehta reporting practices.
This role is crucial in bridging the gap between First Nations communities and industry, ensuring that Indigenous communities have a leading role in defining the impact metrics that drive equitable economic partnerships andmarket accountability. The Director must be proactive, outgoing, and self-driven, ideally having a background as a former Chief, Councillor, or other leadership role within First Nations governance. The ideal candidate must have advanced business acumen, a strong network within Indigenous communities, and the ability to drive meaningful engagements with industry stakeholders.
The Director will also contribute to Pehta's overarching strategy by connecting Nations to the broader vision of Pehta and by fostering partnerships that maximize community benefits while ensuring industry accountability.
The candidate is preferably located in Alberta or Western Canada.
Core Competencies:
· Strong growth mindset
· Strategic relationship building
· Business development expertise
· Resilient and self-motivated
· Team player
· Proactive networker
· Talented communicator
· Adaptable and flexible
· Ability to work independently or in a team environment
· Coachable and approachable
· Strong indigenous governance acumen
Focus Areas and Related Job Duties:
1: Nation Engagement and Pehta Framework Adoption
Lead the outreach to First Nations communities to sign them as Pehta Framework signatories and ownership in Pehta LP/GP.
Build meaningful relationships with First Nations leaders, emphasizing the benefits of standardized Indigenous impact metrics.
Host workshops, meetings, and events to educate communities about Pehta's offerings and drive engagement.
Build capacity within Nations to leverage Pehta reporting for long-term community and economic development.
Provide ongoing support to First Nations communities post-onboarding, ensuring that they see tangible benefits from participating in the Pehta Framework.
2: Economic Partnerships and Industry Engagement
Develop and execute strategies to connect First Nations with industry partners resulting in Pehta reporting adoption.
Act as a key advocate on behalf of First Nations communities, ensuring that their economic goals and values are represented in negotiations with industry.
Drive business development by identifying opportunities where industry partners can align their operations with Pehta standards, ultimately compelling them to adopt Pehta reporting.
Develop and nurture strategic alliances with industry to ensure that community benefits are being realized.
3: Strategic Planning and Financial Performance
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Pehta LP to formulate strategic objectives and metrics related to Nation engagement and industry adoption.
Monitor and report on KPIs related to the onboarding of First Nations and industry partnerships.
Collaborate with Pehta LP team to ensure onboarding and adoption results in Pehta revenue.
Ensure budgets, targets, and timelines are adhered to while optimizing outcomes for both the community and Pehta.
4: Representation and Advocacy
Represent Pehta at conferences, forums, and in other public settings to further awareness of the Pehta Framework.
Maintain relationships with key government, industry, and community stakeholders.
Advocate for policies and practices that align with Pehta's mission to enhance Indigenous participation in socio-economic development.
Qualifications:
· 7+ years of experience in Indigenous relations, governance, or economic development.
· Demonstrated experience in a leadership role, preferably as a Chief, Councillor, or other First Nations governance position.
· Proven track record of successful business development, sales, or partnership building.
· Strong understanding of Indigenous governance and economic structures.
· Proficiency in CRM software, word processing, and spreadsheets.
· Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
· Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
· Willingness to travel extensively to engage with First Nations communities and industry partners.
Position is open until filled. We are looking for the right candidate. Please send all resumes to ea@pehta.com.