Build a Meaningful Career with YFNW

At Yukon First Nation’s Wildfire (YFNW), we offer training and employment opportunities for people at all stages of their wildfire career. Whether you’re a young person exploring your first job, an experienced firefighter looking to grow your leadership skills, or an Indigenous community member interested in land-based work that reflects your values—we welcome you.

Our work is rooted in respect for the land, community strength, and shared knowledge. Training and hiring typically begin in the early spring. Check back often for job postings, intake dates, and program updates.

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DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Permanent, Full-Time Position
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Wage: $80,000 – $100,000/year

Job Summary

The Director of Business Development works directly with and under the direction of the CEO and is responsible for conceptualizing, initiating, managing, and controlling all business activities of Yukon First Nation Wildfire (YFNW). This position develops and implements both short- and long-term business strategies and oversees the creation of an effective and efficient financial and reporting system.

This role focuses on advancing YFNW’s mission through sustainable partnerships, economic development initiatives, and reconciliation-based business practices across the Yukon and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of YFNW’s business and funding agreements, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Monitor project timelines, performance metrics, and business development activities.
• Lead the development of new business ventures, partnerships, and commercial relationships across the Territories and provinces.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage MOU’s, LOU’s, and Terms of Reference (TOR’s) in collaboration with partners and governments.
• Develop and submit funding applications and prepare financial and activity reports as required by funding agreements.
• Monitor and manage operational and program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and safety standards.
• Participate in organizational strategic and operational planning with YFNW’s executive team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nation governments, boards, partners, and community organizations.
• Represent YFNW in public forums, business meetings, and intergovernmental discussions.
• Manage risk and implement improvements in organizational systems and business operations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing work culture.
• Ensure all business development activities align with YFNW’s reconciliation mandate and Indigenous self-determination values.

Decision-Making Authority

The Director of Business Development provides strategic advice and guidance to the CEO and COO, participates in corporate planning, and supports decision-making on business and operational priorities.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Knowledge of First Nations governance, land claims, and self-government agreements, and an understanding of social, economic, and political issues affecting First Nations.
• Experience working with development corporations, private industry, and community/economic development initiatives.
• Knowledge of policy development, business negotiations, and creation of MOU’s, LOU’s, and TOR’s.
• Knowledge of federal, territorial, and other funding agencies’ programs.

Preferred:

• Post-secondary education in Operations Management, Economic Development, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience leading Indigenous-focused business initiatives across the territories and provinces of Canada.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and implementation of business growth strategies.

Specific Skills

• Research and analytical abilities.
• Policy and procedure development.
• Reading and interpreting acts, regulations, and standards.
• Proposal and report writing.
• Financial management and forecasting.
• Staff supervision, mentorship, and performance management.
• Problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team facilitation.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to interact and work effectively with boards, committees, investors, and community partners.
• Proven ability to foster trust and relationship-building at the community level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Coordination and facilitation abilities.
• Self-motivated and capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism.
• High degree of cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Working Conditions

This position is based in an office environment in Whitehorse, Yukon, with periodic travel required within Yukon and across Canada. Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet business needs and represent YFNW in intergovernmental or community settings.

Additional Assets

• Familiarity with Indigenous business models and approaches to community-driven economic growth.
• Experience working with Yukon First Nations, Northern communities, and intergovernmental frameworks.
• Understanding of reconciliation-based economic development and capacity-building principles.
• Strong understanding of YFNW’s mandate, goals, and operational structure.