Community Economic Development And Business Case Lead

Victoria, BC, CA, Canada

Job Description

How to Apply



Please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV to contactacet@uvic.ca with subject line "Community Economic Development and Business Case Lead - transmission study" by October 17 at 11:59 AM.

About ACET



Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner international initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through local, community-based collaborations.

Established at the University of Victoria in 2023, ACET is a partnership between Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres, and Yukon University, supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

Technical and Economic Electricity Transmission Study



About the Project



Vancouver Island has a deficit of capacity and electricity and must import a significant amount from mainland BC. This poses a risk of transmission line losses, interruptions and overall electrical resiliency for Vancouver Island, and as the Island overall electricity needs increases in clean energy will be required. The existing BC Hydro transmission line along the east side of the Island north of Gold River is known to frequently interrupt the power supply, which hampers the livelihood of North Island communities and their economic development opportunities.

This research project is relevant given:

the drive towards electrification outlined within the CleanBC plan, along with the current review and future updates of CleanBC. noted shortfalls in supply given forecasted demand increases within the province (specifically for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland), upcoming possible development of future industries on Vancouver Island and the coast of BC (mining, electrification of industry, hydrogen production and deep-sea port development) Provincial government commitments to explore and support Indigenous utilities and First Nations partnerships in transmission infrastructure BC Hydro's efforts to increase energy security on Vancouver Island 2024 Call for Power from BC Hydro and the recent 2025 Call for Power

About the Role



The Economic Development & Business Case Lead for the technical and economic electricity transmissions study ("the electricity transmission study") will be working with a small project team in the ACET Initiative.

This is a one year, grant funded, full-time position with the opportunity for renewal during this two-year project and possibly beyond. The project will support a consortium of First Nations in B.C. exploring the technical and economic feasibility of a new transmission line in the north area of Vancouver Island. The goal of the project is to support Nations in decision-making around the viability and options for this new transmission line that would improve grid stability, increase access to electrical capacity and electricity, and open up business and economic opportunities for these Nations.

This role will lead the analysis and strategic planning related to community-driven economic development and business opportunities enabled by the potential transmission line. This position centers First Nations-led economic visioning, energy sovereignty, and long-term value creation through infrastructure development, new industries, and ownership models. The successful candidate will work closely with the project team, the consortium of First Nations, technical experts, capital providers, and community leadership to assess energy-related business opportunities and help develop an actionable and inclusive business case.

Key responsibilities



Key responsibilities for this position will include:

Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with participating Nations and community leaders. Participate in engagement sessions and workshops with First Nation communities to understand economic development aspirations, energy goals, capital needs, and community-owned asset opportunities. Facilitate discussions around regional energy economy planning and future economic use cases for the transmission line, and future clean industrial and community development opportunities. Work closely with the Project Manager, Community Engagement Lead, and technical team to integrate economic analysis and insights into the overall feasibility study, ensuring business case components are responsive to community engagement findings and aligned with Nation-defined goals and energy sovereignty priorities. Develop robust business model scenarios and identify economic pathways that reflect the energy needs, values, and ambitions of participating Nations, including infrastructure investment and Indigenous ownership opportunities Work with external consultants to assess the economic viability of proposed opportunities including new energy generation, transmission capacity, and industrial use cases. Explore innovative financial mechanisms (e.g., blended finance, community outcomes finance) and coordinate investor and capital provider roundtables to support Indigenous-led infrastructure and business development. Collaborate with legal and governance advisors to co-develop ownership models, revenue sharing arrangements, and utility participation structures that ensure long-term Indigenous equity and benefit. Quantify potential employment, training, and long-term job creation impacts and evaluate return on investment using community-defined success indicators and capacity-building outcomes of proposed scenarios. Ability to travel to communities as needed (travel support and flexibility provided). Uphold ACET values related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and safe and healthy workplaces.

Skills and Qualifications



Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in economic development, Indigenous business planning, infrastructure finance, and/or impact investment strategy. Proven experience working in partnership with Indigenous communities on community-driven economic planning or business development. Understanding of Indigenous economic development, self-determination, and principles of community ownership and governance. Demonstrated experience with business case development, financial modeling, or economic feasibility studies. Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting economic, demographic, or infrastructure-related data to inform planning and investment decisions. Strong facilitation and communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial and technical ideas in community-accessible ways. Familiarity with the Canadian funding landscape, blended finance models, Indigenous capital investment strategies, and/or community outcomes-based finance. Experience in the clean energy sector, energy transition industries, or large-scale infrastructure planning. Background in structuring Indigenous equity partnerships or utility ownership models. Experience with regional planning, economic reconciliation strategies, or clean industrial policy in BC. Knowledge of transmission systems, load analysis, and/or grid economics in a regional context is an asset.

Knowledge, skills and abilities



Commitment to community-led planning, governance and decision-making. Awareness of Indigenous rights, governance, and legal frameworks related to infrastructure development. Competency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Project, Teams, SharePoint, MS Suite 365). High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work across cultures, disciplines, and institutions.

Assets or preferences



Post-secondary degree or equivalent experience in Indigenous business, economics, finance, economic development, planning, or related fields. Lived experience or direct connection to Indigenous economic development processes. Knowledge of Vancouver Island's Indigenous communities and regional energy challenges.

Working conditions



This is ideally a Victoria-based position at the University of Victoria; a hybrid-remote position is a possibility depending on the candidate. Travel to participating First Nations communities is expected and will be funded through ACET. Applicants must be permitted to work in Canada and be available to begin by November 2025.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $70,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD2870254
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Victoria, BC, CA, Canada
  • Education
    Not mentioned