Job Advertisement: Regional Economic Development Officer
Location: There are two employment opportunities: one in the Eastern region (between Grand Falls-Windsor and St. John's), and one in the Western region (west of Grand Falls-Windsor, including Northern Peninsula and Labrador). Physical location of employment will depend on the successful candidate’s preference. Please clearly indicate your community of residence and the region for which you are applying in your cover letter.
Position Type: Full-Time, Two-Year Contract
Salary: $70,000
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 2nd
Position Description
Are you passionate about strengthening communities and supporting economic development across Newfoundland and Labrador? Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) is seeking two Regional Economic Development Officers to help advance regional economic development initiatives across the province.
Working as part of a new Regional Economic Development Partnership, these positions will support municipalities, community organizations, businesses, and the non-profit sector in building the capacity needed to develop and implement regional economic development initiatives.
The Regional Economic Development Officers will work closely with partner organizations including the Community Sector Council Newfoundland and Labrador (CSCNL), the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), and the Economic Developers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDANL). The positions will also be supported by a steering committee representing these partner organizations.
The successful candidates will support communities through training, collaboration, and project development in order to increase the number of regional economic development initiatives and funding proposals emerging from regions across the province.
Two positions will be hired:
• Eastern Regional Economic Development Officer – responsible for communities east of Grand Falls-Windsor.
• Western Regional Economic Development Officer – responsible for communities west of Grand Falls-Windsor, including the Northern Peninsula and Labrador.
These roles will play a key part in strengthening regional collaboration, supporting project development, and helping communities access federal and provincial funding opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Regional Economic Development Support
- Work with municipalities, community organizations, businesses, and non-profits to identify regional economic opportunities and develop initiatives aligned with regional strengths.
- Support communities in developing and advancing economic development projects and strategies.
- Assist communities and organizations in identifying funding opportunities and preparing project proposals for federal and provincial programs.
- Facilitate collaboration between municipalities, community groups, businesses, and other stakeholders to foster regional partnerships and initiatives.
Training and Capacity Building
- Deliver economic development training programs, including foundational economic development principles and advanced regional development strategies.
- Support the development and delivery of training programming in collaboration with partner organizations.
- Promote participation in economic development training and professional development opportunities.
- Explore the use of innovative tools, including artificial intelligence, to support communities in economic development planning and project development.
Program and Event Development
- Develop and deliver economic development programming for MNL events, including conferences, regional meetings, workshops, and webinars.
- Collaborate with partner organizations to ensure economic development topics are integrated into community and sector events across the province.
- Support knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration between communities engaged in regional economic development activities.
Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Monitor progress on project activities and outcomes, including community participation, training completion, and project development.
- Prepare reports, updates, and performance metrics for organizational leadership, project partners, and funders.
- Participate in regular meetings with project partners and steering committee members to review progress and refine project approaches.
Qualifications
Education
- Undergraduate degree in relevant subject (e.g. Economic Development, Economics, Political Science, Business Administration, Community Development, Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a related field) is preferred. A Graduate Degree will be considered an asset.
- Professional training or certifications in economic development (such as Ec.D., CEcD, or other recognized economic development professional development programs) are considered strong assets.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience in economic or regional development will also be considered.
Experience
- Experience working in economic development, regional development, community development, or a closely related field.
- Experience facilitating collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including municipalities, businesses, community groups, and development organizations.
- Experience working with municipal governments, community organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-profits, or business development agencies is considered an asset.
- Experience supporting project development, strategic planning, regional initiatives, or funding applications is considered an asset
- Experience designing or delivering training, workshops, or capacity-building initiatives is considered an asset.
Skills
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities.
- Ability to analyze regional opportunities and support economic development planning and project development.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with partner organizations and community stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and virtual collaboration tools.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
Work Arrangement
The Regional Economic Development Officers work 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some evenings and weekends will be required.
This position will involve extensive travel throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including rural and remote communities.
Why Work with MNL?
Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) offers a collaborative and high-performing work environment where employees contribute to meaningful outcomes for communities across the province.
MNL is committed to supporting its team through:
- A collaborative, high-performing team environment – Work alongside experienced and dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence and delivering results for municipalities.
- Comprehensive leave provisions – Including annual leave, personal leave, and statutory holidays, supporting employee well-being and work-life balance.
- Flexible and hybrid work arrangements – Providing employees with the flexibility to balance in-office and remote work in a manner that supports both organizational effectiveness and individual productivity.
To Apply
Please submit your résumé, cover letter, and three references to jobs@municipalnl.ca. In your cover letter, please clearly indicate your community of residence and the region for which you are applying.
When submitting your application, please use the following file naming convention: LastNameFirstName_Document (e.g. Smith_Job Application)
Application Deadline: 11:59PM Thursday, April 2nd
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. MNL is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.
