Economic Development & Communcations Manager

 

The Economic Development & Communications Manager is responsible for delivering the municipality’s economic development, tourism, communications, and marketing priorities. Reporting to the Senior Administrative Officer (SAO), the Manager leads initiatives across business retention and expansion (BRE), investment attraction, tourism development, destination marketing/branding, public communications, and grant acquisitions.

 

The role collaborates with businesses, chambers/industry groups, Indigenous governments/organizations, tourism operators, regional/provincial/territorial partners, the media, and internal departments.

 

 

1.    Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) & Investment Attraction (IA).  This includes but is not limited to:

·     Implement and maintain a structured BRE program, including business visits, surveys, and follow‑up issue resolution.

·     Prepare and update investment materials: community profiles, labour market summaries, sector snapshots.

·     Respond to investment inquiries, coordinate site visits, track leads and aftercare, and maintain an up‑to‑date inventory of available commercial/industrial properties.

·     Provide concierge assistance to businesses navigating municipal processes (planning, permitting, licensing).

 

 2.    Economic Development Planning.  This includes but is not limited to:

 

·         Coordinate the development and updates of economic development strategies and master plans

·         Oversee the execution of the Hay River Community Economic Development Strategy

·         Sit on the Town’s Economic Development Committee and provide administrative support and economic input

·         Research industry trends and regional economic conditions

·       Identify target industries for recruitment

·         Support redevelopment projects and revitalization initiatives

·         Collect and analyze economic data (employment, tax revenue, business growth)

·         Maintain databases of local businesses and properties

·         Provides input and provides oversight into Economic Development, Communication and Marketing, Grant Writing and department budget

 

3.   Tourism Development & Destination Management. This includes but is not limited to:

·     Coordinate updates to, and the implementation of, the municipality’s tourism development and marketing plans.

·     Provide oversight of the Visitor Information Centre operations ensuring high customer service standards,  visitor satisfaction, and accurate information delivery.

·     Responsible for hiring, firing, performance management, supervision,  and training of the Tourism Coordinator position.

·     Oversee FAM (familiarization) tours and tourism training activities.

·     Responsible for the maintenance and development of high‑quality tourism information, itineraries, and digital content.

·     Provides oversight to Town of Hay River event planning.

 

4.   Marketing, Branding & Public Communications. This includes but is not limited to:

 

·     Prepare and implement strategic communication and marketing plans that support organizational goals and the promotion of the town of Hay River

·     Plan, implement, and evaluate multi‑channel campaigns (web, social, print, video) for economic development and tourism promotion.

·     Write media releases, speaking notes, newsletters, advertising copy, and promotional collateral.

·     Develop, prioritize and distribute important notifications to inform community members of community events, recreation and social programming, municipal infrastructure repair and maintenance, and other items which may impact residents

·     Respond to media inquiries and assist with public engagement.

·     Develop marketing materials for business, relocation and visitation attraction

·     Maintain and update website and social media content.

·     Develop and maintain a corporate inventory of images and videos for promotional purposes.

·     Participates in senior management meetings as required to capture and distribute management and council public messaging.

 

5.     Grant Research, Writing & Administration. This includes but is not limited to:

·     Identify and evaluate federal, territorial, and foundation funding opportunities.

·     Lead development of grant applications, budgets, work plans, and performance frameworks.

·     Oversee post‑award activities including compliance, tracking, and reporting.

 

 

 6.    Stakeholder, Indigenous & Intergovernmental Relations. This includes but is not limited to:

·     Serve as a key liaison with businesses, investors, industry groups, educational institutions, regional partners, and Indigenous governments/organizations, consistent with NWT-based tourism and economic development practices.

·     Represent the municipality at tradeshows, economic development forums, and tourism marketplaces.

·     Support coordinated messaging and partnership building with GNWT departments (e.g., ITI) and regional bodies.

·     Develop and maintain corporate public engagement policy

 

7.    Data, CRM, Reporting & Policy Support. This includes but is not limited to:

·     Maintains Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases for businesses, investors, tourism operators, ; ensure compliance with the applicable Access to Information and Protection of Privacy legislation ( ATIPP ).

·     Manages Business Licensing processes

·     Monitor metrics and produce quarterly and annual reports for the SAO and Council.

·     Contribute to updates of Economic Development Strategies, , Tourism Plans, Communication Plans,  and related policies.

 

 C.     KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:

The following knowledge and skills are required for an individual to be able to perform the duties of this position:

 

·     Diploma or degree in Economic Development, Communications, Business, Public Administration, Tourism, Marketing/Communications, Urban/Regional Planning, or related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

 ·     3–5 years of experience in economic development, tourism/destination marketing, business development, or municipal communications

 ·     Ec.D. (Certified Economic Developer) designation or working toward it would be an asset.

 ·     Training/experience in Indigenous cultural awareness or partnership engagement considered an asset.

·     Strong knowledge of Canadian municipal processes, economic development principles, public communications frameworks, and tourism sector dynamics.

·     Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to create clear and compelling marketing/communications material.

·     Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including Indigenous partners.

·     Proficiency with digital platforms including website CMS, social media management tools, and analytics dashboards.

·     Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

·  The ability to develop, coordinate, and execute economic development plans and strategies

·  Strong skills in supporting business retention and investment attraction

·  The ability to lead tourism development and destination management activities

·  Strong skills in marketing, branding, and public communications

·  Demonstrated ability to research funding opportunities and lead grant writing and administration

·  The ability to collect, analyze, and report on economic and operational data

 

·  Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement skills

·  Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills

·  Leadership and people‑management skills

·  Diplomacy and political acuity when working with Council, senior management, and external partners

·  Cultural awareness and respect, particularly when working with Indigenous governments and organizations

 

·     Tourism Coordinator

 

 Physical demands as primarily sitting, keyboarding, light material handling, and occasional movement between meeting locations.  Primarily office‑based with local/regional travel. Evening and weekend work required for attendance at tradeshow/business events, community events, Council/committee meetings, and special projects.

 A portion of time will be spent on site at event and meeting locations requiring some travel and interaction with stakeholders and media.

 Sensory Demands

 Sensory demands focus on visual tasks (reading, computer work) and auditory tasks (meetings, presentations).

 Mental Demands

 Cognitive demands are typically framed around concentration, multitasking, analytical work, and handling competing priorities.

 

·     Must have a valid Class 5 driver’s license

·     Must have a satisfactory criminal record check