Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Position: Full-time, 40 hours/week, Hybrid
Reports to: Director, Planning & Sustainability
Location: Metro Vancouver, BC
Career Level: P3 (Professional)
Sacred Waters Developments Overview
Sacred Waters Developments (SWD) is an economic development corporation jointly owned by Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo (KKS) Nations with a mandate to catalyze opportunities for economic and social growth within the shared traditional territories. Through SWD, the Nations are taking leadership in the acquisition and development of lands within the shared traditional territories by identifying opportunities and bringing together strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to deliver meaningful projects that will drive intergenerational prosperity for the KKS Nations. This foundational and transformational work is being done with specific intention and attention on capacity building through the creation of opportunities for KKS Nation members and incorporating principles of sustainability and stewardship into all aspects of our work.
Position Overview:
The Manager, Strategic Initiatives plays a key role in driving the strategic growth of Sacred Waters Developments (SWD) through the delivery of innovative partnerships and business opportunities. The ideal candidate brings experience in developing and implementing strategies to facilitate corporate growth, while aligning with key organizational values and principles. A strong ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse internal and external partners is vital to success in this role. As well as the ability to lead and oversee the production of deliverables such as business plans, strategic plans, reports, and other associated documents.
Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Initiative Leadership
  • Lead the identification, development, and execution of strategic initiatives to drive business growth and sustainable innovation.
  • Lead the development of growth plans, business plans, and strategic initiative work plans on behalf of SWD.
  • Collaborate with SWD Board, Senior Leadership, and other SWD departments, to align strategic initiatives with organizational goals and priorities.
  • Monitor and assess the progress of ongoing initiatives, ensuring they remain on track and achieve desired outcomes.
    
• Business Development and Strategic Partnership Management
  • Identify, negotiate, and establish new strategic partnerships with external organizations, including vendors, industry associations, and potential clients.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing partners to maximize value and collaboration opportunities.
  • Develop and implement partnership strategies that align with the company's long-term vision and goals.
  • Manage partnership contracts and ensure compliance with terms and deliverables.
  • Maintain a CRM database of external partners.
  • Work with representatives from the KKS Nations to build and maintain a registry of KKS Nation-owned and KKS member-owned businesses.
  • Facilitate and support capacity building initiatives to support the growth, advancement, and pursuit of opportunities for KKS Nation-owned and KKS member-owned businesses.
  • Explore opportunities for direct procurement of materials for development projects, including from local and global suppliers.
  • Consistently seek out opportunities for SWD, including reviewing platforms such as BC Bid, for potential RFP opportunities.
  • Lead Go/No-Go process, including liaising with the Senior Leadership team.
  • Own and maintain an opportunities tracker, ensuring a continuous pipeline of pursuits that are aligned with SWD priorities.
  • Oversee the preparation of proposals on behalf of SWD, including directing the Proposal Specialist and coordinating with internal subject matter experts across various departments.
    
• Project Management and Execution:
  • Manage cross-departmental teams to deliver on strategic initiative objectives, including navigating complex project governance and diversity of interests.
  • Act as a liaison between the company and external partners to ensure smooth collaboration and communication.
  • Lead and oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic initiatives from start to finish, ensuring milestones, timelines, and budgets are met.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute initiatives efficiently and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
  • Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
  • Monitor project progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
    
• Market and Industry Trend Analysis:
  • Conduct research on industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging market opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Analyze potential risks and challenges associated with partnerships and initiatives, providing mitigation strategies when necessary.

This role is expected to be dynamic in-nature and evolve alongside SWD. As such, other duties may be assigned.
Reporting Relationships
This role reports to the Director, Planning & Sustainability.
Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Business, Marketing, Communication, Public Policy or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience at a managerial level in strategic planning, partnerships, or business development.
• Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams and leading strategic initiatives from conception to execution.
• Strong experience in negotiating and managing partnerships and vendor relationships.
• Experience managing and directing consultant teams (e.g., budget management, invoice tracking, progress tracking).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to adapt communication style to suit a variety of audiences.
• Proficient in MS Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• A valid driver's license is required.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in business development in construction and/or real estate.
• Experience working with First Nations and/or Indigenous communities.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Familiarity with CRM tools and project management software.

Why Join Us:

• Growth Opportunities: Be part of a growing company with opportunities for career advancement. As SWD grows, this role will evolve into a management-level position with direct reports and broader leadership responsibilities.
• Innovative Environment: Work in a dynamic and innovative environment where your contributions make a real impact.
• Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary: $109,000 to $130,000/year based on experience, vacation, paid-time off days, health and dental benefits including a health spending account, wellness programs, and paid professional development.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience. Please apply by July 4, 2025

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