Prince Rupert
Community Futures | Export Advisor
Community Futures supports local businesses in Northern BC with a “boots on the ground” approach to business development. This hands-on support gives business owners personalized guidance and access to essential resources, including the Export Navigator Program. Contracted by Small Business BC, Community Futures, through the Export Navigator Program, provides rural businesses with the tools and expertise they need to expand their operations and begin exporting their products and services to new markets across Canada and through-out the world.
Local businesses that have benefited from this program include Little Lamb Lavender. “With Export Navigator’s help and referrals, we’ve made steady progress,” says Naomi. “The program has given us knowledge, resources, and connections that have helped us move forward with confidence.” Smithereens Mushroom Farm also speaks highly of the support they received. “Our Export Advisor has been there from the start, offering solid support and guidance,” says Marie-Eve. “They took the time to listen to our vision and understood our commitment to growing gradually and sustainably.”
Key Responsibilities
Client Relationship Building
- Develop and maintain trust with a diverse client base, including Indigenous communities, small business owners, and entrepreneurs across Northern BC.
- Guide clients through export-readiness assessments, focusing on sectors with growth potential, such as tourism, agriculture, and environmental services
Strategic Export Consulting
- Lead clients through the Export Navigator framework, providing step-by-step assistance to enter and thrive in new markets.
- Present exporting as a viable growth strategy, promoting regional economic development while addressing client concerns about government involvement.
Budget and Resource Management
- Independently manage a travel and meeting budget prioritizing resource allocation for maximum impact.
- Optimize budget usage to ensure high client engagement and participation, navigating constraints typical of Northern business environments.
Program Advocacy and Outreach
- Actively promote the Export Navigator Program at regional events and through direct outreach, especially within sectors like small manufacturing, tourism, and agri-food.
- Create customized resources such as webinars and export manuals to meet client needs and support the export journey.
Regional Knowledge and Travel
- Confidently operate within the regions of Northern BC, in the Highway 16 corridor, traveling to these locations to engage clients. (Vehicle and high comfort with driving is essential).
- Leverage familiarity with the Northern BC business landscape to provide tailored, locally relevant advice and support.
Team Collaboration and Reporting
- Collaborate with other Export Navigator Advisors across BC, attending in-person meetings as needed.
- Maintain accurate tracking and reporting for program activities, providing transparent feedback on progress and challenges.
Candidate Profile
As a core advocate of Northern BC business growth, the Export Advisor will bring business development acumen and a track record in relationship building. This role is best suited to a self-started, comfortable with autonomy and who can adapt to a wide range of client sizes and business types.
The ideal candidate will be highly consultative and serve as a community-centric resource, actively engaging with diverse clients to foster trust and address unique business challenges. Additionally, a deep understanding of the Northern BC landscape and the ability to navigate rural logistics is critical. This role requires adaptability to work effectively in remote areas, as well as cultural sensitivity to build meaningful relationships with a variety of communities.
Core Competencies
- Client-Centered Consultation and Business Development
A strong consultative approach is essential, with the ability to understand and respond to clients’ unique needs. The ideal candidate will have a business development mindset, capable of identifying opportunities for growth while building lasting relationships. This role requires the flexibility to embrace varied opportunities, providing practical solutions that foster client success. - Self-Management and Problem Solving
The role requires strong self-management skills and the ability to operate independently. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can proactively navigate information gaps and find solutions resourcefully, ensuring they meet client needs and organizational goals effectively. - Relationship Building and Communication
Demonstrated ability to foster long-term relationships with clients through clear, consistent, and effective communication. The ideal candidate excels at building trust, understanding client needs, and providing tailored support that promotes business growth. - Financial Acumen and Budgeting
Experience managing travel and project budgets with a high degree of efficiency. Understanding of basic financial principles and the ability to articulate cost-benefit analyses for clients is beneficial. - Local Knowledge and Travel Readiness
Familiarity with rural communities is ideal. The candidate should be a confident driver willing to travel to visit clients in person. - Innovation and Flexibility
A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and client needs. The ideal candidate is open to new ideas and capable of adjusting their approach to deliver effective solutions in a dynamic environment.
Compensation
This role offers a competitive annual salary in the range of $60,000 – $70,000, based on experience, with an initial contract term until March 2025 and with strong potential for renewal. Benefits include flexibility in work hours and a supportive, purpose-driven work environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Community Futures is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace. They value diverse perspectives and backgrounds and encourage candidates from all communities to bring their unique experiences to their team.
Prince Rupert
Canada
British Columbia, Canada