Engagement Lead, Indigenous Business

Join the EDC Team!

At EDC we support Canadian businesses to succeed globally. We provide the financial tools and expertise they need to explore new markets reduce risks all towards the goal of making Canada and the world better through trade.

Application Deadline: May 11 2026

Position: Engagement Lead Indigenous Business

Employment Type: Permanent

Compensation Details:

Business Development 18: Salaries typically range from $96557 to $148000 annually based on qualifications and experiences plus a performance-based incentive.

Location:

• Export Development Canada operates in a hybrid work environment with a current requirement of two in-office days per week increasing to three days per week in September 2026 (subject to change).

• This role can be performed from EDCs headquarters in Ottawa or from one of our Community Hubs in Toronto Mississauga Montreal Brossard Laval Calgary Edmonton Vancouver or Halifax.

• Relocation assistance is available for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

About EDC:

At Export Development Canada (EDC) we empower Canadian businesses to succeed globally. As a financial Crown corporation we offer innovative financial solutions and expert insights to help businesses explore new markets mitigate risks and achieve growth.

Why Join EDC

• Collaborate with a diverse experienced team Work alongside talented professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to drive success.
• Thrive in a supportive teamwork-driven environment Flourish in a workplace where collaboration and mutual support are paramount.
• Impact global communities through sustainable growth in emerging markets Make a meaningful difference by fostering sustainable development in key regions around the world.
• Recognized as one of Canadas Top 100 Employers Best Diversity Employers and a Top 100 Family-Friendly Employers Join a company that is celebrated for its commitment to excellence diversity and work-life balance.
• Enjoy a comprehensive Total Rewards package:
  • Flexible benefits Our program lets you choose coverage that suits your unique needs including Medical Dental Life and more. Plus we offer additional Flex credits to tailor your plan even further.
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan Secure your future with our generous matching program that helps you save for retirement.
  • Competitive vacation program Enjoy a work-life balance with our competitive vacation program starting with 4 weeks of vacation and 2 floater days each year for permanent employees.
  • Comprehensive wellness programs Stay healthy and happy with access to wellness initiatives mental health support and fitness programs.
  • Professional Development Advance your career with our support for growth and development through conferences language training and educational opportunities.

Team & Job Overview:

Inclusive Trade is embedded in EDCs strategic pillars in the promotion of responsible and inclusive business for all leading to a more equitable and sustainable economy. We are committed to strengthening our impact by enabling more Canadian businesses owned and led by members of equity-seeking groups to realize their international growth potential with confidence. We are focused on removing barriers and ensuring our services and solutions are relevant and can be accessed by Canadian exporting businesses owned or led by women Indigenous Peoples Black and racialized Canadians people with disabilities and those from the 2SLGBTQ community. As part of this commitment EDC recognizes the essential role Indigenous communities and peoples play in advancing major resource infrastructure and trade-enabling projects and the importance of building strong trust-based relationships that support meaningful participation access to capital and long-term economic opportunity.

As the Engagement Lead for Indigenous Business the successful candidate will represent and communicate with external audiences the support that EDC provides to underserved segments of the Canadian business landscape with a focus on the Indigenous business community. The successful candidate will lead intentional relationship-based engagement with Indigenous communities and their business entities. The positive impacts will be realized when Indigenous community owned businesses arebetterserved andable toaccess the tools they need to grow and be successful. Ultimatelythe EDC Indigenous Engagement Lead willservethe broaderIndigenous communityand open more doorsand markets forIndigenous role is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with a passionate and dedicated team and colleagues across EDC to build organizational knowledge and capabilities to deliver on the expected Inclusive Trade outcomes by increasing the number of indigenous companies served with EDC solutions.

What you will be doing:

External Engagement:

• Support the development and implementation of an Indigenous engagement strategy including budget management and reporting to support EDCs relationship with and visibility to the Indigenous business community.
• Lead relationship-based engagement with Indigenous communities and their business entities to identify business development opportunities and support early engagement on transactions
• Build and sustain long-term relationships with Indigenous business leaders community leadership Indigenous financial institutions and ecosystem partners to strengthen EDCs presence credibility and commercial impact.
• Represent EDC at Indigenous business events industry forums and roundtables acting as a visible and trusted point of contact for Indigenous partners.
• Clearly communicate EDCs value proposition financial solutions and non-financial supports to Indigenous businesses and partners.
• Support the identification and advancement of opportunities that increase Indigenous participation in trade investment and major project supply chains.

Business Development:

• Collaborate with internal EDC teams to proactively engage with current and prospective Indigenous customers across all business segments identifying and developing new opportunities.
• Build awareness and foster relationships to create conditions that encourage Indigenous companies to seek EDC solutions resulting in lead generation.
• Offer advice and ecosystem navigation support to Indigenous community owned businesses.
• Support EDC transaction deal teams with deal memos and transaction-relevant information to help ensure successful economic participation and outcomes for Indigenous Nations and communities.
• Understand Indigenous components of financing transactions and support engagement with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners with whom EDC can work to facilitate access to capital for Indigenous businesses and community impact.
• Provide referrals to stakeholders and partners when appropriate and collaborate with them on deals involving Indigenous community-owned businesses.

Internal Collaboration:

• Support the execution of a near-term strategy and longer-term roadmap to improve accessibility and service relevance of EDC to the Indigenous business community.
• Support the creation and implementation of sustainable and effective policies and innovative financial and non-financial solutions that are tailored to Indigenous businesses.
• Serve as a liaison on Indigenous concerns acting as a reference for internal briefing notes research reporting market intelligence thought leadership training communications and general advice in the workplace marketplace and community. Able to draw from established networks to ensure accuracy across Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge.
• Gather and share market intelligence through interactions with the Indigenous business community.
• Understand the complexities of historic obstacles experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada including Human Rights principles legislation UNGP UNDRIP and FPIC.

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrated interest and understanding of Indigenous business issues and challenges.
• Demonstrated experience of no less than 5 combined years working in or with the Indigenous business community and a well-developed network within the ecosystem of organizations supporting and advancing Indigenous business in Canada.
• University degree in business finance economics international relations or a related area.
• Relationship Management and/or business development within financial services or related experience.
• Experience in and/or or good knowledge of commercial and corporate lending credit knowledge.
• Knowledge of best practices in sales and/or relationship management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain good personal and public relations.
• Public speaking experience.
• Experience with managing budgets.
• Ability to meet travel requirements.

What will make you stand out:

• Strong connections with Indigenous communities through demonstrated volunteer or community work and participation in cultural activities.
• Knowledge of EDCs financial solutions.
• Bilingual in both official languages (English & French) and/or knowledge of any Indigenous language(s).
• Knowledge or experience in international business.

Eligibility:

EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements. The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date.

This position is open to individuals who meet all the essential criteria outlined above and submit their applications by the closing date.

EDCs Commitment to Employment Equity

Export Development Canada (EDC) is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures backgrounds and abilities. At EDC we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow develop succeed and be their truest selves.

We actively encourage applications from women Indigenous peoples visible minorities persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQI community.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants interest in a career at EDC; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within EDC.

EDC recognizes that disclosing the need for accommodations can be a personal matter. Please know that as an organization we are committed to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that any accommodations provided are tailored to support your needs. Our aim is to ensure you have a comfortable and positive experience throughout the recruitment process so please do not hesitate to contact us directly for any accommodation requests at . We are here to support you every step of the way.