POSITION OVERVIEWAt BDC, we envision a future where First Nations, Métis and Inuit entrepreneurs and employees thrive, and where inclusive growth and economic Reconciliation are embedded in our work. Our approach is anchored in our core values: to be united in the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs, guided by the perspectives, priorities, and prosperity of our Indigenous colleagues and partners, and courageous in how we learn and act to advance Truth and Reconciliation.
The Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation will lead the integration of economic reconciliation across BDC's strategy, business decisions, and operations, connecting Indigenous perspectives, community relationships, and enterprise priorities to strengthen impact and accountability. Reporting to the AVP, Sustainability & Social Impact, the Director leads the Reconciliation team, while advising senior leaders and fostering shared ownership across the organization.
CHALLENGES TO BE MET- Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the evolving needs and priorities of Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities, translating these insights into actionable improvements in products, services, and business practices.
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with Indigenous partners and rights-holders, creating the conditions for open, respectful, and informed dialogue.
- Embed economic reconciliation into enterprise strategy, business decisions, and operating models ensuring Indigenous perspectives meaningfully inform how BDC designs products, allocates capital, and delivers its mandate.
- Collaborate with business lines and corporate functions to enable consistent, credible, and coordinated integration of reconciliation across BDC, to help advance key priorities.
- Lead the execution and continuous evolution of BDC's Reconciliation Action Plan, translating commitments into clear priorities, workplans, milestones, and measurable outcomes, and ensuring sustained progress and accountability.
- Lead BDC's participation in PAIR (Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations) program, ensuring certification requirements are met and that practices reflect meaningful and sustained change.
- Establish and maintain enterprise governance, performance tracking, and reporting processes to support senior leadership oversight, monitor progress on reconciliation priorities, and effectively communicate outcomes and impact.
- Identify, assess and advise on reconciliation-related opportunities, risks, and trade-offs, supporting informed, accountable decision-making across the organization.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the Reconciliation team, ensuring community insights meaningfully inform enterprise practices, while fostering a collaborative environment that values the distinct and complementary roles of community engagement and enterprise integration.
- Strengthen organizational capability, embedding reconciliation into leadership expectations, decision-making practices, and organizational culture, enabling leaders and teams to engage with Indigenous perspectives in a more informed, thoughtful, and consistent way across the organization.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORRequired Qualifications- Significant experience advancing reconciliation, Indigenous relations, or government relations. This may include experience within Indigenous communities, organizations, or in roles involving rights-holder engagement, partnership development, or institutional change. Experience gained through lived experience, community leadership, and/or professional roles is valued.
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g. business, finance, social sciences, public relations, Indigenous studies) or equivalent experience. We recognize that leadership in this work may be grounded in lived experience, community leadership, cultural knowledge, and professional practice.
- Proven ability to navigatecomplexity and influence strategy, decision-making, and operations.
- Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and protocols, or grounded in lived experience, long-term relationship building, or demonstrated practice.
- Strong judgment, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
- Priority will be given to candidates who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), recognizing the value of lived experience, community connection and cultural knowledge in leading this work.
Preferred Qualifications- Strong communication skills required. Proficiency in English and/or French is important; Indigenous language knowledge and community-based communication experience are equally valued.
- Established, trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, Nations, or economic partners relevant to the role.
- Strong understanding of the Canadian reconciliation context, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
- Knowledge of procurement processes and major-project requirements affecting Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Business and or experience in financial institutions.
