Economic Development Strategist

Light House Sustainable Building Centre is an enterprising non-profit society which provides British Columbians with an information point of service where public and industry professionals can obtain information on green building practices, policies, and projects as well as green building professionals.

We offer education, training and outreach to industry and the public that will foster a deeper awareness of and commitment to sustainable building practices. We also help to advance public sector programs and initiatives through research, development and implementation of tools and resources applicable to and optimized for the British Columbian construction and real estate industries. Through a combination of funded programs and consulting services we work to catalyze the sustainable building sector in British Columbia.

We take the principles of sustainability very seriously and do our very best to "walk the talk". We embrace all aspects of environmental stewardship within our corporate operations. Our Resource Centre is targeting LEED certification as a healthy and eco-friendly office environment. We support alternative transportation choices and we follow sustainable purchasing policies.

When it comes to our people, we subscribe to progressive, just and socially sustainable business practices. Subject to agreement, this includes significant flexibility with respect to when, where and how you work.

About the Position

We are looking for a dynamic and articulate individual with a passion for green buildings and public policy to lead our economic development programs and projects. This full-time position would suit someone who is an entrepreneurial team leader with an appetite for a fast-paced, project-oriented environment.

Your role will be to help us build Light House’s leadership position as the cluster intermediary for BC’s emerging green building economy.
You will bring strong commerce-based economic development expertise and quantitative market research and analysis skills.

You will be familiar with current green building policies in Canada and the US and with the principles of green building design. You are also interested in the motivations of early stage capital markets; venture investment and the world of innovation-driven research and development.

You will have enthusiasm for seeking new opportunities, project development, client services, education and training. This position will frequently call upon your excellent and engaging writing and public speaking skills.

Working for the Light House Sustainable Building Centre requires that you share our passion for green building and sustainable living.

Responsibilities:

As economic development strategist, your responsibilities are to manage projects and programs that support Light House’s mission to be British Columbia’s sustainable building market catalyst. Specifically, you are responsible for:

1. Management and coordination of all economic development research and related publications including our successful Market Insights program.
2. Working closely with a wide range of industry leaders to map and forecast BC’s green building market and the economic development advantages it delivers.
3. Management of the research and delivery of green building policy-related revenue-generating projects and provide input into a wide range of research activities.
4. Strategic liaison for the development and growth of key partnerships with industry organizations, associations and others.
5. Working with the Light House executive team to create economic development goals
6. Provide business administration and economic development services through consultation, research and development of proposal responses.
7. Development and administration of programs and projects such as education and outreach initiatives as directed by the Executive Director

You are also responsible for nurturing and developing partnerships that will aid Light House in the implementation of programs and technical resources for the building industry related to sustainable building and sustainable community development. You report to the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor degree in economics, commerce, building design, construction, real estate development or equivalent related experience.
• A masters degree in business administration, public policy, economic development would be an asset
• Familiarity with the BC green building industry and related green building design principles and sustainable development policies.
• A minimum of five years of applicable practical work experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communications, presentation and interpersonal skills (if selected for interview, you will be requested to provide samples of your written work)
• An appreciation for (and interest in) the principles of new market creation and drivers of venture investment

To Apply:

Please email, fax or mail your cover letter and resume. Deadline: Noon Friday February 22.

While we truly appreciate all applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Mark Sakai,
Director of Programs and Operations
Light House Sustainable Building Centre
1575 Johnston Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9

We encourage prospective applicants to visit the Resource Centre on Granville Island and to check out our website.