Nanaimo head-hunting economic development officer
The search is on for Nanaimo’s new economic development officer.
City council approved a recommendation at Monday’s committee of the whole meeting to award a contract to begin the hiring process.
Executive search firm Pinton Forrest and Madden of Vancouver will interview key economic stakeholders in the city to provide a profile of the ideal candidate, identify candidates and present a shortlist to the Economic Development Corporation’s hiring committee.
Ian Howat, director of strategic relationships, said while he wants to get the process started this week, he doesn’t anticipate it being completed in under 12 weeks.
“Then, presumably, we’re getting a talented individual who is already employed, so there’s a notice period which could be another four to six weeks,” he said.
Pinton Forrest and Madden’s fee is 28 per cent of the EDO’s first-year base salary, with 30 per cent billed at the start of the process, 30 per cent after 30 days, 30 per cent at the shortlist and 10 per cent upon completion.
Howat said Nanaimo’s former economic development officer made approximately $94,000, but executive search firms typically have a minimum salary base of $100,000 for positions they recruit.
“We would probably use [$100,000] for the starting point for establishing that 30 per cent of their base fee,” said Howat.
Mayor John Ruttan said finding an economic development officer is a top priority.
“Everyone I’m in contact with recognizes just how important it is to get that EDO in place at the earliest opportunity,” he said. “Finding the right person who understands the direction we are going is absolutely key to the success of what we’re planning here.”
Ruttan said the process is expensive but the position is going to be a challenging one and finding a qualified person doesn’t come without cost.
“I guess it’s the old adage, ‘you get what you pay for,” he said.
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