The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is a national trade association serving the mineral exploration sector in Canada and internationally. The mineral exploration sector is distinct from the mining operational sector in that the former is focused on the search for and discovery of mineral deposits whereas the latter is focused on the extraction of minerals through mining operations. PDAC has over 7,000 members comprising all those involved in the financing, exploration and development of mineral deposits including mining executives, geoscientists, prospectors and representatives of the service, government, financial, legal and accounting sectors. PDAC’s corporate members include a large number of small, exploration companies and small, intermediate to large mining companies.

The functions of PDAC fall under the broad categories of advocacy/representation, leading practice, knowledge/information brokering and networking. The national mandate includes the federal, provincial and territorial governments and working on the policy, regulatory and public relations aspects of aboriginal affairs, sustainable development issues, geoscience, land use planning and needs of the exploration sector.

The Canadian exploration and mining industries are considered world leaders and in 2008 there were approximately 1,800 Canadian companies, working on 10,000 projects in about 125 countries. This international presence has resulted in PDAC extending its mandate and activities onto the international scene. PDAC’s international activities involve policy and regulatory work with international institutions, national governments, international and national associations; the development of tools for their members in the areas of corporate social responsibility and health and safety and the delivery of presentations to a variety of international fora.

The PDAC annual convention, held in Toronto in March of each year, is the largest annual mining convention in the world. The 2011 event attracted 27,000 participants from on the order of 120 countries, including some 50 official delegations.

The current strategic plan identifies priorities in four key areas including:

1. Attracting new people to the exploration sector
2. Directing the future of the PDAC in a globalizing Industry
3. Formulating a PDAC Corporate Social Responsibility framework
4. Maximizing the exploration land base and ensuring mineral tenure and land access

Accountable for managing issues affecting the Canadian mineral exploration and development industry in the areas of Aboriginal affairs, community engagement, land use and resource development. Key duties will include building relations with Aboriginal communities and organizations, maintaining an awareness of key issues, advising the PDAC Board and Committees, working with various groups and stakeholders to effectively deal with mineral industry issues, and communicating and advocating on behalf of the Association with various levels of government, industry groups, non-governmental organizations, the public and media.

• In consultation with the PDAC Board, volunteer committees, senior management team, staff and external stakeholders, anticipate, analyze, communicate and manage issues and trends affecting the mineral exploration and development industry in the areas of Aboriginal affairs, community engagement, land use and resource development;
• Provide organizational and administrative support to the PDAC Board and relevant PDAC Committees, including the development and implementation of the annual workplan and budget for PDAC projects and issues management in the areas of responsibility;
• Contribute to, develop and implement innovative initiatives to strengthen relations between the mineral industry and Aboriginal communities and to increase Aboriginal participation in the mineral industry;
• Manage and promote the PDAC Convention’s Aboriginal Program and organize other meetings, conferences and workshops in the areas of responsibility;
• Maintain current and accurate files on all matters of interest;
• Prepare policy position papers and, where appropriate, facilitate their promotion;
• Effectively supervise external consultants and manage contracts when required;
• Represent the PDAC at federal, provincial and territorial forums, meetings of Aboriginal organizations, selected international events and other meetings and conferences;
• Maintain an appropriate network of contacts and effective working relationships within industry, government, Aboriginal organizations, the media, non-governmental organizations and other communities of interest; and,
• Undertake other duties, as reasonably required, dependent upon the PDAC’s needs.

EDUCATION
• A post-secondary education in engineering, science, political science, business or related discipline

EXPERIENCE
• At least five (5) years demonstrated success in communicating and working with Aboriginal people, government, other sectors, non-government organizations and the general public.
• Familiarity with Aboriginal issues, networks and organizations;
• Shaping, developing and implementing policies and strategies, particularly in the areas of interest;
• A strong grasp of concepts, policy processes and functions of government at provincial and federal levels;
• Knowledge of the mineral exploration and mining industry
• Several years of demonstrated success in project management;
• Experience and confidence in working with the media.

SKILLS
• Strong project and budget management skills;
• Sound organizational skills; ability to manage complex issues in significant detail;
• Political astuteness, judgment and policy sense;
• A team player and consensus builder;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in both written and oral capacities. English is essential and French would be desirable;
• Well-developed computer skills;
• Professional presence and ability to establish credibility with decision-makers in industry, aboriginal communities, government and other communities of interest;
• Entrepreneurial style with a desire to take the initiative; high energy and enthusiasm.

LANGUAGES
• Strong English language skills, both written and oral capacities. Other languages would be an asset