2026-58 Executive Director

Saulteau First Nations; Moberly Lake; On-site; CAD 167,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Paid vacation

Professional development

Relocation assistance

EFAP

Job summary

Saulteau First Nations Mission in Canada seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, working with Council and management to execute the strategic plan, ensure governance, and secure long-term benefits for the Nation.

The role oversees the administration of government operations, departments, and staff, directing resources and partnerships to meet objectives, with travel and broad stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in governance of Indigenous organizations.
• Strategic planning, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Valid BC Driver's License.
• Provision of an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check.

Responsibilities

• Council Relations: Manage operations and align with the strategic plan.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee departments within budget and time constraints.
• People Leadership: Develop staff, foster high-performance culture, ensure accountability.
• Stakeholder Relations: Build relationships with government, First Nations, and partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Emotional intelligence

Coaching

Initiative

Education

Master's degree in business administration or public administration

Job description

Job Title

Executive Director

Reports To

Chief and Council (elected on a three-year cycle)

Saulteau First Nations Mission

We, the Saulteau First Nations, are a spirited and diverse community. We are a strong Self-Governed Nation, one that is healthy, culturally vibrant, and ready for tomorrow. Our cultural teachings and traditions guide us and keep us rooted as we move forward into the future. As stewards of the land, we ensure that the best sustainable practices are followed, now and in the future. For as long as the “sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow”, we remain proud and humbly determined.

Overview

The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Nation by working with Council and management to establish and execute the strategic plan, provide consistent governance, and ensure long-term benefit for Saulteau First Nations.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Nation’s government operations and the day-to-day functioning of the Nation. The Executive Director directs, supports, and coordinates the activities of all the Nation’s departments and employees.

Duties & Responsibilities

Council Relations

• Accountable to the Nation’s Chief and Council for the overall management of the Nation’s operations
• Works with Council to develop a strategic plan - community planning, operations, program delivery, land use planning, social and education development, sustainable economic development and public works and emergency services
• Engages Council in budgeting, staffing and governance matters to support implementing the strategic plan
• Implements the strategic plan ensuring oversight of employees, government partners and business partners
• Communicates with Chief and Council to ensure information and updates on key initiatives are provided to ensure Council is well informed and supported to make the best decisions on behalf of the Nation
• Advises, informs, and liaises with council and implements Council’s decisions.
• Utilizes a metrics and facts-based approach to keep Council fully informed of all significant operational, financial, advocacy and risk matters relevant to the Nation
• Advises Council on legal and financial impacts of policy decisions, and the potential benefits and impacts on the community
• Ensures Nation records, notes, and minutes are documented, maintained, and distributed, as necessary

Operational Leadership

• Strategically manages all departments and related organizational entities in an efficient and effective manner within budget and time parameters
• Minimizes service delivery risk by ensuring ongoing day-to-day business operations are resourced appropriately, executed to plan, and completed within time and budget constraints
• Works with Council to develop policies and programs
• Advises on matters to guide strategic initiatives and joint ventures
• Supports research and application of additional funding sources to increase funds for the Nation as available
• Reports to governments and agencies as required regarding program funded areas
• Approves expenditures within authority delegated by Chief and Council
• Ensures administrative and operational infrastructure is appropriate to meet strategic plan objectives; and
• Ensures the effective stewardship of the Nation’s financial and non-financial resources, including the management, oversight, and reporting on human resources, financial, information, material resources, equipment, and facilities - emphasizing health and safety of employees, partners, and the community

People Leadership

• Enables, empowers, and holds direct reports accountable to effectively perform their duties
• Supports internal staff development and ensures professional development practices and plans are in place and executed
• Fosters a high-performance culture that results in a positive, solution-based focus in dealing with the community
• Cultivates a cultural appreciation of role clarity Council has in representing members, and the role that Administration has in serving members, resulting in an environment where constructive feedback is embraced
• Provides positive leadership to all staff, encouraging a team approach, professional attitude, personal wellness, and good management-staff relations, always modeling best practices
• Approves the establishment of compensation levels, review processes and development opportunities for all staff; and
• Ensures strategic staffing decisions are made within Nation policies and procedures

Stakeholder Relations

• Develops and maintains credible and authentic relationships with various stakeholder groups including all levels of government, other First Nations, regional partners, citizens, businesses and boards of Saulteau First Nations, member owned companies, Financial Institutions, Professional Advisors
• Maintains awareness of the municipal, provincial, and federal political environment and incorporates that knowledge into strategy, operations and budget and ongoing operations as appropriate
• Positively represents the Nation as a community ambassador at meetings with other First Nations, all levels of government, business partners, and stakeholders; and
• Communicates and promotes the Nation and its value to the community and region, while looking for ways to leverage the strengths of partners to seize opportunities and develop stronger services

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, or similar discipline
• 5-10 years of experience in a senior management role within an Indigenous Organization
• Experience in strategic planning, financial reporting, and risk management processes
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Provision of an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Band Governance, Treaty Rights, and Indigenous Services Canada
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of government, community volunteers, boards and committees and public participation processes
• Coaching / collaborative leadership style
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Positive and innovative approach to problem-solving with an orientation geared towards overcoming obstacles
• Superior organization and time management skills; ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities as necessary
• Possesses initiative, flexibility, and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrates a high degree of intuition and emotional intelligence, especially with respect to leading the team
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in the handling of information

Work Conditions

• Office work performed primarily during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Travel is required, including within the SFN community, surrounding communities and provincially or nationally as required.
• Must be available and responsive to emergencies outside regular working hours, including evenings and weekends.

What We Offer

• Employer-paid extended health and dental benefits
• Pension plan with an 8% employer contribution and flexible employee contributions of 5% to 10%
• Paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, cultural leave, and bereavement leave
• Professional development and training opportunities
• On-site fitness facility
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates relocating from 150 km or further away
• Salary Range: $167,291.66-$192,385.41 / Yr