Chief Operating Officer

Mikisew Cree First Nation; Fort Chipewyan; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) seeks a dedicated Chief Operating Officer to drive strategic operations, ensuring peak efficiency and productivity while honoring cultural heritage. The role demands a seasoned leader with experience in Indigenous organizations, capable of long-term planning and day-to-day oversight across admin and community services.

As COO, you will collaborate with the executive team, optimize resources, and build partnerships with government and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years in a senior leadership role, preferably as a COO or similar capacity.
• Post-secondary education in business, finance, or related program.
• Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to operational functions, aligning with the Nation's long-term goals and values.
• Collaborate with the executive team to set and achieve operational goals and provide direction.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across departments, including Administration and Community Services.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational performance and sustainability.
• Support the CEO with the Business Continuity Plan and during disruptions.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners and report to Chief and Council.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Problem solving

People management

Education

Post-secondary education in business/finance

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Who We Are

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) has lived on the ancestral lands of the Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta since time immemorial. The lives of our members are linked to the land and to a close understanding of traditions, history and a natural way of life. Many of our members live in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, and our traditional lands range over a large portion of Athabasca oil sands deposits.

Who You Are

Mikisew is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO will play a critical role in supporting the strategic vision of MCFN, ensuring its continued growth and success while honoring and preserving our deep connection to the land and our cultural heritage. You are a seasoned Operational Senior leader who ideally has experience working with Indigenous organizations. The successful candidate in this position will be able to execute operational tactics to achieve Mikisew Cree First Nation’s strategic goals and objectives. You are a big picture thinker with the ability to come up with long term strategy for the Nation while also being able to focus on overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions ensuring peak efficiency and productivity.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the operational functions of MCFN, aligning efforts with the Nation's long-term goals and values.
• Collaborate closely with the executive team to set and achieve operational goals and to provide direction to the rest of the organization.
• Supports the execution of the strategic operational plan, ensuring the appropriate alignment of the organizational structure, management processes and allocation of operational and human resources.
• Oversee and optimize day-to-day operations across various departments, including but not limited to Administration and Community Services.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational performance and sustainability, while adhering to ethical and community-focused practices.
• Supports the CEO with developing the Business Continuity Plan and provides support during a stress event or disruption.
• Develops, implements, and maintains operational policies and procedures and procedures to ensure the day-to-day activities of MCFN and operations employees fulfill goals and commitment to the community.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability within the organization, ensuring effective communication and coordination across teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and government agencies to advance the interests of Mikisew Cree First Nation.
• Provide regular reports to Chief and Council, offering insights into operational achievements, challenges, and opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably as a COO or in a similar capacity, with a track record of driving organizational performance.
• Completion of post-secondary education in business, finance, or a related program, required.
• Strong people management skills.
• Strong understanding of the economic and cultural landscape of Indigenous communities, particularly in northern Alberta, with a unique appreciation for the challenges and opportunities they present.
• Excellent strategic thinking, financial acumen, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex business environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and community members, both internally and externally.
• A commitment to upholding the values, traditions, and heritage of the Mikisew Cree First Nation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong attention to details.
• Strong Microsoft computer skills (MSWord, Excel, and Outlook)

Other Requirements

• Possess a valid Class 5 AB driver’s license and own or access to a vehicle.
• Willingness and ability to reside in Fort Chipewyan and also to travel as required by business needs.
• Willingness and ability to work after hours and/or weekends when required.
• Willingness to submit to an Oath of Confidentiality.
• Willing to work flexible schedule. Combination of working remotely, in-office, and at community locations.
• Must provide and possess a clear criminal record vulnerable sector check.

MCFN Standard Closing Statement

In accordance with MCFN hiring practices, this position will be posted internally for a minimum of fourteen (14) days to provide qualified MCFN Members and internal candidates with the opportunity to apply. The MCFN Member priority period will end on August 25, 2026. Following the conclusion of the member priority period, the posting will remain open until filled, and external candidates may be considered. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete security screening, which includes a criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check.

Kinanâskomitin (Thank you) for your interest.