Chief Operating Officer

Are you a business savvy leader, with a penchant for social service, who thrives in a truly challenging environment? Do you have extraordinary strategic vision and have a proven track record of converting ideas into achievements? Have you previously worked closely with a Senior Leadership Team comprising cutting-edge professionals, sharing their passion for achieving the seemingly impossible performance targets? Are you comfortable interacting with senior government officials, diplomats and other dignitaries? If the answer to all the above questions is yes, we would love to hear from you.

Native Women’s Association of Canada is looking for their next Chief Operating Officer to help them achieve the Mission and Vision of the organization, while also achieving the growth and revenue outcomes to sustain their support to Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The goal of the COO position is to ensure the efficiency, stability and functionality of the day to day operations and business of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer or COO will oversee the organization’s operations under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer.

SCOPE

The COO will be responsible for the efficiency of the NWAC day to day business. The COO role is a key member of the senior management team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. The incumbent will be a key player in ensuring the organization’s continued growth and prosperity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer in setting and driving the organizational vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs;
• Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth helping to implement organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operating planning;
• Oversee operations and employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture ensuring team members thrive and organizational outcomes are met;
• Adhere to organizational, federal, provincial and local business requirements, enforcing compliance and taking action when necessary;
• Design and implement operational and business strategies, plans and procedures;
• Set comprehensive goals for performance and growth;
• Work with the Senior Management Team to handle day to day operational demands and delegate tasks and duties;
• Develop and implement policies that promote culture and organizational mandate and vision;
• Oversee daily operations of the organization and the work management (Policy, Corporate, Marketing, Finance etc.);
• Lead employees to maximum performance, morale and dedication;
• Evaluate organizational performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics;
• Brief the Chief Executive Officer and write reports to her concerning all matters of importance;
• Assist the Chief Executive Officer in fundraising and revenue generation ventures.
• Manage relationships with partners / vendors;
• Assist in the development and execution measurable revenue generation programs that drive revenue across the NWAC Social and Cultural Innovation Centre revenue streams;
• Develop and implement promotions and sales strategies for all of the revenue streams;

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s and / or masters’ degree in business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in executive leadership positions, preferably in a large non-profit organization.
• 10 years of management experience.
• 10 years in leadership roles
• 10 years’ experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Direct supervision of over 10 staff for at least five years.
• Proven track record of prioritizing and delivering results.
• Proven experience ensuring the delivery of projects and programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

The employee must have proficient knowledge in the following areas :

• Excellent people skills, business acumen and exemplary work ethics.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, their cultures, histories and traditions.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of contemporary concerns and issues in the doing of Indigenous business in Canada.
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights.
• Some knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally.
• Some understanding of social policy (including violence prevention and impacts, health, housing, etc.).
• Significant understanding of finance and budgeting.

Skills

The employee must demonstrate the following skills :

• Leadership skills, with steadfast resolve and personal integrity.
• Understanding of advanced business planning and regulatory issues.
• A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics.
• Able to diagnose problems quickly and have foresight into potential issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and make decisions within the area, often on short notice.
• Fundraising experience and asset.
• International business experience an asset.
• Bilingualism is an asset.

Personal Attributes

The COO must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of COO. The COO must also demonstrate the following personal attributes :

• Time management and punctuality.
• Respect and understanding of Indigenous women’s issues in Canada.
• Dependable and understands the importance of meeting deadlines.
• Honest, sincere, considerate and truthful.
• Understands the importance of quality work.
• Approachable, articulate and determined.
• Resilient, proactive and positive.
• Sense of urgency.
• Adaptable to change.

WORKING CONDITIONS

NWAC strives to be an employer that properly resources and supports all employees and management with a conviction to place the employee’s health and happiness along with your family first.

To that end NWAC, endeavors to provide a clean, safe and secure workplace with various support mechanisms and operational flexibility. The following list describes assumptions about working conditions :

• There may be occasional travel throughout Canada.
• Management will likely work odd or long hours on occasion.
• Management are expected to multi-task and prioritize effectively.