Director, Community Services

Mikisew Cree First Nation; Fort Chipewyan; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mikisew Cree First Nation invites applications for the Director of Community Services, based in Fort Chipewyan, AB. The role leads all community services programs, including Student Services, Elders Coordination, and Youth programming, aligning initiatives with community needs and values.

The Director will oversee staff, manage budgets, pursue grants, and report to leadership while driving collaboration with stakeholders to improve service delivery and outcomes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Community Development, Public Administration, or related field is asset.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in program management, community services, or a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of First Nation governance, culture, and community needs.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and securing funding through grants/proposals.
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop policies, and manage multiple programs effectively.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• 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 skills (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all community services programs.
• Supervise and support program staff including Student Services, Membership Clerk Services, Elders Coordination, Social Enhancement, Employment & Training, and Youth Coordination.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for enhancing and expanding community services.
• Manage program budgets with financial accountability and sustainability.
• Identify and secure funding through grants, partnerships, and government programs.
• Foster collaboration with leadership, staff, and external stakeholders to improve service delivery.
• Organise and lead community engagement initiatives with participation and feedback.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and use data-driven decisions for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and funding requirements.
• Provide regular reports to Chief and Council.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and advancements to enhance skills and knowledge.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary education in Social Services, Community Development, Public Administration, or related field

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 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, compassionate and experienced Director of Community Services. The Director of Community Services is responsible for overseeing and managing programs that enhance the well-being and development of community members. This role ensures the effective delivery of services related to student support, membership, elder care, social enhancement, employment and training, and youth programming. The Director will work collaboratively with leadership, staff, and community members to develop and implement initiatives that align with the community's needs and values.
This position is based in Fort Chipewyan, AB
Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all community services programs, ensuring alignment with the community’s needs and values.
• Supervise and support program staff, including those in Student Services, Membership Clerk Services, Elders Coordination, Social Enhancement, Employment & Training, and Youth Coordination.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for enhancing and expanding community services.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.
• Identify and secure funding through grants, partnerships, and government programs.
• Foster collaboration with leadership, staff, and external stakeholders to improve service delivery.
• Organise and lead community engagement initiatives, ensuring participation and feedback.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, making data-driven decisions for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and funding requirements.
• Provide regular reports to Chief and Council
• Other duties as assigned.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and advancements to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• All other duties as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Post-secondary education in Social Services, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field (equivalent experience may be considered) is considered an asset.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in program management, community services, or a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of First Nation governance, culture, and community needs.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and securing funding through grants and proposals.
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop policies, and manage multiple programs effectively.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• 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.
• 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 27, 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.