Director of Missing and Murdered First Nations People - Competition #2025-058

Manitoba Chiefs; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs seeks a Director for the Missing and Murdered First Nations People Unit. This role demands a visionary leader to oversee advocacy and support services for affected families, ensuring culturally appropriate and trauma-informed approaches. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of systemic issues, and a commitment to community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a leadership or senior program management role.
• Deep understanding of the impacts of colonialism and gender-based violence.
• Experience working with survivors of violence and grieving families.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the MMFNP Unit team.
• Develop culturally grounded strategies for healing and justice.
• Advocate for systemic changes to improve safety for First Nation peoples.

Skills

Leadership

Advocacy

Crisis Intervention

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, or related fields

Job description

Director of Missing and Murdered First Nations People - Competition # 2025-058

Category: Full-Time – Permanent

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Position Summary

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is seeking a visionary, compassionate, and highly skilled leader to serve as the Director of the Missing and Murdered First Nation Peoples (MMFNP) Unit.

This pivotal role is responsible for the strategic oversight and coordination of all activities within the MMFNP Unit, ensuring the delivery of culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and family-centered advocacy, wellness, and support services. The Director will advocate for and lead initiatives that promote justice for the lives and legacies of missing and murdered First Nation Women, Girls, Men, Boys, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, while addressing the ongoing impacts of gender-based violence and systemic inequities in Manitoba.

The successful candidate will be a strong advocate and relationship builder, with a deep commitment to supporting the healing journeys of survivors, families, and communities affected by these tragedies. This position requires cultural humility, political awareness, and experience navigating complex systems, including justice, health, social services, and law enforcement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and supervision to the MMFNP Unit team.
• Develop and implement culturally grounded strategies to support the healing and justice needs of affected families and communities.
• Lead the creation and implementation of long-term plans, protocols, and initiatives that align with AMC’s mandates, values, and priorities.
• Ensure Unit activities reflect the spirit and intent of the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice and related policy frameworks.
• Ensure Unit activities respect and honour First Nation language, culture and identity of those embedded within the 63 First Nations as reflected within the mandate of the AMC.
• Ensure Unit activities reflect the spirit and intent of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry recommendations.
• Promote a Families First approach in activities undertaken within the Unit.
• Program Development & Service Coordination
• Assess and manage incoming information, cases, and requests for support.
• Design and oversee the delivery of short- and long-term advocacy and wellness services tailored to the unique needs of each family.
• Ensure all services are trauma-informed, culturally safe, and respectful of traditional beliefs, ceremonies, and spiritual practices.
• Organize and facilitate individual family meetings, community-based healing gatherings, ceremonies, and consultations.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Liaise with families and coordinate communication with service providers, including police agencies, legal counsel, and government departments.
• Actively advocate for systemic changes that improve the safety and well-being of First Nation peoples, especially those at risk of violence or discrimination.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with First Nations leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, service organizations, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Education, Awareness & Public Outreach
• Lead the planning and implementation of educational workshops, public forums, media engagements, and awareness campaigns.
• Provide culturally appropriate presentations on the MMFNP crisis, the history of gender-based violence in Indigenous communities, and the importance of truth-telling, remembrance, and healing.
• Represent the AMC and MMFNP Unit in provincial and national advocacy efforts, inquiries, and policy discussions.

Administration & Reporting

• Assist with the preparation of funding proposals, budgets, reports, and accountability documents for AMC leadership and external partners.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and compliance with privacy legislation (PHIA and FIPPA).
• Provide regular reports and briefings to the AMC Grand Chief, Executive Council, and Chiefs in Assembly regarding the Unit’s activities, challenges, and successes.

Qualifications: Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, or Human Services. An equivalent combination of lived experience, education, and professional expertise will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a leadership or senior program management role within Indigenous organizations or related sectors.
• Deep understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, systemic racism, gender-based violence, and intergenerational trauma on First Nations individuals, families, and communities.
• Demonstrated experience working with survivors of violence, grieving families, and those impacted by loss.
• Knowledge of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Calls for Justice, and Manitoba’s community-specific responses.
• Experience in program planning, community consultation, public speaking, and media representation.
• Strong communication, crisis intervention, and organizational skills.
• Ability to speak a First Nations language is a significant asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, emotionally sensitive, and politically complex environment.
• Flexible availability, including the ability to travel to First Nations across Manitoba.
• Valid Manitoba Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Willingness to comply with and uphold AMC policies and procedures, and work collaboratively across departments.
  

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position title and quote competition number applying for, qualifications, and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (including a most recent employer reference) to:

Human Resources

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3

Quote Competition # 2025-058in your application.

For best results submit your application to BambooHR

https://manitobachiefs.com/about/job-opportunities/

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to provide verification of citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com