Director of Operations

Okanagan Indian Band Group; Vernon; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation pay

Director days

Health & Dental

Pension plan

Stat holidays

Winter break

Cultural leave

Lift passes discount

Retention bonuses

Sick leave

Personal leave

EAP

PD opportunities

Job summary

The Okanagan Indian Band is seeking a Director of Operations to lead seven Departments including Education, Health, Lands, and Public Works. You will drive performance, set plans, and coordinate cross-department initiatives in a culturally aligned manner.

You must have substantial leadership experience in a First Nations context, with strong communication and budgeting skills, and a commitment to community priorities. Competitive compensation accompanies a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience across multiple programs.
• Experience managing community-facing programs in a First Nations context.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial program funding frameworks.
• Experience with CFS legislation, health program delivery, or land-use planning is an asset.
• Knowledge of OKIB programs and services considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to seven Operations Department Directors and Managers; conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure each department has an operational plan, annual work plan, and measurable targets.
• Monitor KPIs and service delivery; escalate risks to the Executive Director.
• Ensure programs are culturally grounded, accessible and responsive to OKIB members.
• Develop SOPs across Operations and ensure funding compliance and reporting.
• Coordinate budget transfers, grants, and audit preparation for Operations.
• Identify funding opportunities and assess alignment; support Emergency response.
• Oversee Territorial Stewardship support functions including Cultural Research, GIS, Forestry, Fisheries, and Aboriginal Rights.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Planning

People Management

Relationship Building

Cross‑functional Collaboration

Education

Post-secondary degree in Public Administration

Job description

Director of Operations Okanagan Indian Band

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.

Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 4 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
• Paid Director’s Days off (one per month)
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Employer Matched Pension Plan
• 15 Statutory Holidays
• Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Cultural Leave
• Discounted Silver Star lift passes
• Retention Bonuses after years of service
• 15 Paid Sick Days
• Paid Personal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Start Date

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications

Deadline for applications: Open until filled

Job Summary

The Director of Operations (DOO) is responsible for the leadership, coordination, and performance oversight of all seven of OKIB's Operations departments: Education, Language & Culture, Social Development, Child and Family Services, Health, Lands, Public Works and Housing, Fire and Territorial Stewardship. The DOO ensures that community-facing programs and services are delivered in a culturally aligned, accountable, and high-quality manner consistent with OKIB's vision and Chief and Council's direction. The DOO reports directly to the Executive Director and works in close collaboration with the Director of Administration on matters that cross the Operations and Administration boundary. Title and Rights Claims, situated within Territorial Stewardship, maintains its direct reporting line to Chief and Council; the DOO provides operational coordination and support for that function within TSD.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Executive Director.

Direct Reports: Education, Language & Culture; Social Development; Child and Family Services; Wellness Programs; Health; Lands; Public Works and Housing; Fire and Territorial Stewardship departments.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to all seven Operations Department Directors and Managers; conduct regular performance reviews, coaching, and professional development planning
• Ensure each department has a current operational plan, annual work plan, and measurable performance targets aligned with OKIB's strategic priorities
• Monitor departmental KPIs and service delivery outcomes; elevate risks, gaps, or emerging community needs to the Executive Director
• Ensure all Operations departments deliver programs and services that are culturally grounded, equitable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of OKIB membership
• Oversee the development and consistent application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all Operations departments
• Work with department directors to ensure all program funding agreements, reporting deadlines, and compliance requirements are met
• Liaise with the Director of Administration on cross-stream financial matters including budget transfers, grants, and audit preparation relevant to Operations departments
• Identify emerging funding opportunities and bring them forward to the Executive Director with an assessment of organizational capacity and alignment
• Lead the Operations-side response to community emergencies including health outbreaks, infrastructure failures, and environmental incidents, in coordination with Public Works, Health, and Lands departments
• Provide operational oversight and administrative support to the Territorial Stewardship department including Cultural Research, GIS Mapping, Forestry, Fisheries, and Aboriginal Rights sub-departments
• Respect and support the direct Council reporting line for Title and Rights Claims; ensure that function has the operational resources and coordination support it requires within TSD
• Represent the Operations stream in Senior Leadership Team meetings and in briefings to Chief and Council as directed by the Executive Director
• All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties

Administrative Duties

• Attend Senior Leadership Team meetings and report on Operations stream performance, risks, and priorities
• Submit annual budget requests for all seven Operations departments to the Director of Administration by established deadlines
• Ensure all program reporting to funders is submitted accurately and on time in collaboration with department directors
• Maintain up-to-date emergency response frameworks for all Operations departments; ensure department directors are trained and prepared
• Contribute to organizational policy reviews and updates affecting Operations departments
• Respond to questions from OKIB staff, community members, and external partners regarding Operations programs and services

Who are we looking for

You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Post‑secondary degree in public administration, social services, health administration, Indigenous studies, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience with direct supervisory responsibility across multiple programs or departments
• Demonstrated experience managing community-facing programs in a First Nations or Indigenous organization context
• Working knowledge of federal and provincial program funding frameworks relevant to Education, Health, CFS, Social Development, and Lands
• Experience with CFS legislation, health program delivery, or land‑use planning is a significant asset
• Knowledge and experience with OKIB programs and services considered an asset

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Strong knowledge of Syilx culture, values, and Okanagan Nation priorities, with respect for community protocols
• Demonstrated ability to lead and oversee multiple departments effectively
• Excellent communication skills, including reporting and presenting to senior leadership and Council
• Collaborative leadership style with strong relationship‑building across teams
• Sound judgment, problem‑solving ability, and adaptability in complex, community‑focused environments

Classification/Pay Scale

$115,000 - $145,000 per annum dependant upon education and experience.

Criminal Record Check

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference for Aboriginal Applicants

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.