Executive Director

Wei Wai Kum First Nation; Campbell River; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Wei Wai Kum First Nation as the Executive Director, where you will lead operations, guide strategic initiatives, and promote cultural values. This role involves significant responsibility in managing staff and delivering health and wellness services while fostering collaboration and partnerships. With a competitive salary ranging from $130,000 to $165,000, this is a unique opportunity to impact the Nation's future positively.

Qualifications

• 10 years of management experience required, including supervision of at least 5 employees.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of financial principles and public administration practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and manage staff across multiple departments.
• Implement strategic plans and ensure alignment with the Council's goals.
• Support partnerships and funding opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Team management

Problem-solving

Cultural awareness

Education

University degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Executive Director (ED)

Be part of a growing Nation, where culture and governance meet to shape the future.

Wei Wai Kum First Nation is seeking an experienced, grounded and visionary leader to serve as the next Executive Director. This is more than a management role, it's an opportunity to walk alongside Council and staff to lead meaningful change, honour cultural values and deliver services that support the health, wellness and prosperity of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation.

You’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of the Administration, lead a dedicated team across multiple departments and help bring strategic goals to life through thoughtful planning, coordination and advocacy.

If you’re an accomplished team builder, a strategic thinker and a respectful communicator with a heart for Nation building, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: $130,000-$165,000 per year

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday (37.5 hours)

Location & Work Environment:This position is based at the Wei Wai Kum Administration Office in Campbell River, located on the beautiful unceded territory of the Ligʷiłdaxʷ people. Regular, in-person engagement is required to support team cohesion and community connection.

Reports to: Chief and Council. Consistent with the direction of Council as a whole, the Chief Councillor will be responsible for day-to-day direction.

Why This Role Matters

As Executive Director, you will play a key role in translating the goals of Chief and Council into actionable, daily work that brings their vision for the Nation to life. You’ll guide operations, supervise and support staff, manage budgets and projects, and work with other Nations, governments and agencies to strengthen partnerships. You’ll also help implement key Nation-wide priorities, like a Comprehensive Community Plan and Governance Action Plan, to deliver results today, while supporting long-term growth for the Nation’s members.

This is a role for someone who thrives in a collaborative, values-driven environment and understands the importance of cultural safety, accountability and lasting impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

Leadership and Human Resources

●Commit to deepening your understanding of Wei Wai Kum culture, traditions and ways of embedding these values in daily operations and organizational leadership

●Represent the Nation’s values of Compassion, Empowerment, Helpfulness, Integrity, Open-Mindedness, Professionalism and Transparency in your work with Council, staff, community members and partners

●Supervise, coach, support and evaluate staff in alignment with Wei Wai Kum policies and applicable labour laws

●Lead hiring, performance management and disciplinary processes in accordance with approved HR procedures and legal requirements

●Ensure interdepartmental work plans and projects are aligned and advance shared goals

●Work with the Human Resources partner to uphold and follow Council-approved policies, such as the Human Resource Policy, Governance Manual and Finance Policy

Planning and Implementation

●Ensure alignment between financial planning, operational work, organizational structure and long-term strategy

●Lead the development of strategic and operational plans to be submitted for Chief and Council approval

●In collaboration with Council and membership, implement the Wei Wai Kum Comprehensive Community Plan through:

○Strategic planning

○Operations and business management

○Land use and economic development

○Social and education programs

○Revenue and resource planning

○Public Works and Emergency Services

●Support the delivery of the annual Governance Action Plan within approved budget parameters and direction of Council

●Oversee the creation and execution of annual and multi-year operational plans that reflect the strategic goals and priorities of Council

●Collaborate with the CFO to ensure budgets are developed in alignment with Council priorities, operational needs and funding agreements

Financial Management

●Collaborate with the CFO to develop, forecast and report on financial plans and budgets

●Apply a strong understanding of public administration practices, including budgeting, purchasing, record-keeping and governance structures

●Support Directors in preparing strategic plans and program proposals for Council review

●Oversee the implementation, management and evaluation of annual work plans and budgets approved by Council

●Identify and pursue new funding opportunities through grants or partnerships that align with the strategic goals of Council

Role-Specific Expectations

●Support the Chief Councillor in attending and participating in external meetings as needed

●Ensure timely monthly administrative reporting to Council, including department updates and recommendations on critical issues

●Provide strategic advice and relevant information to Council and community members when requested

●Implement Council decisions promptly, effectively and in alignment with Nation values and policies

●Complete all required reporting to government departments, funding agencies and regulatory bodies

●Build and maintain strong working relationships with government partners, community members and external organizations

●Recommend updates to policies and procedures for Council review and approval as needed

●Carry out additional duties as required, including:

○Dispute resolution

○Crisis management

○Advocacy

○Systems oversight and maintenance

○On-call response during emergent situations

What You Bring

Education and Skills

●A University degree in a relevant field; Master’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination level of education, training and experience.

●Minimum of 10 years of relevant progressive management experience, including supervision of at least 5 employees.

●Knowledge of key partner organizations and networks in BC First Nations communities

●Understanding of financial principles, budget development and financial oversight

●Experience in program development, delivery and evaluation, including knowledge of ISC regulations and funding processes

●Strong understanding of relevant legislation and governance frameworks, including the Indian Act

●Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of governing bodies such as Councils and Boards

●Demonstrated success in identifying funding opportunities and writing effective grant proposals

●Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain positive relationships with staff, community members and external partners

●Proven leadership in team management and strategic planning

●Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution

●Skilled in public speaking and community/public relations

●Effective time management with the ability to manage and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment

●Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, fairness and respect in leadership

●Deep cultural awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to work respectfully within a Nation-based context

Abilities

●Listen actively and respond thoughtfully, with cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse perspectives

●Motivate teams, foster collaboration and manage time effectively across individuals and departments

●Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, including drafting reports and proposals

●Articulate and share a clear vision and direction with Council, staff and community members

●Analyze problems systematically, identify root causes and develop effective, practical solutions

●Design and maintain efficient administrative systems that support daily operations and long-term planning

●Adapt to and implement new technologies that improve service delivery and organizational efficiency

●Clearly define staff roles and expectations to foster alignment, clarity and accountability

●Deliver results through collaborative leadership, both within the Nation and in external partnerships

●Resolve conflicts professionally and constructively, promoting solutions that reflect shared values

●Accept feedback with humility and use reflection to guide continuous improvement

●Embrace diversity and respond positively to change in dynamic, evolving environments

●Build and maintain respectful, professional relationships grounded in trust and mutual understanding

What We Value

At Wei Wai Kum, we lead with heart, integrity and purpose. We believe in:

●Professionalism with compassion

●Transparency in decision-making

●Empowerment of our team and members

●Cultural awareness and lifelong learning

As Executive Director, you will not only lead the strategic vision towards accomplishing all of the Nation’s goals, but you will inspire development and help shape the future for the Nation.

The Wei Wai Kum First Nation is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce; preference will be given to qualified individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis.

How to Apply

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please submit your cover letter and resume to [e-mail]

Closing Date: August 8^th, 2025

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

For more information about Wei Wai Kum First Nation, please visit www.weiwaikum.ca