Executive Director

First Nations Jobs Online; Teslin; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

RRSP contributions

Paid holiday closure

Job summary

A First Nation governance organization in Yukon seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead operations and provide strategic advice. The role requires strong leadership, extensive experience in public or tribal governance, and a collaborative approach to engage with First Nation communities. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, financial oversight, and supporting governance. The position is full-time, with relocation assistance provided for non-local candidates, and includes a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of experience in an executive or senior leadership role.
• Background in organizational planning and administration, preferably with First Nations or public government.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operations and ensure alignment with the strategic plan.
• Serve as principal advisor to the Executive Council.
• Manage budget development and financial oversight.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Negotiation

Organizational planning

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in public/business administration

Job description

About Teslin Tlingit Council

The Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC) is a self-governing First Nation located in Teslin, Yukon, exercising its Inherent Right to self-government as set out in its Final Agreement and Self‑Government Agreement. The Village of Teslin is set on the confluence of Nisutlin Bay and Teslin Lake, located 183 kilometres east of Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway. TTC operates within a comprehensive constitutional framework that includes its Constitution, laws, policies, strategic plans, and the guiding cultural values of Haa Kusteeyí “Our Way.” Governed through a clan-based system rooted in Tlingit tradition, TTC’s governance reflects the Wolf and Crow moieties and five clans, ensuring decision‑making aligns with cultural values and community representation. Grounded in a rich cultural heritage and strong ties to land, language, and tradition, TTC is committed to serving its citizens while supporting cultural preservation, good governance, and sustainable community development.

Summary & Key Functions

The Executive Director (ED) is the most senior staff leader within TTC and plays a central role in advancing effective, accountable self‑government. Reporting directly to the Naa Sháade Háni (Chief) and accountable to the Executive Council as a whole, the ED serves as TTC’s chief administrator and trusted advisor. The role is responsible for ensuring that TTC’s governance and day‑to‑day operations function smoothly within the TTC Constitutional Framework, while leading the Executive Services Department and supporting Departmental Directors. Working collaboratively across the organization, the ED helps translate the strategic direction of leadership into well‑planned, well‑managed programs, policies, and services that reflect TTC’s values and priorities.

The ED has a profound and lasting impact on TTC’s success. Through strong leadership, sound judgment, and thoughtful, forward‑looking decision‑making, the ED supports effective governance, responsible financial management, and high‑quality service delivery. The strategic advice and recommendations provided by this role influence both immediate outcomes and long‑term wellbeing for TTC citizens and beneficiaries, strengthening public trust and confidence in TTC leadership. By fostering strong internal relationships, ensuring timely implementation of key initiatives, and supporting collaboration with partners and other governments, the ED helps build a responsive, resilient organization focused on serving TTC citizens now and for generations to come.

As the Executive Director you will be responsible for these key functions:

Government Operations Management & Strategic Leadership

• Ensures programs and policies are implemented in alignment with Executive Council direction and the TTC Constitution, Strategic Plan, budgets, and work plans.
• Leads TTC’s day‑to‑day administrative operations to ensure departments effectively serve the best interests of TTC and its citizens.
• Evaluates organizational performance, identifies gaps, and recommends improvements to strengthen service delivery and operational efficiency.

Governance Support & Executive Council Support

• Serves as the principal advisor to the Executive Council on program, policy, and operational matters to support informed decision‑making.
• Ensures that Executive Council directives are communicated to departmental Directors and followed up on to ensure implementation.
• Oversees administration and operational support for the General Council, Elders Council, Youth Council and General Council mandated boards, committees and working groups.

Policy Development & Legislative Planning and Management

• Leads the development, review, and implementation of TTC’s Mission Statement, Strategic Plan, and policies under Executive Council direction.
• Guides the development of governance legislation, ensuring coordination across departments and alignment with legal requirements.
• Oversees the development of policy directly affecting citizens on matters such as housing, etc.

Financial Oversight & Budget Planning & Management

• Oversees TTC’s financial operations, including budget development, forecasting, reporting, audits, capital assets, and payroll, in collaboration with the Director of Finance.
• By providing support to the Director of Finance and oversight of TTC’s operations, ensures TTC remains within approved budget parameters and meets its fiscal responsibilities.

Departmental Supervision & Program Oversight

• Directly supervises Department Directors (excluding Finance), setting expectations, conducting performance reviews, and supporting continuous improvement.
• Ensures implementation of approved programs and policies in accordance with the direction provided by the Naa Sháade Háni and Executive Council.
• Evaluates programs and policies to assess effectiveness, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to Executive Council.

Intergovernmental Relations

• Maintains and strengthens relationships with First Nation and public governments, agencies, and organizations as directed by Executive Council.
• Acts as a liaison with governments and external bodies when directed by the Naa Sháade Háni and Executive Council.

Negotiations & Implementation

• Supports negotiation mandates and the execution of agreements under the Final and Self‑Government Agreements in collaboration with implementation and legal leads.
• Ensures all authorized legal agreements are properly executed and aligned with TTC’s Constitutional Framework and strategic goals.
• Negotiates agreements in accordance with established mandates and TTC interests.

Clan/Citizen Engagement & Communication

• Ensures that TTC citizens are consistently informed about TTC plans, policies, and initiatives.
• Prepares Executive Council for effective community engagement through briefing materials and background information.
• Supports Executive Council responses to crisis situations through appropriate citizen and community engagement strategies.

Your Toolkit Includes

• Preferably a bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in public or business administration and/or a minimum of eight (8) years professional experience in an executive or senior leadership role in First Nations or public government.
• Strong background and experience in organizational planning and administration including a demonstrated ability to manage administrative systems in an executive and supervisory capacity within a First Nations organization, mid‑sized corporation, or First Nations or public government.
• Specific experience working with a modern treaty governance First Nation is preferred.
• Ability to foster trust, unity, and collaborative working relationships within teams and with Teslin Tlingit citizens.
• Excellent decision‑making and problem‑solving skills with a strategic, solutions‑focused approach.
• Ability to exercise discretion, tact, compassion, sound judgment, and maintain high professional conduct, including ethics and confidentiality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and mediation abilities.
• Prior knowledge of the Teslin Tlingit Clan system is considered an asset.
• Willing to undergo a criminal record and background check as a condition of employment.

This is a 4‑year term, full‑time position and is in‑person, with the occasional need for travel. Qualified non‑Yukon applicants would need to confirm their willingness to relocate to Teslin, as a condition of employment. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive compensation package, including RRSP contributions, paid holiday closure, and relocation assistance for non‑local candidates.