Executive Director

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural heritage center in Whitehorse is seeking an experienced Executive Director to oversee operations, finances, and community programming. You will manage the facility's initiatives, staff, and budgets while actively engaging with the Kwanlin Dün community. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in administrative management, a commitment to cultural integration, and proven leadership skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of a dynamic cultural hub.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex, multi-faceted projects and operations.
• Commitment to integrating Kwanlin Dün First Nation history and culture.
• Ability to foster an inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Oversee facility and finances of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.
• Build strong relationships with staff and community.
• Implement strategic plans and develop policies.

Skills

Administrative management

Leadership experience

Budget planning

People management

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in relevant field

Job description

Posting

What do a wedding, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations, and a moose bone whistle workshop have in common? They’re all your responsibility as Executive Director of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC), where you’ll oversee the people, facility and finances to make it all happen. If you love diversity, this is the job for you! As both the premier conference facility in Whitehorse, and a cultural hub of the community, no two days are alike at the KDCC.

In this role, you’ll act as caretaker of a gorgeous institution consisting of a long house, artist studios, gallery, classrooms, healing room and waterfront outdoor ceremonial space. Whether you’re building budgets, presenting to Chief and Council or pitching in at a special event, your underlying focus is always on how the space, and its staff, work to tell guests the story of the Kwanlin Dün people. Located on the banks of Chu Niikwän (the Yukon River), the KDCC is a locus point for reconciliation. Working under the strategic direction of the Governance Council, that’s your guiding principle in this position.

Reconciliation means different things to different people though. This building and its role in the community are equally dynamic, which is why you are too. You’re as comfortable implementing a strategic plan to lead the organization as you are networking at a Chamber of Commerce event or hosting cultural programming. You build strong relationships with your staff just as easily as you establish long‑term partnerships with the Kwanlin Dün community and funding providers. You crunch numbers for breakfast, chat arts and culture for lunch, and draft policy for dinner, with a side of solid communication skills for dessert. You have as much experience with staff development as you have being governed by a non‑profit board. You’re as open to learning from the community as you are to mentoring those around you, to ensure the financial and future sustainability of the KDCC. Your vision is clear, but you’re flexible and able to adapt. You give and receive feedback with grace. Like us, you’re inspired and motivated by the stories of this community, this land and these people. You have an understanding of our past, a familiarity with our present, and a deep desire to help us write the future.

Additional qualifications

• Administrative management and leadership experience, preferably in a First Nations environment.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing complex, multi‑faceted projects and operations.
• Post‑secondary degree combined with experience in arts, tourism, hospitality or similar environments preferred.
• Significant experience and proven track record in budget planning and people management.
• A commitment to knowing, learning and respectfully integrating Kwanlin Dün First Nation history and culture in operations, while fostering an inclusive workplace that respects differing cultures and world views.

A cover letter & resume can be submitted [e-mail]. Please include Executive Director, Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in the subject line.

We thank all those who apply, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.