NNEC DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Northwest Employment Works; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A northern educational council is seeking a Director of Operations to provide leadership for its various educational programmes. The role involves ensuring regulatory compliance, supervising staff, and developing innovative solutions to improve programmes. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a sensitivity towards First Nations culture. The position offers a salary based on education and experience.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for NNEC programmes and services.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Supervise professional and administrative staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Conflict Resolution

Understanding of First Nations culture

Education

Degree in Business Administration/Management/Human Resources or equivalent experience

Job description

NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

NNEC is a non‑profit educational organization. Under the direction of the Sioux Lookout District Chiefs, NNEC delivers secondary and post‑secondary education programmes and services for First Nations people. NNEC operates Pelican Falls First Nations High School, Pelican Falls Centre, Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, Wahsa Distance Education Centre and has offices in Lac Seul (head office), Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay. NNEC welcomes applications for the following position:

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sioux Lookout or Thunder Bay

The Director of Operations will provide day to day leadership and direction of the NNEC programmes and services. This will include the administration component of the educational programmes offered through NNEC, Wahsa, Pelican Falls Centre, Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, Pelican Falls First Nations High School, SSSP, and the Post‑Secondary School programmes.

The Director of Operations will ensure that NNEC is compliant with all necessary regulatory bodies including (but not limited to) the Employment Standards Act (ESA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The Director of Operations will ensure that the NNEC Strategic Plan is in place for all programmes and is being followed to ensure that the work aligns with the NNEC Mission & Vision Statement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Implement programme decisions and policies as directed by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
2. Provide senior management oversight of the full range of NNEC programmes and services.
3. Prepare and provide regular progress reports for the Executive Director and as requested for the Board of Directors.
4. Help ensure that NNEC programmes and services are delivered in a safe, healthy, and culturally appropriate environment.
5. Provide exceptional leadership across the organisation.
6. Direct and supervise designated professional and administration staff as per the NNEC Organizational Chart.
7. Identify, monitor and implement professional training and development for all NNEC staff and departments.
8. Monitor programme expenditures on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and budgets. Prepare reports on programme fiscal requirements as/when requested.
9. Work with the REA to develop proposals for NNEC initiatives and education departments as required.
10. Build and maintain a strong level of personal and professional trust and respect within NNEC, the Board of Directors and communities served.
11. Work closely with all NNEC leadership to ensure efforts are coordinated and organisational goals are achieved.
12. Ensure that First Nation culture is infused in all aspects of NNEC programme and services.
13. Provide ongoing and effective supervision of Programme Supervisors, Managers and Staff.
14. Lead, design, and oversee research projects that support NNEC goals and initiatives.
15. Identify programme areas that need improvement and help to develop innovative solutions to rectify this.
16. Provide oversight to Human Resources to ensure qualified staff is in place for all programmes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Degree in Business Administration/Business Management/Human Resources Diploma or the equivalent of 7 – 10 years experience in a leadership role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proficiency in developing written communications and the delivery of oral presentations.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making skills are essential.
• Must have strong analytical, strategic thinking, conflict resolution and inclusive leadership skills.
• Ability to perform well under pressure, and manage multiple projects/teams effectively.
• Knowledge of First Nation education issues, challenges and delivery models would be an asset.
• A sensitivity to and understanding of First Nations culture, lifestyles and traditions.
• Proven team leadership and development and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Willing to travel as needed.
• A respectful, professional, cooperative attitude when working with fellow staff, First Nations and the public.
• Fluency in Oji‑Cree, Ojibwe or Cree an asset.

SALARY

Based on Education and Experience.

CLOSING DATE

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 4 p.m.

NNEC thanks all applicants in advance; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. NNEC requires a Criminal Record Check and/or a Vulnerable Sector Check for all positions.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and three references (with written permission for NNEC to contact) to Human Resources, NNEC Head Office, fax [phone] or by email to [e-mail].