Program Assistant

Southern Chiefs’ Organization; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A First Nation organization in Winnipeg seeks a Program Assistant to provide administrative support for the Community Safety and Policing Program. The role involves coordinating travel, maintaining calendars, and supporting event planning. Ideal candidates should possess a relevant certificate and have at least two years of administrative experience, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Office proficiency and understanding of First Nation culture are valuable assets. Offers a competitive wage between $45,000 and $55,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related work experience in an administrative role.
• Self-directed with the ability to exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy for data entry.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates staff and stakeholder travel and prepares itineraries.
• Provides administrative support to the Justice and Community Safety teams.
• Maintains calendar of events and distributes key information.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Effective verbal communication

Effective written communication

Problem-solving skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Certificate or diploma in Office Management or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

Job description

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty‑making process.

Overview

Reporting to the Director of Community Safety and Policing, the Program Assistant provides essential daily administrative assistance to the Community Safety and Policing Program and Justice Program teams. This role requires organizational skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of administrative duties to ensure smooth operations and support for program initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinates staff and stakeholder travel when required, including preparing travel itineraries, registrations, and travel claims.
• Provides administrative and organizational management support to the Justice team and the Community Safety and Policing team.
• Maintains calendar of events and distributes key information to the Justice and Community Safety and Policing teams.
• Drafts memos, takes minutes, and drafts briefing notes and letters as requested.
• Coordinates meetings for the management team.
• Assists in planning and scheduling strategic and special events.
• Organizes attendance at key community events including Chiefs‑In‑Summits, dinners, galas, conferences, and training events.
• Ensures all materials are prepared prior to event days such as presentations, meetings, and gatherings.
• Prepares and submits accounts payable documents, expense claims, and other financial accountability requirements.
• Ensures financial accountability processes are complete and corporate finance deadlines are met, including documentation to support credit card expenses.

Education and Qualifications

• Certificate or diploma in Office Management, Business Administration, or a related program.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ related work experience in an administrative role.
• Self‑directed with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make role‑related decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy for data entry and document preparation.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment, computers, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Teams), and Windows operating systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and manage competing deadlines.
• Effective written communication skills with experience drafting correspondence or other communications.
• Effective verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to professionally interact with Chiefs, Councilors, elected officials, senior staff, and community members.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills and cultural sensitivity, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise discretion when dealing with confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to speak Anishinaabe or Dakota languages an asset.

Other Requirements

• Must provide a current and satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector search.
• Must hold a valid class 5 MB driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle for business travel.

Wage Range

 $45,000 – $55,000 Annually

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources
Southern Chiefs’ Organization
202‑600 Empress Street
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5
Fax: (204) 946‑1871 | [e-mail]

Additional Information

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self‑identify in your cover letter.
Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.
Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.
Testing may form part of the selection process.
An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.