Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the Haida Nation stands as a beacon of cultural resilience and environmental stewardship. For centuries, the Haida People have thrived on the rugged shores of Haida Gwaii, preserving their rich heritage through art, storytelling, and traditional practices. Guided by principles of respect, reciprocity, and community, the Haida People are ambassadors for Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and environmental harmony. Today, the Haida Nation continues to honour its past while forging a path towards a sustainable future.
In support of continued growth and prosperity, the Council of the Haida Nation is recruiting an Executive Director to passionately guide implementation of its vision. Reporting to the Secretariat of the Haida Nation (SHN) Board Chair, the Executive Director leads administrative functions, ensures seamless program delivery, and provides strategic guidance at both Board and staff levels. This role oversees planning, project management, financial administration, and engagement initiatives while championing organizational culture and compliance. The Executive Director allocates resources across departments such as Governance, Communications, Finance, Lands, and Marine to achieve goals, lead daily operations, and ensure adherence to legislation and procedures. This role ensures cultural protocols are integrated into all activities, and the Executive Director will also be a key player in navigating organizational transition with wisdom and sound judgment.
The Executive Director must be ready to lead with purpose, drive change, and make a lasting positive impact on the Haida Nation!
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic and Operational Planning
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of organizational strategic and operational plans under SHN direction.
- Develop and evaluate change initiatives aligned with strategic objectives to facilitate organizational growth.
- Assess change readiness and create strategies to mitigate resistance and maximize adoption for change initiatives.
- Advise the SHN on internal and external issues and implement recommendations for operational improvement.
- Coordinate the development, maintenance, and updates of policies, procedures, and bylaws for review and approval.
- Ensure compliance with cultural protocols, legislation, policies, and procedures, while supporting the mandate of the Council of the Haida Nation and its Constitution.
Financial Management
- Lead financial operations oversight, supporting the Chief Financial Officer in developing and managing annual operating and capital budgets.
- Provide strategic financial leadership and advice to the SHN in the management of the Haida Nation and its entities.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all budget and funding requirements, applicable government financial legislation and policies, as well as all SHN financial policies and procedures.
- Ensure the timely and accurate review of all financial statements and reports.
- Ensure establishment of internal financial controls, appropriate program budget expenditure and monitoring of financial transactions.
Program and Service Delivery Management
- Oversee program and service delivery in collaboration with departmental management.
- Assist to identify and oversee the development of new revenue streams.
- Coordinate research and requests for potential funding, programs and projects as required.
Relationship Management
- Engage with citizens during CHN Seasonal Sessions and House of Assemblies to provide updates and collect feedback on programs, services, and initiatives.
- Build positive partnerships with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations.
- Facilitate administrative and financial collaborations between the CHN and affiliated Haida Band Councils as they arise.
Council Governance and Administration
- Manage official correspondence and agreements on behalf of the SHN.
- Collaborate with departmental leadership to create clear and concise organizational briefings and reports.
- Attend all SHN Board meetings and coordinate the preparation of agendas, information, and resources.
- Serve as the liaison between the SHN, its entities, and staff, representing the organization at local, regional, provincial, and national meetings as required.
People Management
- Manage day-to-day operations, including staff performance and coordination, adhering to organizational standards.
- Lead recruitment, coaching, development, and mentorship of staff, fostering openness, flexibility, and resilience.
- Collaborate with departmental leadership to provide guidance and monitor staff performance, implementing corrective action as needed.
- Cultivate a positive and cohesive work environment aligned with Haida Nation’s culture and values, ensuring compliance with HR legislation.
Skills and Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of First Nations administration and self-government issues, legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Proven ability to effectively manage resources, including people, materials, assets, and finances.
- Demonstrated leadership in motivating and empowering team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Proficiency in change management methodologies, leading complex organizational transformations with positive outcomes.
- Strong financial and operational management skills, including knowledge of public sector accounting standards (PSAS).
- Ability to establish strong, respectful working relationships internally and externally.
- Strong judgment and conflict management abilities.
- Influential verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver reports, policies, and documents.
- Dedication to the role and the Haida Nation community.
- Proficiency in cross-cultural leadership, adapting to Haida cultural protocols with cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Experience and Education Requirements:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Aboriginal Studies or a related field is required.
- An equivalent combination of relevant post-secondary education, training and substantial experience may also be considered.
- A Master’s Degree in a related field and/or certification in Financial Management, Business Administration or relevant certification is considered an asset.
- A minimum of 5 years of related experience, ideally in a management role for an Indigenous organization with responsibility for financial management, new initiative planning and implementation, project and change management, human resources management, program management, delivery and evaluation, policy development and implementation.
- A demonstrated record of successfully building effective relationships with community members and external participants.
Other Requirements:
- Professional appearance and communication.
- A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and the ability to travel both within and outside of Haida Gwaii when required.
- Must review and follow all policies and procedures and be able to demonstrate, influence and provide direction to staff on policy interpretation.
- Ability to successfully and periodically undergo an appropriate criminal records review, credit and police record check is required.
Salary and Benefits Information:
- Salary: $122,067.40 – $129,838.80 per year
- Benefits package includes:
- Long-Term Disability (LTD)
- Short-Term Disability (STD)
- Extended Health Care
- Vision and Dental Care
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Pension Plan with Matching Contributions
All interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume outlining how you meet these qualifications to the c/o: MNP at applyvia@mnp.ca. Please direct any technical difficulties with submission of your application to the same email.
Closing Date: Until filled.
Qualified internal applicants who submit their applications by the end of the day (4:30 p.m.) within the first five business days will receive priority consideration. Applications are assessed against the qualifications as they are received therefore early application is recommended.
Preference will be given to Haida citizens, followed by residents of Haida Gwaii, in the hiring process. Applications will only be considered from those eligible to work in Canada. All applicants who require a work permit or sponsorship for employment in Canada will not be considered.
Candidates who meet the above criteria will be contacted for an interview. Proof of certifications will be required prior to employment.
