Executive Director

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the effective leadership and management of ICCE according to the strategic directions set by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will direct and be accountable for overall operations, meeting legislative requirements, budgets, capital assets and overall programming and services of ICCE. Working with the Board and staff, the Executive Director plans, develops and implements policies, programs, strategic activities, and research to further develop ICCE.

The individual will partner with and leverage funding and capacity from academic institutions and industry, as well as other jurisdictions and organizations. The individual will collaborate with Indigenous communities and take a holistic approach in managing the Centre’s operations to ensure the priorities of Indigenous communities are reflected in its activities. The individual will also help build the scientific, technical and management capacity of communities for cumulative effects management and position the Centre as a central hub that can be used by Indigenous communities in this regard.

• Develop and implement strategies aimed to promote the ICCE to Indigenous communities across Canada.
• Develop and maintain relationships of trust with Indigenous communities and other partners.
• Leverage funding opportunities to ensure the continued success of the ICCE.
• Provide day-to-day management of the Centre’s operations.
• Hire, reward, discipline, terminate, and set the remuneration of, all association employees in accordance with policy and/or approved budgets.
• Identify resources requirements and needs and lead the hiring of staff as required.
• Engage with Indigenous communities and organizations to identify and recruit ICCE Board Members.
• Provide leadership in the development of the organization’s Strategic Plan, and the corresponding Annual Operating Plan, and budgets to achieve the strategic plan.
• Develop and provide appropriate policy recommendations for consideration by the board.
• Work in partnership with the Board to develop policies and plans consistent with the organization’s mandate and member expectations.
• Provide information and knowledge and advice to keep the Board informed and support Board decision making processes.
• Identifies and pursues all appropriate revenue sources and government grants.
• Assesses short- and long-term financial needs and recommends appropriate courses of actions.

1. Business Orientation: Develops plans and acts with a view to developing programs and services that will provide maximum value to members. Develops and implements services that are perceived as good value. Always maintains accountability, responsibility, and control for the ICCE’s fiscal goals. Demonstrates visible action and support of strategic activities, such as commitment of resources and development of new initiatives.
2. Leadership: Inspires and motivates individuals. Fosters a diverse and skilled team. Makes decisive and calculated decisions. Encourages open communication and conflict resolution. Engages stakeholders in planning, cultivates a workplace culture that is both inclusive and respectful, generating excitement and enthusiasm for ICCE.
3. Forward Thinking: Thinks beyond the current situation to anticipate changes that may affect the future of the ICCE and its members. Analyzes external changes by carefully monitoring social, marketplace, and economic trends with could affect the future. Thinks proactively to determine needs and identifies strategies. Creates a plan to achieve strategic outcomes. Makes rapid transitions between strategic and tactical thinking to achieve short-term and long-term outcomes.
4. Planning and Organizing: Establishes a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short and long-term work goals. Manages own time to concentrate efforts on priority projects. Allocates capital and expense budgets according to needed priorities. Thinks outside the "box" and is not bound by rigid plans. Ensures that key plans and strategies are realistic and achieve ICCE strategic outcomes.
5. Communication: Communicates in a thorough, clear, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement across the ICCE. Listens attentively to comprehend both the factual content of a message and the feeling being expressed. Fosters trust through open dialogue. Uses good group facilitation techniques to ensure that others correctly understand and interpret the message. Write succinctly and clearly. Get ideas across in writing effectively.
6. Conceptual Thinking : Thinks incisively and communicates abstract concepts effectively so that they are understood by others. Makes rapid transition between strategic and tactical thinking. Thinks beyond current mental models to shift organizational thinking. Conceptualizes what is not in current practice and clearly articulates the future directions of the ICCE. Implements a plan of action to achieve strategic outcomes.
7. Conflict Resolution: Facilitates appropriate and timely solutions to conflict. Probes to understand the real issues and underlying concerns. Displays understanding of individual needs and listens attentively to expressed concerns. Assesses the conflict situation and exercises good judgment in recommending solutions. Negotiates with individuals for mutually agreeable terms, where appropriate. Takes appropriate action in a timely manner. Follows-up on conflict situations where required.
8. Relationship Building and Collaboration: Builds positive interactions both internally and externally to achieve work related goals. Gives and gets energy from bringing people together to lead and achieve. Works proactively to develop positive relations with members and external partners. Listens attentively and communicates effectively to create an open communications environment among peers and participants. Can influence individuals in the desired direction and handles conflict effectively. Uses humour when appropriate to diffuse conflict and develop positive relationships. Invests time and energy in promoting individual and personal growth. Shares resources and information with colleagues and partners. Goes out of their way to assist colleagues to achieve their individual and organizational goals.
9. Results Oriented: The ability to manage and lead to achieve and exceed identified goals. Establishes a yearly plan to create achievements in keeping with the overall mission and strategic plan. Identifies the roles, goals, and responsibilities of individuals and teams in the achievement of results. Establishes clear measures and benchmarks for success. Creates a monitoring system to ensure results are achieved and exceeded. Solicits feedback from members, Directors, and partners on the achievement of results.
10. Self-Management : Works independently within prescribed parameters, can discern the relevance of issues and communicate them effectively to their supervisor. Works independently with minimal supervision and is disciplined in setting priorities and outcomes. Accomplishes critical tasks despite organizational obstacles, time pressures, role ambiguity, or limited resources. Identifies and assesses difficult situations and can discern the level of guidance and resource required to resolve them. Seeks guidance from peers and supervisor when appropriate. Deals with the stresses of the job and use coping techniques effectively. Understands personal shortcomings and has a strategy for managing and improving them.

Work involves exposure to both public and Indigenous communities, Chief and Council, Administrative and Members. Work is subject to deadlines and interruptions. Ability to work effectively and efficient in a flexible office environment. The work will involve some out-of-town travel. This position requires flexibility to work where and when required. It is expected that when representing ICCE, dress is appropriate for each specific target audience.

Board of Directors

• Financial and Material: approving and recommending to the Board ICCE's annual budget requirements and revenues. Accountable for the overall administration and control of the ICCE annual approved budget, including personal approval of expenditures as determined by ICCE policy.
• The direct supervision of all ICCE staff, including recruitment and selection, training, performance management, progressive, discipline, and termination.

ICCE Members, Committees, Consultants and Contractors

• Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation, and teamwork; maintains professional and ethical behavior; represents and promotes the interests of the ICCE using sound judgement and respect while following the policies of the ICCE.

Strategic Program Partner organizations.

• Maintain regular external contacts, to represent the ICCE, share expertise, contribute to, and negotiate new contracts and services, and discuss new policies and directions, with appropriate officials in the following organizations or their successors.

The ideal candidate should have substantial experience and knowledge regarding the unique rights, interests and circumstances of the First Nations, the Métis Nation and/or Inuit in Canada.

• Minimum 5-7 years proven experience as executive director or other senior management position (working in a not-for-profit environment or in the resource management sector is an asset).
• Experience in developing partnership and leading initiatives with Indigenous organizations, communities, and other relevant partners.

• Ability to work cooperatively with a Board of Directors and provide updates in a proactive manner.
• Ability to develop and manage operations, strategies, and work plans and track achievement of objectives.
• Knowledge of environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural monitoring practices, including cumulative effects monitoring.
• Familiar with Indigenous law related to resource development and environmental management.
• Knowledge of provincial, territorial, and federal environmental/impact assessment laws and land use planning regimes.
• Understanding of Indigenous Knowledge and its application in environmental and resource management.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Canada’s both official languages.

Indigenous Preference:

Persons of First Nation ancestry will be given preference (s. 16(1) CHRA). Applicants are asked to identify Indian Status in their cover letter.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.