Chief Administrative Officer

On behalf of our client, Chawathil First Nation, located along the mountain setting in the Fraser Valley region near Hope B.C, we are searching for a Chief Administration Officer who will be a vital contributing member of the executive leadership team. Chawathil's natural resources in the territory have sustained the people and way of life for centuries and they thrive on a communal lifestyle that respects the wisdom of the Knowledge Holders and elders. The Chawathil are Sto:lo people or “river people” who depend upon the river and land for their survival and livelihood. The Sto:lo share a common language known as Halq’emeylem (Hal-ko-me-lem), of the Coast Salish language family. The people moved throughout the territory using the resources and land provided for fishing, hunting, and gathering, to maintain their livelihood. Today, the Chawathil people still use these resources for economic and traditional purposes.

Reporting directly to the Chief and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer plays a vital role by overseeing, managing, and administering staff and facilities. The CAO is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of all band programs and services, with a focus on meeting the needs of Band Members in a reasonable, effective, and efficient manner. The CAO leads the senior management team, guiding them in providing successful service delivery while adhering to the Chawathil Financial Administration Law operations. With a commitment to respect and responsibility, the CAO ensures that all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, thereby making decisions and taking actions that align with these guidelines.

**Key Accountabilities**:
The CAO will lead the day-to-day operational leadership and direction in developing and executing the community plan. Responsible for planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of the overall management to ensure successful service delivery within the required framework and operations are conducted in a responsible and ethical way. The CAO also acts as a liaison between other government agencies and departments (particularly that of Indigenous Services Canada), private industry, and any other individuals, groups, or agencies operating in the community.

**Responsibilities**
- Strategic and Operational Planning_
- As directed by Council, lead the coordination and development of comprehensive plans such as but not limited to a resource plan, strategic plan, comprehensive community plan, land use and economic development plan among others.
- Lead implementation of Council’s vision and direction through oversight and management of staff, assets, and finances.
- Work collaboratively with management to develop operational plans aligned with Council’s vision and direction and monitor progress of activities.
- Assess risks and develop appropriate management and mitigation plans.
- Financial Management_
- Oversee and supervise all financial operations of the Nation including budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, end-period reporting, purchasing, and payroll.
- Provide leadership and advice to Chief and Council in the management of financial affairs of CFN and its entities.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all budget and funding requirements, applicable government financial legislation and policies, as well as all CFN financial policies and procedures.
- Be familiar with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) and Public Sector Accounting Standards.
- Ensure the review of all financial statements and reports are completed in an accurate, complete, and timely manner and present reports to the Council.
- Establish and ensure internal financial controls are in place to mitigate risk.
- Monitor purchasing, tendering, and other financial transactions for the Nation.
- Ensure reporting to funding programs is completed and fulfils requirements.
- Ensure program funds are expended appropriately.
- Program and Service Delivery_
- Oversee operations by providing direction and administrative support to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of ongoing operations.
- Develop needs assessments and evaluation criteria to help identify and measure the effectiveness of programs and program delivery, including community needs assessments as required.
- Oversee program set up and service delivery in consultation with program managers.
- Develop, implement, and enforce relevant legislation, policies and procedures as directed by Chief and Council and in collaboration with Program Management.
- Manage agreements, reporting requirements and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Interpret and research policy needs, applicable legislation, regulation, and agreements.
- Coordinate and delegate research and requests for potential funding, programs and projects as required.
- Relationship Management_
- Maintain an open, equitable and service-oriented relationship between the com