Chief Administrative Officer

**About kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation**

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation are a distinct BC First Nation whose traditional territory centers on the Coquitlam River Watershed and the surrounding areas. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm draw our name “Red Fish Up the River” from a run of sockeye salmon that once flourished in the Coquitlam River and Coquitlam Lake prior to the construction of the Coquitlam Dam. Our name reflects the strong connection our people have always had to our lands, and the river and lake at the heart of our traditional territory. The traditional language of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm people is hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. Our people descended from Elders who were renowned as spirit and winter dancers, skilled canoe builders and master sturgeon and salmon fishers. The Nation is committed to building a strong, self-governing Nation which honors our rich culture, language and history and is based on ancient Coast Salish laws and protocols. Today, as in the past, we are guided by our teachings of our ancestors to be stewards and guardians of our lands and water for past, present, and future generations.

**ORGANIZATION SUMMARY**
The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation (KFN) Government Administration and its employees are committed to working together as one to build capacity, and operate as a transparent, accountable, effective, sustainable government for the benefit of current and future generations, in accordance with our shared values.

**JOB SUMMARY**
Reporting directly to The KFN Chief and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (the CAO) is responsible for the direct supervision of all day-to-day operations for the Government Administration staff in five functional areas (Lands & Resources, Lands & Taxation, Community Services - health/education/public works/housing/emergency management, Finance and Administration). The Chief Administrative Officer will be responsible for overall planning and conflict resolution, while acting as a liaison between the KFN Membership, staff, and Chief and Council.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- **Council**_
- Prepare meeting materials for and participate in council meetings.
- Implement council decisions.
- Administer Nation elections.
- **Community Relations**_
- Keep community members informed and up to date on issues and activities.
- Develop working relationships with community.
- Develop and maintain community relationships with a variety of stakeholders and provide support for cultural and community initiatives.
- **Practical Reserve Issues**_
- Ensure reserve maintenance runs effectively (e.g., roads, trees trimmed, etc.).
- Oversee use and access of community facilities and assets.
- Oversee capital projects.
- Maintain Systems maintenance (office systems).
- Ensure emergency services run effectively.
- Lead dispute resolution process.
- Be present and supportive at community functions.
- Lead in any damage control and resolution of any crisis events.
- Enforce bylaws.
- Be on call as required.
- Provide advocacy for issues.
- Plan and Strategize ongoing and future economic development
- Perform any other related duties that may arise from time to time and as required by the Chief and Council of the KFN.
- **Government Relations**_
- Assist with external relations and external stakeholder management and protocols.
- Develop work relationship with other governments.
- **Policy**_
- Ensure policy compliance across all departments
- Develop, update, implement and draft policies and bylaws for The KFN Chief and Council.
- Identify and address any potential legal liability.
- Become well versed with all existing KFN policies, and make recommendations where appropriate.
- Interpret applicable legislation (Indian Act, Labour Code, PIPEDA, etc.).
- **Staff**_
- Have responsibility for operational and management planning, budgeting, implementing the Band’s Strategic Plan and directing human resources and financial planning.
- Act as liaison between administration and Council and serve in an advisory role to the KFN Chief and Council on all aspects of the organizations activities.
- Ensure staff follows standard practice instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Hold regular one-on-one meetings with Department Managers/Directors, to provide coaching and goal setting opportunities.
- Hold regular staff and manager meetings.
- Ensure the organization has a safe, healthy and discrimination free workplace.
- Manage any grievances and appeals as they arise.
- **Planning**_
- Ensure tools/policies are in place to support effective administration and management.
- Participate in an oversight role in the ongoing and inclusive community planning process as established within the Nation, which includes the following components:

- o Strategic Plan
- o Operations and business
- o Land use and economic development
- o Social and education
- o Resources
- o Public works and emergency services
- Sets, recommends, and follows through with the delivery of management goals and obje