Director of Lands and Resources

Position Title: Director of Lands and Resources

Department: Lands and Resources

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Inuvik, Head Office

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date: December 12, 2025

PURPOSE

The Director, Lands & Resources is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance direction, and oversight of the Lands & Resources Department. The Director ensures that all departmental activities align with the GTC's mandate, the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), the Gwich'in Land Use Plan and the vision of "Gwich'in Land, Culture and Economy for a Better Future." The Director's primary role is to guide the strategic development of the department, planning of new programs and services. The Director will oversee the Senior Manager, coordinate high-level intergovernmental relations, support GTC Leadership in decision-making, and ensure alignment with Gwich'in priorities, including and environmental stewardship values.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development of a five-year strategic plan, ensuring alignment with Gwich'in priorities, governance commitments, and resource management objectives.
• Establish and implement the department's policy framework, collaborating with the Grand Chief and CEO.
• Provide expertise on land, water, and resource management policies affecting the Gwich'in Settlement Region (GSR) and Gwich'in Settlement Area (GSA).
• Develop and execute annual operational plans and budgets to ensure organizational goals are met effectively.
• Supervise and mentor Senior Managers, ensuring clear work plans, resource allocation, and community engagement efforts.
• Oversee financial management, ensuring departmental expenditures align with budgets and strategic goals.
• Develop metrics to track the effectiveness of programs and ensure continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to GTC policies and the GCLCA framework in all departmental activities.
• Facilitate dialogue with DGO Presidents, Gwich'in Councils, and Renewable Resource Councils (RRCs) on strategic land and resource matters.
• Develop and implement land use policies, climate change strategies, and GTC Land Control Guidelines to support sustainable development.
• Oversee legal interpretations related to agreements, ensuring alignment with Gwich'in rights.
• Lead discussions and negotiations that impact the GSR, ensuring Gwich'in interests are prioritized.
• Prepare comprehensive briefings for the Grand Chief, Board of Directors, and CEO to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Approve reports, briefing notes, and presentations that contribute to regulatory oversight and governance transparency.
• Ensure accurate documentation for legal and operational continuity.
• Conduct structured evaluations of departmental operations, adjusting strategies accordingly.
• Guide the strategic communication of GTC's positions in external regulatory bodies (e.g., GLWB, GRRB, MVEIRB).
• Ensure appointed representatives receive clear directives to uphold Gwich'in rights and interests.
• Adherence to all local, national, and international regulations governing operations, including data protection, privacy laws, and sector-specific requirements.
• Implementation of structured legal review mechanisms to assess contracts, policies, and practices for compliance with current legislation.
• Proactive identification and mitigation of legal and regulatory risks through audits, reporting, and expert consultation.
• Maintenance of accurate records to demonstrate compliance and support regulatory inquiries.
• Engagement with regulatory bodies, legal counsel, and other key stakeholders to stay informed of evolving requirements and ensure transparency in compliance efforts.
• Support the establishment and expansion of the Gwich'in Guardian Program, fostering community leadership in land and resource stewardship.
• Oversee the creation of new stewardship initiatives, integrating traditional knowledge and scientific research to sustain Gwich'in lands, waters, and resources.
• Strengthening collaboration with Gwich'in communities through consultations and outreach programs.
• Building partnerships with environmental organizations and government agencies to support land and resource initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of research programs focused on land conservation, sustainable resource management, and ecological protection.
• Ensure strategic alignment between stewardship programs and broader environmental policies affecting the Gwich'in Settlement Region.
• Support local capacity-building, enabling community members
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A post-secondary and/or university degree in a related discipline such as law, public policy, business administration, environmental management/science, social sciences. A Graduate Degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Ten to fifteen years of relevant experience working within lands, resources management or regulatory agencies, including in senior leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of environmental and regulatory processes in the NWT and Canada.
• Knowledge of traditional land use and Gwich'in cultural values is a strong asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.
• Proficiency in GIS, data management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license.
• Willingness to travel within the
• Gwich'in Settlement Region and occasionally beyond.
• Additional duties as assigned.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.