Executive Director

Position Summary:

Under the strategic direction and guidance of the Chief and Council, the Executive Director, provides leadership in strategic planning, advises on policy, implements work plans, and provides the link between Council and the administrative arm of the Seabird Island Band. This position will provide essential leadership, direction, and guidance to the program directors for the overall administration of the Seabird Island Band in accordance with the Seabird Island Governance, Comprehensive Sustainable Community Plan and Annual Strategic Plan.

The Executive Director is responsible for the efficient management of all programs and departments, setting goals and measuring the achievement of the organization's objectives. As a skilled administrator who is a positive role model, the Executive Director works with the governing body to focus on establishing effective working relationships with community groups, funding agencies, and other external contacts. The Executive Director oversees the mandates for each director which is derived from the strategic direction given by Council. The Executive Director ensures the efficient financial management of the organization through negotiations, applications for grant funding and fiscal restraint. The Executive Director leads a multi-faceted team of employees who are tasked with finance, administration, lands, title, health, community development, resource management, public works, information technology, skills development, education, and other specialties.

Additionally, the Executive Director plays a strong role in increasing the capacity of all associated organizations, providing advice, guidance, and resources to support their operations.

What you bring:

Education:
• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field.

Skills and Experience:

Five to seven years of progressively responsible program management experience preferably In the First Nations Band Management sector, social service sector, or with First Nations finance sector, supplemented by business/management experience. Knowledge of financial and reporting requirements for Federal, Provincial and other funding agencies. Knowledge and experience in financial management, governance procedures, public works, health programs and the First Nations Lands process. Knowledge of contract law. Knowledge of legislation on Labour Code. Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Knowledge of Privacy, Human Rights, and Employment Law. Ability to work independently and to be self-directing and self-motivated. Ability to build effective interpersonal relationships from the community level to senior government levels. Ability to work collaboratively with the leadership team in the establishment of goals, and preparation of budgets and funding proposals. Ability to see the big picture and think strategically. Proficiency in the use of computer programs for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, email, and the internet, to the intermediate level (capable of using a large number of functions and feeling confident using the program). Ability to manage conflict and manage change. Ability to self-regulate, meet deadlines, and have attention to detail. Understanding of First Nations values, culture, history, communities, and traditional territories. Strong knowledge of governance. Ability to build capacity for staff, governing body, and affiliated organizations.

Requirements:

Proficient computer skills with the Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). Proficient interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills. Ability to agree as well as adhere to Seabird Island Band Human Resources (HR), Financial Administration Law, Land Code, and Information Technology (IT) Policies and Procedures, etc. Knowledge, respect and understanding of Stó:lō culture, traditions and language or willingness to learn. Experience working with First Nations community is considered an asset. Valid BC Driver’s License with a clean Driver’s Abstract within the last 5 years. Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

What you’ll do:

Leadership:

Supervises the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of Seabird Island, including all department heads and programs. Provides leadership to the department heads in establishing program and individual expectations; regularly reviews performance of staff. Addresses performance issues and acts as coach and mentor to develop Directors; follows progressive disciplinary process as required. Identifies, assesses, and informs the governing body of serious issues (potential terminations, confidentiality breaches, conflict of interest and fraud as examples) as they may arise as well as providing routine updates on activities. Provides advice, guidance, and resources, playing a strong role in the development of skills and increasing capacity of all Seabird Island Directors. Identifies and partners with a variety of organizations to formulate joint special projects which would enhance the delivery of existing programs and services to First Nations communities. Provides guidance and direction to department Directors and Communications division to develop a communication strategy for public awareness of programs and events. Raises the profile of the organization by engaging in public relations, networking, and advocacy activities.

Governance:

Coordinates the development of a vision and strategic plan with the Chief and Council. Develops and participates on committees that help further the organizations capacities and move Seabird Island further in the objective of self-government. Facilitates the orientation and training of the incoming Chief and Council, to help them learn their roles and responsibilities as Band Councilors. May be called on to act as the organization's spokesperson, making presentations to government, media, affiliated organizations, etc. Oversees development of a communication strategy for public awareness of programs and events to enable Chief and Council to speak “as one".

Operations:

Coordinates the development of a vision and strategic plan with the Chief and Council. Develops an operational plan for the organization's strategic direction, relays this through regular staff communications and by setting goals and monitoring progress with each department Director. Oversees the development of a solid training plan designed to increase capacity of all employees, leading to the ability to have an internal succession plan. Oversees the development and establishment of policies and procedures for the organization; regularly reviews and updates these to meet legislative and operational changes. Works with Directors to manage the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services. Ensures legal compliance in all areas of operations; creates a safe and healthy work environment and ensures compliance with all financial legislation. Ensures that systems and checks exist for the security of facilities and equipment; works with team to create recovery plans for possible disaster scenarios. Facilitates the ongoing development of Emergency Preparedness programs.

Administration:

Oversees the general management of the organization's financial affairs ensuring the establishment and review of internal financial controls to ensure effective financial and fiscal management. Oversees the preparation of a comprehensive annual budget with the senior management team to provide the basis of stable financial management. Ensures budgets are approved and adhered to, in addition to reviewing cash flow and providing regular reports to the Chief and Council. Provides input for the audit process and takes action to implement recommendations into the organization's operations. Ensures systems are in place to monitor purchasing, tendering and other financial transactions. Ensures regular reporting requirements are met to governing bodies and appropriate agencies by providing oversight to Finance and department Directors. Collaborates with the Strategic Advisor on funding proposal process and rollout of Strategic Plans with departments. Writes official correspondence on behalf of the Seabird Island as required. Acts as a signing officer and oversight for approval of all expenditures. Coordinates regular meetings with Chief and Council to involve key stakeholders in various projects, ensuring follow up of particular action items and documenting Issues and progress. Other duties as assigned or required.

Other:

Travel to other related organization locations will be required. May need to respond to after-hours or emergency calls. Required to work some non-standard hours to attend meetings or events, overtime is required. Receives minimal supervision with occasional direction and few checks of the work performed. Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by Chief & Council.

Reports to: Chief and Council

Director Reports:

Directors Department Manager of Culture and Community Services Human Resources Manager Executive Assistant

About us:

Seabird Island multifaceted First Nations organization that includes government, business, service and non-profit. We exist to promote a healthier, self-sufficient, self-governing, unified, and educated community. Located in Agassiz BC, our team of 340+ staff provide services to 18,000+ clients in our neighboring communities. We provide services that include Daycare, Preschool, Out of School Care, Child Development, Maternal Child Health, Midwifery, Doctors Office, Dental Office, Family Development, Optometry, Nursing, Home and Community Care, Family Development, Counselling, Youth Activities, Community Services, Culture, Recreation, K4 to Grade 12 School, Public Works, Facilities, Custodial, Sanitation, as well as government, financial and administrative operations.

Benefits and perks 

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process. 

Extended health and dental benefits, Accrued vacation and sick time, Pension plan with matching employer contributions, Access to internal training programs, professional development and skill enhancement, Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team Casual dress code.

Pre-employment screening

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policies, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights code, preference may be given to Applicants of Indigenous, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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