Job Opening: Executive Director for First Nations National Guardians Network
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to the Recruitment Committee at info@ilinationhood.ca by 11:59 PM PT September 1, 2022.
WHO WE ARE
The First Nations National Guardians Network (NGN) is a nascent organisation governed by a Network Council whose main purpose is to implement the strategic goals and objectives of the Network, to enable the Council to fulfil its governance functions and provide direction and leadership for the achievement of the Network's mandate, mission, strategy, and its annual goals and objectives. In pursuit of supporting Indigenous-led conservation and sovereignty within a Nation, the Network will, in alignment with Indigenous values: build on the successes of new and existing Guardian initiatives; provide consistent funding through the flow of funds from the federal government to First Nations Guardians programs; provide networking opportunities, training and knowledge transfer activities; and explore long-term financing options for the Network and First Nations Guardians initiatives.
Our mission is to be the network for exchange and sharing between First Nation Guardians and their Nations on issues of stewardship and land and waterscape management, and to be a conduit for reliable, predictable funding for those purposes.
WHERE WE ARE
As a national organization, our team works remotely across many territories. Work will occur virtually and in-person, therefore travel is anticipated. The candidate will be expected to be able to travel often to Ottawa, Ontario.
WHAT’S NEEDED
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the leadership, overall management, and operations of the organization according to the strategic direction and policies set by the Network Council. This includes: reporting requirements, hiring, managing and delegating to the Financial Administrator and Operations Coordinator, working with federal government and other funding partners on the development of the Network in its inaugural year.
The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of organizational development, financial management, negotiation and management of federal contribution agreements and Guardian programs with the ability to ensure long-term sustainability of the Network. Reporting to the Network Council, this is a contract position with a competitive rate (commensurate with qualifications and experience) and the opportunity to work remotely, with some travel required. Specific employment conditions will be negotiated at the time of hiring. When NGN is fully established within the next seven months, the Executive Director role will become a full-time, permanent, salaried position within the organization.
Preference will be given to First Nations peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify in their cover letter.
Responsibilities
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEVEL OF AUTHORITY
The Network Council delegates responsibility and authority for management functions to the ED to act on the Council's behalf to:
Manage and make decisions on the day-to-day operations of the Network;
Recruit, hire, supervise, and develop competent employees, and release incompetent employees;
Assist and advise the Council on the operation of the Network;
Implement all policies adopted by the Council;
Recommend appropriate policy amendments for the Council’s attention.
The ED is responsible for ensuring that the organization is operated in compliance with First Nations seven teachings and ethical standards, Environment and Climate Change Canada contribution agreement, the Not-for-profit Corporations Act, the Employment Standards Act, and other mandated legislative requirements. The ED is responsible for making decisions regarding the strategic and operational needs for employees, programs, and their execution.
PRIORITY FUNCTIONS
Support the Council through open and frequent communication;
Responsible for the Network’s organizational development and day-to-day administration and operations;
Preparation with the input of the Network Council the initial strategic and operational plan for the Network;
Ensure the effective management of human resources directly related to hiring, salaries, supervision, evaluations, disciplinary action, and dismissal of all employees;
Prepare timely reports for communicating to the Council and its partners as well as all other governing agencies (e.g., Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), First Nations-Federal Joint Working Group on Guardians (JWG));
Specific Duties and Requirements
The job duties and responsibilities for the Executive Director include but are not limited to the following and any other duties delegated by the Council:
VISION, LEADERSHIP, DIRECTION AND MANAGEMENT
The successful candidate will have the ability to:
Coordinate input from First Nations Guardians through outreach and engagement;
Attend and possibly host Network events;
Work in collaboration with employees, First Nations, and funding partners to accomplish the objectives of the First Nations National Guardians Network;
Encourage team building by facilitating open communication and positive working relationships with employees;
Administer and direct the complete day-to-day operations of the Network;
Direct the employees’ implementation of policies and procedures;
Directly oversee all employees to ensure everyone can work effectively as individuals and as a team to meet the goals of the Network;
Oversee budgetary expenditures of $10-$30M;
Ensure all fiscal responsibilities and reports are completed in a timely manner;
Create, implement and oversee communications programs, both internal and external, that effectively describe and promote the organization, its mission, its objectives and outcomes - including speaking with media, donors, potential donors and Network members;
Ensure that the operation of the Network meets the expectations of First Nations Guardians initiatives managers and the Network Council.
NETWORK COUNCIL RELATIONS
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work with the Council by:
Planning and preparing meeting structure and information for Council meetings in coordination with the Council chair and attending Council meetings;
Ensuring agendas, briefing notes, minutes and reports are complete and distributed;
Identifying and informing the Council of any internal or external issues that affect the Network;
Informing the board of staff changes, donor details, successful campaign details, and areas where the staff identifies that help is needed;
Providing reports on the operations of the Network for all Council meetings;
Acting as a professional advisor to the Council on all aspects of the Network’s activities and responsibilities;
Conducting official correspondence on behalf of the Council as appropriate and jointly with the Council when appropriate;
Supporting board development and recruitment as needed;
Implementing policies and decisions on behalf of the Council.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:
Determine staffing needs based on the Network's personnel policies approved by the Council;
Oversee the creation and implementation of the Network's Human Resources and organizational policies, procedures, and practices, including ensuring accurate job descriptions for all employees;
Be responsible for and ensure that the Network's recruitment, interview and selection policies and procedures are followed;
Ensure that all hiring procedures and practices are compliant with the current Human Rights and Employment Standards Legislation in appropriate jurisdictions;
Establish and administer employee salaries, based on the Network's personnel policy, guidelines, industry standards, and budget;
Inform the Council of any gaps in the hiring process and work with the Council to amend or create a hiring protocol;
Ensure that all newly hired employees complete all paperwork and receive an orientation and any required training before employment with the Network;
Monitor and evaluate new employees before the completion of their probationary period, as per Network policies.
MANAGEMENT OF EMPLOYEES
The successful candidate will have the ability to:
Manage the physical office;
Ensure employees have the appropriate technological tools to do their work and ensure proper policies are in place related to the operation and maintenance of the technology;
Maintain accurate and up to date employee records in a safe, confidential manner;
Ensure that all employees sign-off on key policies annually;
Delegate responsibilities to employees;
Implement a performance management process for all employees, including an annual performance review;
Train, coach, and mentor employees as appropriate to improve performance;
Set clear, results-oriented goals with realistic and measurable outcomes;
Address performance issues and concerns and discipline employees when required;
Resolve employee-related issues or problems as they arise;
Facilitate conflict resolution and complaint procedures regarding employees and clients;
Maintain appropriate documentation and records of all evaluations, disciplinary and coaching /mentoring discussions;
Conduct staff meetings throughout the year;
Document all staff meetings and training workshops provided by the Network.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The successful candidate has the ability to:
Oversee the financial viability of the Network through budget management and balancing revenue and expenditures;
Oversee the Financial Officer’s management of accounts receivable and accounts payable;
Formulate the annual operating budget with the Financial Officer to submit to the Council for approval;
Implement the Council’s policies for the allocation and distribution of resources;
Purchase services and supplies as needed within the budget guidelines;
Ensure accurate financial records, including accounts payable, fee statements, receipts, petty cash, bank statements, and bank deposits are maintained by the Financial Officer;
Complete all financial documentation required by funding bodies.
STRATEGIC AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH FUNDERS AND SUPPORTIVE ORGANIZATIONS
The successful Executive Director will have the ability to maintain or develop relationships with supportive Indigenous organizations, funders and potential funders and secure support or funds for the Network and First Nations Guardians initiatives. These include, but are not limited to:
First Nations governments, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI);
ECCC and other relevant federal departments;
Provincial and territorial governments;
Develop relations with other potential partners, including philanthropy and industry;
Participate in networking and community relations activities on behalf of the Network;
Promote community awareness of the Network.
Qualifications
A combination of:
Formal qualifications in business management/administration with experience in organizational development;
Experience developing and managing a Guardian initiative or regional network;
At least five years of demonstrated senior management experience, including personnel, project, and financial management; CEO/Executive Director experience preferred;
Highly developed leadership and planning skills;
A high level of analytical skills;
Experience working with First Nations peoples and in First Nations;
Ability to communicate effectively in English is required, verbally and in writing;
Ability to communicate effectively in French is preferred, verbally and writing;
Ability to communicate in a First Nation language is a strong asset;
Ability to perform under pressure;
Experience presenting to boards and councils;
Experience working with complex budgets;
Able to create and present business cases;
Experience working on land, ice or water;
Demonstrated experience with the raising of external funding;
Demonstrated experience with the development of policy and the provision of policy advice;
A highly motivated self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently;
Demonstrated effective communication, networking and coordination skills;
High level of interpersonal skills and cultural awareness;
Demonstrated ability to operate and represent effectively at national, regional and international levels.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to the Recruitment Committee at info@ilinationhood.ca by 11:59 PM PT September 1, 2022.
