Chief Executive Officer – Career Opportunity

Position Summary/Job Description: 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the leadership and management of all systems that support good governance and transparency in accordance with NCN's approved strategic direction as set by the Chief and Council. The CEO is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation and review of the performance measurement system of the NCN government to ensure that data is collected on the overall operations, all program activities, outputs and outcomes and addressing changes that are required to optimize operational management and performance management in key areas of policy, processes, budget allocation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluating.  

Scope of Responsibilities  

The CEO's general scope of responsibilities includes planning, developing, implementing, and overseeing all necessary performance measurement, management and administrative systems for the implementation of protocols, policy and processes, structures, communications and strategic plans to support timely, effective decision making and reporting to NCN Citizens and other relevant Stakeholders, ensuring input and participation from all key personnel in the overall governance system. The CEO will lead the Senior Management Team, which includes the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director of Human Resources, Executive Director of Operations, and Executive Director Intergovernmental Relations and Special Projects. All other entities and their Executives will report to the Co-CEOs as determined under their respective areas of responsibility. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Leadership: 

• As directed by Council, acts as a point-of-contact and professional advisor to Chief and Council and its Planning and Priorities Committee of Council.  

• Provides leadership to Chief and Council in the development of a vision and strategic plan for NCN. 

• Oversees and ensures that the design and implementation of performance measurement systems are part of the NCN government's continuous improvement process and performance measurement. 

• Oversees the design, development, implementation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of necessary management and administrative systems, policies, and procedures for the implementation of strategic directions set by Chief and Council. 

• At the direction of Council, acts as lead for the Senior Management Team and in so doing, oversees that annual planning process, and consolidation of program budgets for timely Council reviews and approvals. 

• Oversees the planning and management of all NCN government departments to ensure that the chain of command, authorizations and delegated responsibilities are clearly communication the appropriate authorities. 

• Works closely with the Senior Management Team to prepare and coordinate timely briefing notes that identify, assess, inform, and advise Chief and Council on internal and external matters/issues affecting and/or impacting NCN, positively or negatively. 

• Ensures that a culturally appropriate and result-based framework is in place to guide the collection, analysis, monitoring, reporting, and dissemination of timely information to inform NVN government decision making processes at all levels. 

• Acts as liaison with all other levels of governments, corporation, boards, and committees within the overall public service. 

• Acts as liaisons with all other levels of governments, corporations, organizations, and businesses to advance the strategic direction of NCN and decisions of Council. 

• Represents the NCN government at community activities to enhance community relations and the NCN government profile. 

• Ensures the timely coordination and preparation of all communications to/from Council. 

• Assists council in setting agendas for all meetings, including ensuring the coordination of public notice of all Council meetings. 

• Ensures that NCN government has timely access to advisory professional resources in area such as legal, business investment, auditing, accounting, and other financial areas.  

Community Relations: 

• Communicates effectively and in a timely manner with council, other members of the Senior Management Team, advisors and stakeholders to keep them engaged and informed of the NCN government developments, strategic direction, and timely decisions and emergent issues that may impact the NCN governments, its entities, community, and relationships with internal/external bodies.  

• Ensures good working relationships and collaborative and cooperative arrangements within NCN government, community, funding agents and other organizations to help achieve the strategic directions of the NCN government. 

• Ensures that media relations and relations with other interested parties concerning NCN government matters, and Council are managed, coordinate and approves in a timely manner.  

Risk Management: 

• Ensures that policies, procedures, and communication systems are in place to manage and mitigate any risks to the NCN government, its entities, property, finances, and image.  

• Ensures that the NCN government carries the appropriate and adequate insurance coverages and legal protection. 

• Ensures that Senior Management Team work closely together to collectively manage risks of the NCN government which includes monitoring and reporting on the results of the performance measurement systems and managing the changes that are required for alignment with NCN government strategic direction and priorities.  

Ethics and Code of Conduct:  

• Acts ethically in all situations and upholds the NCN government principles of Kihche'othasowewin (Constitution/Great Law of the Creator) and Nehetho customary principles. 

• Ensures the operations are conducted in an ethical and accountable manner in accordance with Kihche'othasowewin, Nehetho laws and customary principles, other relevant laws, and policies and established NCN government strategic directions, plans, policies, and procedures.  

• Ensures that the code of conduct and ethical standards outlined in Kihche'othasowewin are implemented and adhered to all levels within the NCN government.  

Job Qualifications:  

• University degree at the master's level in business administration or related field.  

• 5 or more years of progressive management work experience in a First Nation government setting or equivalent related setting with the responsibility of overseeing the management of a multi-million-dollar budget.  

• Knowledge of treaty and Aboriginal rights, leadership and management principles, performance measurement systems, and business practices and their application to First Nations government.  

•  Knowledge of international, federal, provincial, and municipal legislation, and policies relevant to First Nations peoples, their governments, and their entities in areas such as taxation, Indian Act, human rights, employment standards, occupational health and safety, insurances coverages, etc.  

• Knowledge of human resources, financial and project management, federal and provincial governments funding mechanisms, auditing, and financial accountability requirements.  

• Proficiency in the use of computers and information technology systems i.e., Internet, Email, Word Processing, etc.  

• Demonstrated competencies in leading, thinking strategically, solving problems, planning, organizing, making decisions, fostering teamwork, communicating effectively, building relationships, behaving ethically, and adapting to changing work environments while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.  

• Knowledge of Kihche'othasowewin and Nehetho laws and customary principles; and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation history, peoples, culture, language, l economies, historical and contemporary relationships, business relationships and connections to other Indigenous governments, advocacy, and service delivery organizations.  

• Demonstrated competency as a leader of a team of professionals within a complex organizational and political structure to achieve strategic goals and objectives and deal with time sensitive issues/matters leading to outcomes that support overall strategic directions.  

•  Excellent oral and written communication, plain language writing, organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently within a team environment as well as the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. 

If you are interested, please forward your cover letter, Criminal Records Check, and resume to:
Lorna Hart
Interim Human Resource Director
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Phone: (204) 484-2332   
Email: [email protected]