Chief Administrative Officer - Chawathil First Nation

On behalf of our client, Chawathil First Nation, located along the mountain setting in the Fraser Valley region near Hope B.C, we are searching for a Chief Administration Officer who will be a vital contributing member of the executive leadership team. Chawathil's natural resources in the territory have sustained the people and way of life for centuries and they thrive on a communal lifestyle that respects the wisdom of the Knowledge Holders and elders. The Chawathil are Sto:lo people or “river people” who depend upon the river and land for their survival and livelihood. The Sto:lo share a common language known as Halq’emeylem (Hal-ko-me-lem), of the Coast Salish language family. The people moved throughout the territory using the resources and land provided for fishing, hunting, and gathering, to maintain their livelihood. Today, the Chawathil people still use these resources for economic and traditional purposes.

Reporting directly to the Chief and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer plays a vital role by overseeing, managing, and administering staff and facilities. The CAO is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of all band programs and services, with a focus on meeting the needs of Band Members in a reasonable, effective, and efficient manner. The CAO leads the senior management team, guiding them in providing successful service delivery while adhering to the Chawathil Financial Administration Law operations. With a commitment to respect and responsibility, the CAO ensures that all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, thereby making decisions and taking actions that align with these guidelines.

Key Accountabilities:

The CAO will lead the day-to-day operational leadership and direction in developing and executing the community plan. Responsible for planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of the overall management to ensure successful service delivery within the required framework and operations are conducted in a responsible and ethical way. The CAO also acts as a liaison between other government agencies and departments (particularly that of Indigenous Services Canada), private industry, and any other individuals, groups, or agencies operating in the community.

Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Planning

• Work collaboratively with management to develop operational plans aligned with Council’s vision and direction and monitor progress of activities.
• Lead implementation of Council’s vision and direction through oversight and management of staff, assets, and finances.
• As directed by Council, lead the coordination and development of comprehensive plans such as but not limited to a resource plan, strategic plan, comprehensive community plan, land use and economic development plan among others.
• Assess risks and develop appropriate management and mitigation plans.

Financial Management

• Ensure program funds are expended appropriately.
• Provide leadership and advice to Chief and Council in the management of financial affairs of CFN and its entities.
• Be familiar with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) and Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• Ensure reporting to funding programs is completed and fulfils requirements.
• Monitor purchasing, tendering, and other financial transactions for the Nation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all budget and funding requirements, applicable government financial legislation and policies, as well as all CFN financial policies and procedures.
• Oversee and supervise all financial operations of the Nation including budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, end-period reporting, purchasing, and payroll.
• Establish and ensure internal financial controls are in place to mitigate risk.
• Ensure the review of all financial statements and reports are completed in an accurate, complete, and timely manner and present reports to the Council.

Program and Service Delivery

• Coordinate and delegate research and requests for potential funding, programs and projects as required.
• Oversee program set up and service delivery in consultation with program managers.
• Manage agreements, reporting requirements and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop, implement, and enforce relevant legislation, policies and procedures as directed by Chief and Council and in collaboration with Program Management.
• Oversee operations by providing direction and administrative support to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of ongoing operations.
• Develop needs assessments and evaluation criteria to help identify and measure the effectiveness of programs and program delivery, including community needs assessments as required.
• Interpret and research policy needs, applicable legislation, regulation, and agreements.

Relationship Management

• Act as a liaison between other government agencies and departments, private industry business and any other individuals, groups or agencies operating in the community.
• Work to foster positive relationships between and among the community, staff Council and external stakeholders.
• Maintain an open, equitable and service-oriented relationship between the community and the Band administration.
• Ensure a robust communication mechanism for CFN members to share their views, concerns, and needs relative to new or continuous programs, services, and initiatives of the Nation.

Council Governance

• Attend all Council meetings, and oversee the preparation of agendas, meeting records, information and resources for Meetings and Council Members.
• Ensure all Council business is conducted within relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure maintenance and circulation of minutes of Council Meetings as well as all Council Resolutions.
• Act as a liaison between Council and Nation Members.
• Facilitate exchange of information between Council and Nation Members and convey Council decisions to the public, as delegated.
• Prepare materials and reports in support of Council operations.
• Represent the Nation at local, regional, provincial, and national meetings as required.

Human Resource Management

• Oversee and where relevant coordinate training and development activities.
• Recruit, coach, mentor, and coordinate evaluation of staff.
• Promote and provide a positive working environment aligned with the culture and values of the CFN.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by Chief and Council.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the Human Resource Policies and ensure that all staff understand and abide by the Human Resource Policy Manual.
• Oversee staff and directly supervise program managers and other direct reporting staff.

Education and Experience

• Possess a broad knowledge of First Nation governance, strategic planning, proposal writing, finance, and planning/development of capital projects.
• Demonstrates an ability to provide direction, resolve conflicts, support team members, and manage performance along with accountability.
• Post-secondary education in the field of business administration, commerce, public administration, and First Nation law is preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding of First Nation issues and in depth understanding of the community, along with knowledge of government legislation of UNDRIP, TRC and FPIC.
• Apply sound judgment in decision making process and prioritize initiatives and issues at the council table as well as maintain boundaries between administrative and governance matters.
• A solid understanding of business planning within the confines of Federal funding agreements.
• Proven financial management and administrative skills.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role, preferably in a First Nation government.
• A compassionate approach to employees, communities and stakeholders who are dedicated to creating a sustainable future for Indigenous people.

This role will appeal to a caring and supportive leader that can successfully lead the Nation through an exciting period of change for the community. This opportunity will be best suited to an experienced leader with First Nation experience looking for a new challenge to make a positive difference and enhance the services to the members.

We ask that individuals interested in a further discussion or send their resume to [email protected] We thank all interested applicants, however, only those selected to move forward will be contacted. Preference will be given to First Nation community members.