CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of Wawatay

Wawatay Communications Society is currently looking for a dynamic and results-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who brings management expertise and embodies the mandate and mission in service of Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities.

Wawatay Communications Society serves the communication needs of First Nations people and the communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. It does this through the distribution of a monthly newspaper, daily radio programming, other communication services and a multimedia website that seeks to preserve and enhance indigenous languages and cultures of Indigenous people in northern Ontario.

Mandate

"Wawatay Communications Society is a self-governing, independent community-driven entrepreneurial Indigenous organization dedicated to using appropriate technologies to meet the communication needs of people of Indigenous ancestry in Northern Ontario, wherever they live. In doing so, its founders intended that Wawatay would serve their communities by preserving, maintaining and enhancing Indigenous languages and culture."

Mission

"To provide media capabilities and content that address the unique needs of the Nishnawbe people."

The membership of the Society – 49 First Nation communities within the territory of Nishnawbe Aski Nation– formally adopted the above mandate and mission statement at an Annual General Membership Meeting on May 5-6, 2004.

Position Summary

The CEO serves as the chief executive of Wawatay Communications Society and in partnership with the Board, is responsible for the success of the Wawatay Communications Society. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for creating and implementing a clear sense of direction for the Wawatay Communications Society and its related businesses by defining, communicating, and overseeing the Corporation’s mission, goals, operating principles, and strategic actions.

Responsibilities

The overall management of the business including its overall strategic direction, preparation of agendas and background information for Board meeting and Executive Committee meetings.

• Keeps the Board fully informed of the conditions of Wawatay Communications Society and on all important factors influencing it.
• The development of annual works plans and related capital and operating budgets.
• Development of operational policies and procedures.
• The day-to-day operations management, human resources recruitment and management and budget and financial oversight and monitoring.
• Overall planning, design and implementation of projects and programs within the mandate.
• Communications and marketing for the purpose of business development.

Governance, Strategy Development, Planning and Reporting

• Formulates and updates annual business plan and strategies, policies and procedures for Wawatay Communications Society and brings these to the Board for input, and decision as to ratification.
• Ensures strong strategic and annual planning processes and procedures are undertaken and effective budget and plans are prepared for Board approval.
• Seeks out and develops business opportunities and presents such opportunities to the Board for consideration and decision.
• Oversees fiscal activities, ensuring that all financial and non-financial reporting requirements are met on a timely and accurate basis.
• Ensures that reports to the Board are always transparent and timely basis.

Community and Relationship Management

• Initiates, develops, and maintains effective strategic relationships and networks with key stakeholders including the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, government agencies, business owners, contractors, customers, potential customers, partners, suppliers, residents, and the business community in relation to their interests in the Corporation.
• Examines and recommends partnerships with private and public entities in support of projects that will assist the Corporation in fulfilling its mission and objectives.
• Promotes and advocates the profile of the Wawatay Communications Society.

Operational Management

• Schedules Board meetings, prepares agendas, information and reports for consideration and decision by the Board, and ensures the completion of minutes of all Board meetings.
• Ensures the operation of Wawatay Communications Society follows all appropriate legal, regulatory and internal policies as approved by the Board, and are not contrary to policies, bylaws, and relevant government legislation and regulation.
• Prepares an annual performance management plan for approval by the Board.
• Analyzes, prepares reports, presents information and recommendations, and ensures timely completion of all activities.
• Implements the decisions of the Board in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ensures the day-to-day operations of Wawatay Communications Society are effectively and efficiently coordinated, implemented, and conducted within the policy and procedure framework approved by the Board.
• Implements stringent project management processes to ensure the timely, cost effective and profitable development and completion of projects.
• Determines limitations of authority for employees of Wawatay Communications Society covering expenditures, contracts personnel actions, etc.; and
• Establishes policies and procedures for Board approval in relation to consultants and contractors being retained by Wawatay Communications Society and exercises appropriate controls to ensure their use is managed cost effectively.

Staff and Contractor Management and Leadership

• Builds and maintains a high-performance culture through effective performance management, communication and coaching of staff.
• Recruits appropriately skilled staff to all positions and establish appropriate remuneration levels and performance-based conditions for each employee.
• Establishes performance management plans with employee and undertakes performance reviews, recommends salary and benefit changes, promotions and dismissals as appropriate within the authority of the position.
• Recruits and appoints with the approval of the Board, where necessary.
• Prepares and presents an annual budget to the Board for approval complete with all supporting background information and documentation; and
• Establishes financial controls in relation to undertaking and monitoring the activities of Wawatay Communications Society against the approved budget and provides monthly (or more frequently, as necessary) reports to the Board on the performance of Wawatay Communications Society against the approved budget.

Job Knowledge

• Significant and proven leadership skills developed through at least five (5) years in a senior management role and experience related to media, communications and business.
• Substantial knowledge of business operations, asset management, marketing, finance, and business processes related to economic and business development activities.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with external stakeholders and collaboration, inspire and motivate high performance and effectively resolve conflict.
• Knowledge and experience with the First Nations of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory.
• Ability to speak and understand one of the languages of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post Secondary MBA in Business Management, Commerce or Finance.
• 5 – 10 years of experience in Business Development and Senior Management.
• The ability to communicate in English and Ojibway, Cree or Oji-Cree is an asset.
• Ability to work with both Macintosh and Windows computer platforms.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license and cell phone.
• A combination of education and/or experience will be considered.

The Position will be Posted until Filled. Start Date: ASAP.

Applicants can send their resume, cover letter and contact information for references (in confidence) to:

Note: Only applicants considered for an Interview will be contacted.