Executive Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for an Executive Director to join a busy and growing Band located in Invermere, BC. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and the successful leadership and general management of the Shuswap Band in accordance with the vision, mission, objectives, and strategic direction set by Chief and Council.

Reporting to Chief and Council, the Executive Director will have eight (8) direct reports and will be responsible for the efficient management of all programs and departments, setting goals, and developing key performance indicated to measure the achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives.

As a leader and positive role model for the organization, the Executive Director will focus on establishing effective working relationships with community groups, funding agencies, and other internal and external stakeholders as needed to operate on-reserve initiatives.

The Executive Director will ensure the efficient financial and administrative management of the organization working closely with department Directors to manage programs within Finance, Health, Territorial Stewardship, Lands, Public Works and Utilities, Housing, Social Development, Culture, Education, Guardians, and general administration of the organization.

THE ORGANIZATION

Shuswap Band (Kenpesq’t) is a member of the Secwépemc (pronounced Sec-wep-mec) Nation, an Interior Salish-speaking people who traditionally occupied a vast area in the south-central part of what is now called British Columbia, Canada since time immemorial.

Secwépemc Traditional Territory covers approximately 180,000 km² over B.C. and Alberta, with the Secwépemc Nation holding one of the largest territories and caretaker areas in the province.

Though seventeen communities (also known as campfires) exist today, the Secwépemc Nation originally consisted of thirty-two communities united by the Secwepemctsín language, and common customs, ceremonies, and traditions passed down by Sk’elép (Coyote) from generation to generation.

These communities are represented by thirty-two feathers on the Secwépemcúl’ecw (pronounced Sec-wep-mec-oo-loo) flag. Shuswap Band is also known as the Columbia Campfire, and acts as a self-governing community when engaging with municipal, provincial, and federal governments on matters within the Columbia Basin.

Secwépemc laws and customs build the moral and spiritual foundation of our society and fundamentally connect Shuswap Band’s identity to both the land and our history.

Today, Shuswap Band’s primary community is located on its reserve near Invermere, BC, on the east bank of the Columbia River, though many of our members live throughout Secwépemcúl’ecw and beyond.

Shuswap Band also has several close family ties to the neighbouring Ktunaxa Nation, and several members are from both communities.

Though the Kenpesq’t family is the first documented Shuswap family in the area, the pithouses that cover the valley’s landscape attest to Secwépemc historical occupation for thousands of years before the Kenpesq’t migration.

The lands within Secwépemcúl’ecw are an extension of the vast history of our people who travelled the territory in annual seasonal rounds, gathering resources and interacting with neighbours through trade and cross-cultural gatherings.

Traditional knowledge regarding living and surviving on the land, as well as traditional Secwépemc culture and practices, are an essential part of our heritage, with many of our community’s Elders holding this valuable information.

Mission

Shuswap Band members are proud, healthy and striving to create a respectful, prosperous and self-sufficient community.

Shuswap Band members honour our culture, language and traditions in ways that promote economic prosperity, as well as opportunities for education and employment.

Vision

Our people are our strength; our children are the future.

We value our lands and work in ways that enhance our connections to the land.

To learn more about the Shuswap Band, visit their website at : www.shuswapband.net

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees the day-to-day operations and administration of the organization, including all departments (Administration, Finance, Health, Territorial Stewardship, Lands, Public Works & Utilities, Housing, Social Development, Culture, Education, Guardians, and other departments as they are created and implemented), ensuring the efficacy of programs and suggesting enhancements for improved operational efficiency to the Chief & Council.
• Leads the development and implementation of Shuswap Band’s strategic plans, policies, and objectives on reserve, ensuring alignment between Chief & Council and Directors, staff, and community.
• Develops an operational plan to guide the organization's strategic direction, effectively conveying it through routine staff correspondences while setting goals and monitoring progress on a quarterly basis.
• Ensures that all business and operational transactions are conducted in a responsible, confidential, and ethical manner while mitigating any potential conflicts of interest.
• Performs comprehensive needs assessments, gap analyses, and exercises leadership in formulating strategies and priorities for developing programs aimed at meeting the future needs of the community.
• Coaches, mentors, supervises, develops, and provides guidance to Senior Management, ensuring their professional development and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with government agencies, funding bodies, and other external stakeholders to secure funding and support for Band initiatives while raising the organization's profile by engaging in public relations, networking, and advocacy activities.
• Oversees the general management Shuswap Band’s financial affairs, ensuring the establishment and review of internal financial controls to ensure effective financial and fiscal management.

This includes (but is not limited to) :

• Developing and monitoring financial plans and budgets (multi-year and annual) in relation to strategic plan direction, goals, and objectives set by Council and executed by department managers / directors.
• Reviewing financial statements and reports and making recommendations to the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Identifying, assessing, monitoring, and reporting on Financial Reporting Risks to the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Ensuring regular reporting requirements are met and communicated to Council and appropriate agencies by working with Finance to produce appropriate documentation for funding bodies.
• Approving employee payroll and employee expense advances according to our Financial Policy.
• Adhering to all financial policies and guidelines, including Financial Administration Law (FAL), Expenditure policies, procurement, and all others.
• Provides governance support to Chief & Council at meetings by designing agendas, and preparatory materials, and delivering appropriate context and insights to empower Council to arrive at well-informed decisions that benefit the organization and community.
• Drafts official correspondence on behalf of Chief & Council to involve key stakeholders in various projects, ensuring follow-up on action items and documenting issues and progress.
• Facilitates community engagement and involvement in decision-making processes, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education or degree in business administration or finance or related field. A master’s degree would be an asset.
• 10+ years experience and in-depth fiscal planning, budgeting, and reporting knowledge.
• 7+ years experience in operations management with a solid understanding of business functions (HR, finance, risk management, land management, project management).
• 5+ years managing director-level teams and programs.
• Experience working and collaborating with Indigenous community members and external partners.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of government regulations for businesses and communities.
• Understand the needs of On Reserve Development Corporations and the requirement to keep politics, stewardship and economics separate.
• Background and experience in economic development is an asset.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• An understanding of the history of First Nations in British Columbia.
• Understanding of provincial and federal legislation (i.e., Indian Act, First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, etc.).

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Genuine interest in learning more about the history, culture, practices, socioeconomic conditions, rights, and future vision of Indigenous peoples.
• Proven ability to implement process and drive policy.
• Passion for driving process and policy while building capacity, trust, and transparency with all team members.
• Excellent financial acumen.
• Ability to build a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams, community partners and various levels of government.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• A clear and concise communicator.
• Highly organized and solid time management and project management skills.
• Someone that is humble and can listen.
• Confident public speaker and can be the face of the organization.
• Strong emotional intelligence and politically savvy.
• Understanding of trauma-informed workplaces.

Salary Range : $80,000 to $100,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

SANDY JACOBSON T : 780.944.1327 E : [email protected] www.richardsonsearch.ca