Chief Operating Officer

Nan wýúũ anawúúýle Restoration Society, meaning in the Dane-zaa language, advances Indigenous-led restoration grounded in cultural integrity, environmental stewardship, and long-term community well-being. Guided by Blueberry River First Nations, the Society is a non-profit organization responsible for stewarding the Nan wýúũ anawúúýle Restoration Fund and advancing restoration initiatives established under the 2023 Implementation Agreement between Blueberry River First Nations and the Province of British Columbia.

The Society supports projects that restore lands and ecosystems while strengthening community capacity so that Blueberry River First Nations can continue to exercise Treaty rights and sustain their way of life for generations to come. This work integrates Indigenous knowledge, cultural teachings, and strong operational and scientific practices.

As the organization continues to grow in staffing, funded activities, and operational complexity, Nan wýúũ anawúúýle Restoration Society is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the development of the internal systems, structures, and leadership capacity required to support responsible growth and effective implementation.

The Role Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer serves as the senior internal operations leader, translating strategic direction into coordinated operational plans, clear accountabilities, and disciplined processes that ensure effective implementation across the organization.

The COO provides executive oversight of the Restoration Fund Management Division, strengthening operational capacity, internal controls, and alignment with approved budgets and governance frameworks.

This is a hands‑on leadership role in a growing organization. The COO maintains a strong presence in the day‑to‑day work of the Society, supporting managers and staff, fostering coordination across teams and helping build the systems, relationships, and staff capacity needed to deliver on the Society’s mandate.

The position is based in Fort St. John, British Columbia, and requires a strong on‑site presence.

Key Responsibilities The Chief Operating Officer will:

Translate strategic direction established by the CEO into integrated operational plans, departmental priorities, and performance measures that advance the Society’s mandate.

Provide senior operational leadership, ensuring programs, systems, workflows, and decision‑making are aligned with governance agreements and organizational priorities.

Lead the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, internal controls, and operational systems that support organizational effectiveness and reduce operational risk.

Support budgeting, forecasting, and expenditure tracking in collaboration with finance leadership to ensure responsible stewardship of restoration funds.

Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the Society, supporting coordination across teams and strengthening consistent operational practices.

Strengthen organizational onboarding, work planning, and performance development processes to ensure staff have clear expectations and opportunities for growth.

Build leadership and staff capacity through mentorship, coaching, and culturally grounded leadership practices.

Support organizational compliance with policies, legal agreements, governance frameworks and health and safety requirements.

Develop practical organizational infrastructure, including documentation, role clarity and internal processes to support continuity and sustainable growth.

Provide structured operational reporting to the CEO to support Board updates on Society performance and funded activities.

Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, psychological safety and servant leadership through consistent presence and leadership by example.

The Ideal Candidate The successful candidate is a thoughtful and operationally sophisticated leader who brings strong systems thinking, people leadership, and respect for Indigenous governance and community realities.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, Indigenous governance, non‑profit management, organizational leadership, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A graduate degree (MBA, MPA, or similar) is considered an asset.

At least five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations, administration or organizational management.

Experience working with Indigenous organizations.

Demonstrated experience strengthening systems, processes and organizational infrastructure in a growing organization, ideally within the non‑profit sector.

You Bring

Strong operational planning and systems development expertise.

Sound financial acumen related to budgeting, resource allocation and funding oversight.

Experience implementing performance management frameworks and leadership accountability systems.

An understanding of governance structures, reporting processes and compliance frameworks.

High emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to mentor and support developing leaders.

Servant leadership grounded in humility, cultural awareness and respect for First Nations leadership and authority.

The ability to balance operational rigor with empathy and trauma‑informed leadership.

Comfortable working in an evolving organization where systems are still being built. You listen first, understand the culture and guide improvements with clarity and respect.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range of $180,000 – $200,000, commensurate with experience.

Group extended health benefits.

Generous paid leave.

The Opportunity The Chief Operating Officer role offers a rare opportunity to help build the operational foundations of one of Canada’s most significant Indigenous‑led restoration initiatives. The successful candidate will help shape the systems, practices and organizational capacity required to sustain long‑term restoration commitments and support thriving ecosystems, cultural continuity and the exercise of Treaty rights.

How to Apply Nan wýúũ anawúúýle Restoration Society is partnering with WMC to support this recruitment.

Please submit your resume and cover letter, in confidence, here within.

For more information, please visit www.restorationsociety.ca or contact:

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