Director, Language & Learning

Director, Language & Learning

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Employment Status: Permanent Full-time position

Accommodation Statement

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is dedicated to an inclusive selection process and work environment. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources representative when you are invited to meet regarding this employment opportunity.

About the AFN

The AFN is an advocacy organization that takes direction and fulfills mandates as directed by First Nations in-Assembly through resolutions. As a national advocacy organization for First Nations, the AFN seeks to advance First Nations Inherent and Treaty Rights through the development of policy, public education, and where applicable, the co-development of legislation to build First Nations capacity.

Why Work with AFN?

At the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), we value our employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, engaging, and rewarding workplace. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Employer-Paid Health Benefit Premiums – Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with premiums fully paid by AFN.
• Generous Pension Matching – A competitive pension plan with significant employer contributions to help you build your future.
• Ample Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days – Generous vacation entitlements, paid sick leave, and personal days, plus additional non-legislative time off throughout the year.
• Professional Development Support – Coverage for courses, certifications, and training to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
• Wellness Funds – Annual funds you can use towards fitness, mental health supports, or other wellness-related expenses.
• Modern, Central Location – Our bright, collaborative office is located in the Sun Life Building in downtown Ottawa, with Parliament LRT Station right in the building for an easy commute.
• Convenient Amenities – Steps away from cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Meaningful Work – Be part of a national organization advocating for First Nations, making a positive difference for communities across Canada.
• Collaborative & Inclusive Culture – Work alongside passionate, dedicated colleagues in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Position Overview

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is seeking an experienced Director to lead the Language and Learning sector and build, develop, and motivate the team to successfully achieve the Branch goals and the sector plans, priorities, and strategic objectives. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role provides strategic leadership, policies, programs and initiatives that advance First Nations-led approaches to the revitalization, reclamation, maintenance, transmission, and protection of First Nations languages, as well as holistic, lifelong education and learning.

The Director will ensure that sector priorities are aligned with AFN mandates, First Nations leadership direction, and Chiefs-in-Assembly resolutions. The Director will work collaboratively with First Nations leadership, language holders, Elders, technicians, educators, education experts, governments, and other partners to advance First Nations priorities and interests.

The Director will also provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership and the National Chief’s Office, represent AFN in national, regional, local, and international forums, and lead a team in achieving the sector’s strategic and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead, develop, motivate, and supervise the Languages and Learning team to successfully achieve sector plans, priorities, and strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement multi-year strategies and annual work plans addressing First Nations languages, education, and lifelong learning priorities.
• Ensure sector priorities and activities are aligned with AFN mandates, political direction, organizational priorities, and Chiefs-in-Assembly resolutions.
• Provide strategic advice on emerging issues, opportunities, risks, and policy developments affecting First Nations languages and learning.
• Establish priorities, assign responsibilities, monitor progress, and ensure the timely delivery of sector initiatives.
• Contribute to Social Branch and organization-wide strategic planning and decision-making.
• Manage sector resources and budget in accordance with approved priorities and organizational policies.
• Attend and support preparations for AFN Assemblies, Confederacy meetings, and other political events.

Policy Development & Advocacy:

• Lead and oversee the development of policy analysis, advocacy positions, strategic advice, and recommendations on First Nations languages, education, and learning.
• Represent AFN in discussions and negotiations with federal, provincial/territorial governments, departments, officials, partners, and collaborators.
• Advocate for First Nations positions and interests on language, education, learning, and related policy and legislative matters.
• Support the development of policy, public education, and, where applicable, co-development initiatives that advance First Nations rights, priorities, and capacity.
• Navigate complex political, policy, legislative, and multi-jurisdictional environments while advancing AFN mandates.
• Collaborate with other AFN sectors and staff to coordinate cross-cutting priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Participate in inter-sectoral planning, problem-solving, and strategic discussions.

Relationships & Engagement:

• Develop and maintain positive, respectful, and reciprocal relationships with First Nations leadership, technicians, Elders, language holders, educators, First Nations organizations, and communities.
• Engage with First Nations at local, regional, national, and international levels to understand and advance priorities related to languages and learning.
• Represent AFN at national, regional, local, and international forums, meetings, conferences, and other engagements.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with federal, provincial/territorial governments and other strategic partners.
• Promote awareness and understanding of First Nations languages, education, and lifelong learning priorities.
• Support meaningful First Nations participation and perspectives in the development of policies, programs, initiatives, and advocacy positions.
• Participate as a member of the Social Branch management team.

Team Leadership & Communication:

• Lead regular team meetings and establish clear expectations regarding priorities, responsibilities, deliverables, and timelines.
• Provide direction, coaching, supervision, and professional support to team members.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
• Oversee the preparation of high-quality briefing notes, policy papers, reports, presentations, memoranda, workplans, speaking notes, and other strategic materials.
• Ensure timely communication of sector priorities, progress, emerging issues, and deliverables.
• Support relevant AFN website and communications content in both official languages.

Who Can Apply: Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (s. 16(1) CHRA).

• Undergraduate degree in education, Indigenous languages, political science studies or a related field of study; post-graduate level education is an asset.
• Minimum of 7 years experience working with First Nations politics and policies and 5 years of leadership or management experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of education and language issues in First Nation communities, including an understanding of relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated superior writing skills.
• Demonstrated successful experience working with federal, provincial, territorial, northern, urban and international governments and officials.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal & negotiation skills, management ability, leadership, teamwork and judgement.
• English is the working language; however, knowledge of an Indigenous language(s) is an asset.

Interviews will be held via Zoom. While we appreciate all applications, only those candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

AFN may cancel, postpone, or revise employment opportunities at any time.