The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of Witset First Nation's Band administration, in accordance with the strategic direction set by Chief and Council. Reporting to and taking direction from Chief and Council, the Executive Director oversees the management, administration, and delivery of all Witset services and programs, chairs Chief and Council meetings, manages the Witset Nations’s executive team and staff, and ensures the Band's operations are delivered effectively, within budget, and in a manner that reflects Witset's culture and priorities.
As the senior administrative leader of the Nation, the Executive Director acts as the primary administrative advisor to Chief and Council, represents Witset's interests with government, funders, and partner organizations, coordinates specialized legal, financial and technical advice, and supports the preservation and revitalization of Wet'suwet'en culture, traditions, and language across all programs and services.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Governance
- Respect the strategic guidance of Chief and Council and act on direction provided through duly authorized resolutions, policies, approved plans, and delegated authorities; Individual members of Council do not direct employees or operational matters except where expressly authorized by C&C. Act as the primary professional advisor to C&C on all aspects of the Nation's operations, programs, and services
- Attend and provide administrative and professional advice at C&C meetings, coordinating agendas, reports, and follow-up on Council decisions; and chairing meetings when delegated by C&C. Implement the Nation's strategic plan and support C&C with the implementation of directives
- Foster effective teamwork between C&C, the Executive Director, and staff
- Act as a spokesperson for Band operations alongside the Chief and/or Deputy Chief or their Council designate and conduct official correspondence on behalf of C&C as appropriate; Public positions respecting political, rights, title, governance or other strategic matters are communicated by C&C or by a representative specifically authorized by Council.
Operational & Program Management
- Be responsible for the management, administration, and delivery of all Band services and programs, ensuring delivery within budget
- Oversee all Witset First Nation departments and ensure the effective delivery of programs and services to members, including health, education, social services, housing, and economic development initiatives
- Develop an operational plan that incorporates goals and objectives aligned with the Band's Strategic Plan direction
- Support the “wrap around” service model desired by Council, and reduction of operational silos between Witset departments and partner organizations
- Ensure legislation, core funding requirements, financial policies, and department procedures are adhered to
- Draft policies for C&C's approval and prepare procedures to implement them; review existing policies annually and recommend changes
- Oversee the management, maintenance, and development of community infrastructure and assets
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of special projects
Financial Management
- Lead the development of the annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with Finance
- Recommend the budgets to C&C for approval and administer approved budgets Apply for and manage funding from various levels of government
- Maintain and update First Nations Financial Management policies to ensure Witset First Nation Certification remains in good standing
- Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by Chief and Council and monitor monthly cash flow
- Ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed and that the Band complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments
- Provide Chief and Council with comprehensive, regular reports on revenues and expenditures
- Work with auditors and staff to ensure financial records meet required standards and complete audit reporting in a timely manner
Human Resources Management
- Manage the Nation's executive team, managers, and staff, and oversee recruitment, hiring, training, and performance management in accordance with approved HR policies and procedures
- Ensure that employees (except for those expressly reserved to Chief and Council) report through the administrative chain of command and are not subject to operational direction from individual members of Council
- Establish a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with applicable legislation and regulations
- Implement a performance management process for all staff, including ongoing monitoring and annual performance reviews
- Coach and mentor staff as appropriate; address performance concerns and, when necessary, discipline or release staff using appropriate and legally defensible procedures
- Oversee the development of job descriptions for all staff positions
- Manage Witset First Nation contractors and consultants
Initial Priority: Organizational Development
- Lead the identification, scoping, and hiring process for the newly created Director of Operations position, working with C&C to define its role, reporting relationships, and place within the Band's organizational structure
- Recommend organizational structure changes needed to support the new role and strengthen the Band's operational capacity as it grows
- Support the transition of appropriate operational responsibilities to the Director of Operations once hired, ensuring continuity of service delivery through the change
- Provide ongoing oversight and mentorship to the Director of Operations as a member of the Band's executive team
Community & Intergovernmental Relations
- Represent Witset First Nation's interests at various levels of government, advocating for the community's needs, rights, and priorities
- Communicate with members and stakeholders to keep them informed of the Band's work and identify changing community needs
- Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, government agencies, and other organizations
- Represent the Band at community activities to enhance its profile and relationships
Kyah Development Corporation
- Support an effective shareholder/governance relationship between Witset First Nation and KDC, facilitate information flow between Chief and Council and the KDC Board
- Participate in KDC meetings where invited or formally designated, without assuming responsibility for KDC's operational management, ensuring clear, two-way communication on governance, strategic, and operational matters
- Support alignment between KDC's economic development activities and the Band's broader strategic priorities
- Attend KDC Board meetings or engagements as appropriate to represent the Band's interests and stay informed of KDC's initiatives, opportunities, and challenges
Risk Management & Safety
- Identify and evaluate risks to the Band’s people, property, finances, and reputation, and implement measures to control those risks
- Ensure the safety and well-being of community members by developing and implementing emergency management plans and coordinating responses to emergencies and crises
- Ensure Witset First Nation carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage, and that staff and Chief and Council understand its terms and limitations
- Ensure personnel, client, contract, and volunteer files are securely stored and that privacy and confidentiality are maintained
Culture & Community Development
- Support and promote the preservation and revitalization of Wet'suwet'en culture, traditions, and language, ensuring cultural values are integrated into programs and services
- Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by C&C
QUALIFICATIONS
- University degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
- Significant senior leadership or management experience, ideally within a First Nations, non-profit, or public sector organization
- Knowledge of Indigenous governance and reporting requirements, including those relating to Indigenous Services Canada and other funding agencies
- Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit and community organizations
- Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation applicable to the organization, including employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, taxation, CPP, EI, and health coverage
- Knowledge of financial management, human resources management, and project management
- Proficiency with computers for word processing, financial management, email, internet, and electronic documentation
- Satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector screening
- Valid BC driver's licence and a reliable vehicle
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong leadership and sound judgment, with the ability to influence others and make timely, well-informed decisions in the Band’s best interest
- Strong strategic planning, organizational, and priority-setting skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with C&C, staff, members, and external partners
- Adaptable, flexible, and effective in a changing work environment
- High ethical standards aligned with Witset’s values
- Genuine respect for and understanding of Witset First Nation and Wet’suwet’en culture, governance, and community priorities
