Our location:
We live in one of the most beautiful river valleys in the world.
We have quaint farms nestled against majestic mountains.
We have endless hiking possibilities and abundant fishing opportunities. In the evenings, enjoy the serene night sky, get involved in one of many community events or snuggle at home with excellent internet access. Accessible by road, air or by ferry, the Valley and the Nuxalk Nation welcomes you.
Job Summary:
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for the successful leadership and general management of the Nuxalk First Nation according to the vision, mission, values, and strategic direction set by Chief and Council. The CAO is also guided by all Nuxalk First Nation’s Policies and Procedures. Possesses the ability to provide professional, efficient, and culturally appropriate management of all programs and departments; managing the operational plan, setting goals, and measuring the overall achievements of Nuxalk First Nation’s programs and services is a core responsibility of the Chief Administrative Officer.
As a seasoned administrator who serves as a positive role model, the CAO reports to Council and establishes professional; respectful, responsive, and effective working relationships with Council, employees, contractors, members, funding agencies, other First Nations and Tribal Councils, all levels of government and other external contacts.
The CAO is a leader who has responsibility for all aspects of human resources for Nuxalk First Nation staff including hiring, orienting, performance management, performance evaluation, and coaching/mentoring. The CAO is also responsible for overseeing the process that ensures all performance plans are linked to Nuxalk First Nation’s Strategic Plan and Operational Plans. Acting as an efficient financial manager, the CAO ensures oversight of all aspects of financial management including budgets, financial reporting including variance reporting, grant applications, and grants and contributions.
The CAO acts with culturally appropriate behavior and nurtures principles of community wellness in Council, staff, and community members and in their own professional and personal approaches to their life.
Specific Accountabilities/Deliverables:
Leadership
Supervises the day-to-day operations of Nuxalk First Nation including all departments and programs
Oversee all human resources functions including recruitment and development, orientation, establishment of program/individual expectations
Addresses performance issues and acts as a coach/mentor to develop employees following progressive disciplinary processes as required
Identifies, assesses, and informs the Council of serious concerns (i.e., conflict of interest, breach of confidentiality, abandonment of position, allegations of a criminal or civil offense et al) and provides regular, routine updates to the Council.
Thinks holistically and conducts gap assessments (i.e., programs, structures, funds, skills et al) and provides the Council with well-developed plans to address these priorities through the programs and services for Nuxalk members
Identifies opportunities for projects and programs to move all strategic plans and frameworks forward to enhance the delivery of existing programs and services
Ensures all policies and procedures are up to date, understood by Council and staff and reviewed annually
Governance
Coordinates the development of a strategic plan with Council and senior staff. Manages the strategic plan’s implementation and oversees the linkages to each department’s operational plans and performance plans for all staff
Oversees and/or participates in internal and external committees that allows the Nuxalk First Nation to achieve its strategic plan and operational plans plus fulfill all terms and conditions within all funding agreements
As required, facilitates the election process for Chief and Council; provides orientation and training for Council regarding their roles and responsibilities
Consults with, as directed by the stakeholders, Nuxalk First Nation’s economic development entities, programs and services that fall under the CAO’s responsibility
Oversee the development of agendas, briefing notes, spreadsheets, and other preparations for Council meetings
Ensure meetings are documented in accurate and timely minutes that clearly records Band Council Resolutions. Ensures appropriate storage of minute binders and storage of electronic
Council files in a manner which complies with the approved Records Management Policy and Procedures.
Oversee the implementation of all Council decisions to ensure they are timely and cost effective. Serve as Nuxalk First Nation’s spokesperson, as directed by
Council (i.e., presentation and enquiries from media, government agencies, other First Nations et al)
Always acts professionally and appropriately
Operations
Manages the planning, implementation, risk management and evaluation of Nuxalk First Nation’s programs and services
Ensures legal compliance in all operational areas, Ensure compliance with all Employment and Financial legislation
Creates a safe, healthy, and culturally appropriate work environment
Establish systems (i.e., asset management and maintenance controls) to ensure the security and safe operations of all facilities and equipment
Oversees and implements Business Continuity Plans, Pandemic Response Plans, Emergency Operation Center Plans and Community Safety Plans
Establishes, implements, and amends, as legal requirements require, all legislative, regulatory, and operational changes, as necessary
Integrates risk assessments and implements risk management strategies to minimize, manage and/or eliminate risk
Provides coaching and mentorship for all employees and takes corrective action as required. Develop comprehensive training plans to increase employees’ capacity
Develops internal succession plans for senior management and other positions
Ensures all operational transactions are conducted in a responsible, confidential, ethical, and culturally appropriate manner
Oversees and implements operational plans that maximize progress on Nuxalk First Nation’s strategic plan and provides mentorship to the management team on linking their staff’ performance plans to operational plans
Ensures managers provide quarterly updates on the implementation of their strategic and operational plan responsibilities and provide to Council
Leads staff in any program changes to meet strategic and operational plans
Administration
Oversee the management of Nuxalk First Nation’s financial functions ensuring the establishment, implementation, and regular review of internal financial controls to fulfill superior financial management practices and procedures
Prepares the annual budget with Departmental directors/managers to secure sufficient funding for continuing programs and special projects
Ensure budgets are approved, followed and actions taken, as necessary. Routinely review cashflows and develop variance reports. Report to Council monthly
Oversee audit process (i.e., preparation, on-site audit, receiving and preparing response to audit report, creation of Request for Proposals (RFP) for auditor selection, evaluation of auditor submissions and preparation of recommendation on auditor selection for Council. Leads and operationalizes audit recommendations
Ensure compliance with the Contract Management and Procurement Policy (i.e., monitoring, purchasing, tendering, reconciling and other financial transactions)
Ensures compliance with reporting as per government agencies’ Terms and Conditions by working with Finance to develop timely and comprehensive reports to meet all reporting requirements Provides Council with these reports
Identifies, researches, and writes funding proposals in partnership with Department Managers, as necessary. Prepare correspondence on behalf of the Council regarding any business related to the Nation. Ensure actions are documented and any issues are resolved in a timely, cost effective and culturally appropriate manner
Provides oversight to ensure files are stored securely and ensure privacy and confidentiality is maintained
Community Relationships
Develops, maintains and nurtures active, respectful, professional, and culturally appropriate communication channels on programs and events to all community members
Ensures the Nation’s members have access to information; provide opportunities for the members to have input on all programs, services, and projects available through the Nation
Ensures opportunities for members to express their views or concerns. Enables timely, fair, equitable and culturally appropriate conflict resolution processes that are understood by the Council, staff, and members
Financial Responsibility:
The CAO oversees the core budget for the Nuxalk First Nation and has responsibility for a special projects budget for initiatives approved by Chief and Council
Direct Supervision:
The Chief Administrative Officer supervises the heads of all Departments and provides direction for all the Nations’ employees to ensure the effective overall operation of Nuxalk First Nation
Working Conditions:
The position will be primarily based in a fixed office location within a standard work week (35 hours), but the CAO may be required to travel to meetings and events outside normal working hours to effectively represent the Nuxalk First Nation
Staffing Qualifications:
- University degree in a related field and/or 10 years of equivalent cumulative experience
- Knowledge and practice of sound leadership and management principles
- Knowledge and demonstrated experience of conflict management systems
- Knowledge of financial management systems
- Understanding of BC First Nations, their funding agreements and transfer payments; possess a superior knowledge of Nuxalk culture, customs, and history
- Understanding of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Declaration Act, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
- Understanding of the First Nations Health Authority and its relationship to BC First Nations
- Understanding and awareness of housing and infrastructure needs of First Nations
- Demonstrated experience working with various levels of government
- Experience collaborating with Council
- Experience working with a multi-talented and diverse staff
- Experience working with accounting software
- Demonstrated senior human resource management skills
- Demonstrated superior communications skills (verbal and written)
Please apply to Larry Leischner, Human Resources Consultant at lleischner@shaw.ca/ phone—250-745-0005
An attractive salary starting at $90,000-120,000 +, generous benefit package; housing and relocation cost may be available for the right candidate, if necessary.
We have a talented senior management team including a Finance Director, a Human Resources Consultant and numerous Program Directors, Managers and Supervisors.
Deadline for applications: November 1, 2024 @ 4:30 PM
