Chief Administrative Officer

Position Title: CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Reports to: Chief and Council

Supervision of: Executive Assistant

Executive Director, Community Services

Executive Director, Infrastructure & Facilities

Executive Director, Shared Services

Executive Director, Territory & Culture

Job Overview

Reporting directly to the Council through the Chief Councillor, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a vital contributing member of Haisla Nation Council’s executive leadership team. As the senior operations leader, the CAO will provide the leadership, strategy and vision necessary to ensure the Haisla Nation Council has the required operational controls, administrative/reporting procedures, and the right people and systems to bring the Haisla Nation Council’s Comprehensive Community Plan to life. To facilitate the healthy, productive and well-planned management of the Nation, the CAO will lead, develop and implement operations and performance plans that align with the strategy.

In alignment with the strategy, vision, mission and goals of the Haisla Nation Council, the CAO will provide oversight and guidance to approximately 200 staff through four direct reports, the Executive Directors of each Division of the Haisla Nation Council: Community Services; Infrastructure and Facilities; Shared Services; and Territory and Culture.

The CAO fosters a positive, communicative, and progressive work environment and facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of programs and services for Nation members. Under the general direction of Chief and Council, the CAO is responsible for building and leading the executive leadership team, providing general administrative and financial oversight, and ensuring that the affairs of the Nation are managed within established policy and legal compliance. The CAO enables the executive leadership team to implement Chief and Council directives while operating within appropriate guidelines and legislation and administrative best practices.

Organizational Status

The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 1962+ people, with approximately 532 living in Haisla (Kitamaat Village). We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: The CAO leads the executive leadership team and Council in developing and implementing the strategic plans and goals for the Haisla Nation Council.

• Participate in the updating of the strategic plans, overseeing its implementation and achievement, and ensuring alignment of individual Divisional work plans and goals.
• Ensure that Haisla Nation Council’s vision, mission, and values are integrated into the day-to-day work environment and into operational planning.
• Maintain regular communication with Chief and Council on the community-led and organizational activities and operations, including priorities, successes, opportunities for improvements, and recommendations.
• Advise the Council of their role responsibilities and obligations, and provide them with other relevant information necessary for them to make informed decisions.
• Instill transformational leadership to the organization in a manner consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Act as a change champion for Indigenous self-determination, community ownership, and well-being.

Organizational Leadership: The CAO ensures effective program and service delivery that meets strategic objectives, members’ needs, and legal compliance.

• Build a strong executive leadership team to manage the growing demands of the Nation; ensure a collaborative and consultative approach is developed amongst the team and across departments.
• Implement Council directives, initiatives, priorities, and approved proposals and recommendations.
• Lead and provide direction to the executive leadership team and staff to deliver a variety of programs and services for the community; strive for continuous improvement and enhancement of effective program and service delivery.
• Provide direction on specific projects and initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Occasionally review the organizational structure and its resources and provide and implement assessments and recommended solutions as required.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the organization’s policies and procedures, in support of the strategic direction.
• Oversee the overall management of the Haisla Nation Council’s finances, including the annual operating budget and funding provided to the organization.
• Negotiate, review, and approve agreements, contracts, proposals, financial, and other documents.
• Monitor compliance with any legal obligations, including legislative, regulatory, program, and contractual obligations.
• Ensure organizational and financial risks are mitigated, seeking assistance and cooperation from external stakeholders when required.

Community Engagement: Effective program and service delivery within the Haisla Nation Council requires meaningful engagement with members and the outside community. The CAO maintains collaborative relationships with partners, members, funders, governmental bodies, and others.

• Collaborate with staff to promote the Haisla Nation Council’s programs and services among key partners, community members, funders, government, and service organizations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant community groups and partner organizations.
• Represent the Haisla Nation Council and community provincially and nationally.

People Leadership: The CAO is responsible for supporting the capacity and capability of their direct reports, supporting their professional development and career progression. The CAO is a resource and mentor to the team, providing guidance and direction on risks, issues, or problems to ensure programs and services achieve intended benefits and meet expectations.

• Foster a respectful workplace and cooperative working relationships with all employees.
• Ensure employees are appropriately trained and aligned with the Haisla Nation Council’s mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team, supporting both personal and professional development through effective coaching and mentoring.
• Cultivate a workplace environment that builds intercultural understanding and an appreciation for differences.
• Serve as a role model regarding the organization’s values and leadership principles.
• Complete employee performance reviews, including development and succession plans.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• 10+ years of experience providing organizational and operational leadership, particularly in community service delivery.
• Experience working for a band government or Indigenous organization.
• Ability to set goals and develop a strategic plan and shared vision for the division and organization.
• Ability to provide strategic direction and leadership to direct reports and ongoing support for their performance and development.
• Strong proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with an attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to professionally connect with and influence a diverse group of individuals.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead projects and work with diverse individuals to identify issues, design solutions, and evaluate results.
• Strong people leadership skills, including experience with building and leading high-performing teams.
• Occasional travel within Canada may be required.
• Satisfactory completion of criminal records check (with vulnerable sector screening if relevant).

Why Join Us?

We are proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Extended health and dental coverage
• Pension matching up to 5.5%
• 10 days of standard vacation
• 5 days of paid self-care days
• 10 days of paid sick leave
• 10 paid days during the Christmas office closure
• 5 days of other leave for personal matters (e.g., medical appointments or household emergencies)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Cultural leave and wellness initiatives

Salary Range: $156,000.00 - $175,000.00 annually

Position Type: Full-time, permanent

Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.