Executive Director
Careers that make a difference
We work to build and maintain an accountable government that motivates, inspires, and provides opportunities for Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens. Our employees have the opportunity to make meaningful connections and work on initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.
“With boundless pride in our ancient cultural heritage and ancestral homelands, we exercise our inherent right to self-government, to take the responsibility for the general welfare of our Citizens, and to provide for the good government of our community, lands and resources.”
—Preamble, VGFN Constitution
About the Role
The Executive Director directs the operations of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) in accordance with directives and priorities set by VGFN Chief and Council and the Management Committee. The position ensures operations comply with bylaws and policy, are within approved budgets, and are in collaboration with community organizations, partners, and Citizens. The Executive Director also leads planning processes to align strategy with operations to deliver services in the best interest of VGFN Citizens. Reporting to the Chief, some of the responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to;
Support for Chief & Council - Advises Chief and Council on all aspects of VGFN activities. Provides administrative, personnel and financial updates and informs Council of internal/external issues that may affect the organization or its Citizens.
Proposal Development - Submits plans and proposals for discussion and approval and supports policy review. Liaises between Council, Committees and Management (Director and Manager level) to foster positive relations, exchange information, and provide direction to align program delivery.
Planning - Directs planning processes with Council to develop a long-term vision and strategic plan, incorporating feedback from staff and citizens. Implements the five-year strategic plan and Council directives by aligning strategy with operations and ensures policy frameworks and structures exist to support oversight, regulation, accountability, and inclusiveness.
People Management - Manages direct reports and operations by establishing work plans with Department heads, evaluating activities and progress, addressing concerns, and communicating direction and expectations. Promotes capacity development through coaching, performance evaluation, encouraging individual development, and manages personnel issues and problem solving.
Financial Management - Oversees financial management and strategy including funding submissions and preparation of the government’s annual operating budget in conjunction with Finance, Department heads and Council. Reviews variance reports, shortages/surpluses, and revenues/expenses. Ensures necessary resources are in place to deliver services by approving expenditures within its delegated authority, such as purchases and contracts for professional services.
Governance - Provides leadership, implements and champions government-wide human resources, financial and administrative frameworks, policy, and strategy (as guided by the HR Manager and Director, Finance). Prioritizes a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with legislation. Fosters a culture of ongoing receptivity to continual change to improve the operation and effectiveness of the government.
External Relations - Represents VGFN's interests and positions in negotiations and at official functions and in joint initiatives. Maintains strategic relationships and participates with a wide variety of stakeholders including other First Nations organizations, boards, councils, and committees, working groups, community partners and officials of the federal and territorial governments.
Custodial - Maintains custody of governance and legal information including registries of Citizen names, of statutory offices (and particulars of incumbent appointments), and of written laws, agreements, and directives passed by the General Assembly, Council, Elders Council, and the Review Council. Maintains custody of the seal of VGFN.
Management Committee - Leads Management Committee meetings to issue management directives concerning the management of capital interests, the organization and management of VGFN, and the disposition or lending of public property. Leads a unified senior management team to exchange information, provides direction and oversight, and develops integrated work plans to achieve VGFN 5-year strategic plan.
Emergency Management - Responds to crisis situations of employees and Citizens and consults with appropriate parties to identify and achieve solutions.
What We Offer
• Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly.
• 4% Northern Community Remoteness Allowance for employees residing in Old Crow full-time.
• 4% Northern Travel Allowance for employees residing in Old Crow full-time.
• 4 weeks’ vacation to start plus two weeks paid time off over the Christmas season.
• A very healthy extended benefits package.
• 12 days management leave per year
• 10 days sick pay per year.
• 10 days paid special/personal leave per year.
• A matched pension plan.
• Subsidized Housing may be available.
• Relocation Allowance.
What You Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in business, management, public administration, Indigenous governance or related field, as well as continued personal and professional development. A professional designation is an asset.
Significant (15+ years) leadership experience developing, implementing, and evaluating organizational strategic visions.
Considerable (10+ years) experience motivating and managing staff, overseeing finance (budgets and procurement), policy, and governance, to translate political direction into operational strategy and business plans.
Considerable experience in stakeholder management and negotiations to navigate and advance organizational political positions and interests.
Leadership experience in the public sector and/or an Indigenous organization possessing a final/self-governing agreement is an asset.
Supporting You Along The Way
We believe that a rewarding career is not only good for our employees, but it also leads to better outcomes for our clients, workplace and the community. That’s why we are committed to providing you with a competitive salary, health benefits, and a retirement plan. Beyond compensation, you will have the opportunity to make meaningful connections and work on initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to: jobs@vgfn.ca. In accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA, Section 16(1)), hiring preference will be given to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Citizens. Following this, preference will be extended to Indigenous candidates, and then to those with experience and knowledge of First Nations customs and practices.
❖ While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
