Executive Director

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Witset First Nation – Administration / Executive Office

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Position Details

Employment Type: Permanent / Full-Time (Management, Exempt)
Hours: Average of 35 hours per week; evenings, weekends, and overtime as required
Department: Administration / Executive Office
Reports To: Chief and Council
Location: Witset First Nation Administration Office
Salary: $128,000 – $152,000 annually

Application Deadline: Open until filled

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Position Overview

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The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of Witset First Nation's Band administration, in accordance with the strategic direction established 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 First Nation services and programs. This includes chairing Chief and Council meetings when delegated, managing the Nation's executive team and staff, and ensuring Band operations are delivered effectively, within budget, and in a manner that reflects Witset's culture and priorities.

As the Nation's senior administrative leader, the Executive Director serves as the primary administrative advisor to Chief and Council, represents Witset's interests with governments, funders, and partner organizations, and coordinates specialized legal, financial, and technical advice. The position also supports the preservation and revitalization of Wet'suwet'en culture, traditions, and language throughout the Nation's programs and services.

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Key Responsibilities

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Leadership and 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 Council members do not direct employees or operational matters unless expressly authorized by Chief and Council.

• Serve as the primary professional advisor to Chief and Council on all aspects of the Nation's operations, programs, and services.

• Attend Chief and Council meetings and provide administrative and professional advice. Coordinate agendas, reports, and follow-up actions on Council decisions, and chair meetings when delegated by Chief and Council.

• Implement the Nation's Strategic Plan and support Chief and Council in carrying out its directives.

• Foster effective teamwork and positive working relationships between Chief and Council, the Executive Director, and staff.

• Act as a spokesperson for Band operations alongside the Chief, Deputy Chief, or a designated Council representative, and conduct official correspondence on behalf of Chief and Council as appropriate. Public positions concerning political matters, rights, title, governance, or other strategic issues are communicated by Chief and Council or a representative specifically authorized by Council.
   

Operational and Program Management

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• Oversee the management, administration, and delivery of all Band services and programs, ensuring they operate within approved budgets.

• Provide oversight of 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 with goals and objectives aligned with the direction of the Band's Strategic Plan.

• Support the wraparound service model envisioned by Chief and Council by improving coordination and reducing operational silos between Witset departments and partner organizations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, core funding requirements, financial policies, and departmental procedures.

• Develop draft policies for Chief and Council's approval and establish procedures for their implementation. Review existing policies annually and recommend changes where needed.

• 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 annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Finance Department.

• Recommend budgets to Chief and Council 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's certification remains in good standing.

• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by Chief and Council and monitor monthly cash flow.

• Ensure proper bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed and that the Band complies with legislation governing 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 audit reporting is completed 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 human resources policies and procedures.

• Ensure all employees, except those positions expressly reserved to Chief and Council, report through the established administrative chain of command and are not subject to operational direction from individual Council members.

• Establish and maintain 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, implement disciplinary measures 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 – Director of Operations
 

• Lead the identification, planning, and hiring process for the newly created Director of Operations position. Work with Chief and Council to define the position's responsibilities, reporting relationships, and place within the Band's organizational structure.

• Recommend organizational changes needed to support the new position 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 throughout the transition.

• Provide ongoing oversight and mentorship to the Director of Operations as a member of the Band's executive team.
   

Community and Intergovernmental Relations
 

• Represent Witset First Nation's interests at various levels of government, advocating for the community's needs, rights, and priorities.

• Communicate with community members and stakeholders to keep them informed of the Band's work and identify changing community needs.

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, government agencies, and other organizations.

• Represent the Band at community activities to strengthen its profile and relationships.
   

Kyah Development Corporation
 

• Support an effective shareholder and governance relationship between Witset First Nation and Kyah Development Corporation (KDC), facilitating the exchange of information between Chief and Council and the KDC Board.

• Participate in KDC meetings when invited or formally designated, without assuming responsibility for KDC's operational management. Maintain 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 other engagements, as appropriate, to represent the Band's interests and remain informed of KDC's initiatives, opportunities, and challenges.
   

Risk Management and Safety
 

• Identify and assess risks to the Band's people, property, finances, and reputation, and implement appropriate measures to manage those risks.

• Support 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 maintains 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 and Community Development
 

• Support and promote the preservation and revitalization of Wet'suwet'en culture, traditions, and language, ensuring cultural values are reflected throughout the Nation's programs and services.

• Perform other duties as assigned from time to time by Chief and Council.
   

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, preferably within a First Nations, non-profit, or public sector organization.

• Knowledge of Indigenous governance and reporting requirements, including those related to Indigenous Services Canada and other funding agencies.

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they apply to non-profit and community organizations.

• Knowledge of applicable federal and provincial legislation, including employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, taxation, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and health coverage.

• Knowledge of financial management, human resources management, and project management.

• Proficiency with computers, including word processing, financial management software, email, internet applications, and electronic documentation.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector screening.

• Valid BC Driver's Licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
 

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to positively influence others and achieve results in the best interests of the Band.

• Sound judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to assess situations, determine urgency and risk, and make timely, informed decisions.

• Strong strategic planning and organizational skills, with the ability to establish priorities and monitor progress toward goals.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with Chief and Council, staff, community members, and external partners.

• Adaptability and a demonstrated willingness to remain flexible, versatile, and tolerant in a changing work environment.

• High ethical standards, with professional conduct that reflects Witset First Nation's values.

• Genuine respect for and understanding of Witset First Nation, Wet'suwet'en culture, governance, and community priorities.
   

Working Conditions
 

• Primarily an office-based position at the Witset First Nation Administration Office, with some travel required to attend meetings, conferences, and community events.

• Standard work week, with regular evening, weekend, and overtime work required to accommodate Chief and Council meetings and community events. As a management position, this role is exempt from overtime pay in accordance with the Canada Labour Code.

• On-call availability may be required to respond to emergencies affecting the community.

• Regular exposure to confidential and sensitive information concerning community members, finances, and Band operations.
   

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and two references.

Email: hr@witset.ca

In Person: Applications may be dropped off in a sealed envelope at the Main Band Office, attention Brad Densmore.
 

Application Deadline: Open until filled

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Employment Equity

Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
 

Our Commitment

The Witset First Nation practices Wiguus by engaging, understanding, inspiring, and empowering our ski ze’, revitalizing our roots and cultural systems, integrating traditional knowledge with the knowledge of today through building capacity and resources, celebrating our successes, and adapting to meet the needs and interests of ski ze’ and future generations.