Education Manager

Kapawe’no First Nation, Grouard, AB

Kapawe’no First Nation is seeking a dedicated, vision-driven, and experienced Education Manager to provide executive management, strategic leadership, and administrative oversight for Kapawe’no First Nation Education Services.

We currently have an opportunity for a Full-Time Education Manager. Reporting to the Internal Office Manager, the Education Manager is responsible and accountable for the executive leadership, program management, quality assurance, and inter-school coordination across all Nation education initiatives. This includes student advocacy for on-Nation members, Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) administration, Early Learning oversight (Daycare and HeadStart), and high-level governance for the Band-operated K–9 Kapawe’no First Nation School.

Additionally, the Education Manager will structure and maintain essential relationships across feeder schools within High Prairie, Grouard, and Kapawe’no, ensuring the core principle of First Nations Control of First Nations Education is upheld while harmonizing cultural teachings with Western educational standards. The role is based primarily out of the Kapawe’no First Nation Administration Office with regular on-site focus at the Kapawe’no First Nation School and regional feeder schools.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to:

- Providing overall executive leadership, strategic planning, and administrative management of the Education Department from early learning through K–12 and post-secondary studies.
- Structuring and strengthening cooperative working relationships with regional feeder schools across High Prairie, Grouard, and Kapawe’no to advocate for Nation student needs and cultural safety.
- Upholding the principle of First Nations Control of First Nations Education in all educational partnerships, tuition agreements, and regional inter-school frameworks.
- Assisting with updating educational policies, handbooks, and guidelines (student attendance, discipline, safety, inclusive education) to enhance departmental effectiveness.
- Preparing briefs, background recommendations, regular reports, and data submissions for Chief and Council and the Internal Office Manager on enrollment, academic achievement, assessment results, and outcomes for Kapawe’no First Nation Students.
- Recruiting, supervising, and supporting the School Principal,



ensuring clear administrative direction while delegating day-to-day school management to school-based personnel.
- Providing executive oversight to the Daycare Manager to ensure operational compliance with Nation standards and provincial licensing under Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act.
- Overseeing and administering the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), Jordan’s Principle education supports, Nominal Role registries, and federal Early Learning funding (FNICC).
- Managing departmental operating budgets in strict alignment with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) funding agreements and the KFN Financial Administration Code.
- Overseeing student record systems and registration data in compliance with OCAP® principles and the Kapawe’no First Nation "Access to Information & Privacy Management" policy.

Knowledge & Skills Required Include but are not limited to:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.), Educational Leadership, Public/Educational Administration, or a related discipline is required; a Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.) or Educational Leadership is strongly preferred. Active Alberta Teaching Certificate is a strong asset.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive educational administration, program management, or educational leadership experience, preferably within a First Nations or Indigenous education environment.
- Sound knowledge of K–12 education systems, inclusive education frameworks, post-secondary funding structures, and regional feeder school networks across High Prairie, Grouard, and Kapawe’no.
- Demonstrated commitment to the principle of First Nations Control of First Nations Education, with the ability to bridge Indigenous knowledge systems and Cree language with Western curriculum standards.
- In-depth understanding of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) education funding mechanisms, Nominal Role registries, Band-operated school funding models, PSSSP guidelines, Jordan’s Principle, and FNICC program plans.
- Working knowledge of provincial early learning and childcare licensing requirements under Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act.




- Strong understanding of Cree culture, traditions, Nation dynamics, and Treaty rights regarding education.
- Exceptional organizational, financial management, written, and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated expertise in budgeting, policy development, and inter-agency collaboration.
- Mandatory requirements/conditions: Current clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (dated within 3 months), Child Intervention Record Check, signed Oath of Confidentiality and adherence to the KFN "Access to Information & Privacy Management" policy and Financial Administration Code, ability to pass drug testing and be fit for duty, valid Driver's License (Class 5 required) with clean abstract, access to a reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel locally between administration offices, schools, and feeder sites.
- Ability to speak or understand the Cree language is considered a significant asset.

In addition to a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, Kapawe’no First Nation can offer an exciting and challenging work environment, as well as an organizational culture that values: Cultural Identity, Education, Health, and Accountability. If you believe that you could thrive in our environment, and are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.

Kapawe’no First Nation thanks applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Candidates considered for this position will be contacted directly.

Benefits

- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Ability to commute/relocate:
- Grouard, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:
- Educational Admin, Program Mgmt., or Educational Leadership : 3 years (preferred)
- First Nations & Indigenous Knowledge Systems : 3 years (preferred)
- K-12 Education Systems & Frameworks: 1 year (preferred)
- (ISC) Funding Mechanisms: 1 year (preferred)
- Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act: 1 year (preferred)
- Cree Language, Culture & Traditions: 1 year (preferred)
- Jordan's Principle Guidelines: 1 year (preferred)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Clean Criminal Record, Child Welfare and Drug Check (preferred)
- Clean Driving Abstract & License (preferred)
- Active Alberta Teaching Certificate (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Education Manager (Grouard)
🏢 Kapawe'no First Nation
📍 Grouard