The Executive Director is a senior leadership position responsible for supporting the effective administration and operation of the Fort Nelson First Nation in accordance with its vision and values.

Working closely with Chief and Council, the Executive Director provides leadership and oversight of the Nation’s public administration, operations, departments, financial management, and strategic planning. The position supports the development of the Nation and its governance structures while ensuring the organization’s goals and priorities are effectively carried out.

The Executive Director provides leadership to department directors, supports strong financial and operational management, promotes continuous improvement, and ensures clear communication and accountability across the organization. The position also builds and maintains strong relationships with government, partners, stakeholders, staff, and the community.

The successful candidate will be an experienced and strategic leader who can work collaboratively with Chief and Council and provide effective leadership across a diverse organization.

WHAT YOU BRING

Knowledge & Experience

- Minimum seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in mid/senior-level leadership position.
- Experience in a leadership role with a First Nations Government.
- Experience creating and managing budgets for a large distributed organization.
- Experience in strategic planning and execution, contracting, negotiating, change, and risk management.
- Experienced diplomacy, negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills; respond appropriately in pressure situations with calm, steady demeanor; build positive relationships with all.
- Experience and best practices in public administration.
- University degree in Governance and/or Administration; BMgt. First Nations Governance, CA/CGA/CPA/CMA and/or CHRP designations are preferred; or equivalent experience and training.
- Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation applicable to government organizations and of applicable legislation governing First Nations operations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of First Nation’s Financial Administration Law.
- Knowledge of Indigenous Services Canada (previously INAC/AANDC) and other funding programs.




- Demonstrated knowledge of leadership and management.

Skills & Abilities

- Effective leadership skills, with a focus on mentoring and motivating an employee base of professionals.
- Fiscal management strengths and skills include: business finance, capital funding, contracts, and partnerships.
- Identification and resolution skills; strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Strong analytical, strategic planning and financial management skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.
- Interpersonal skills - interact professionally and maintain diplomacy.
- Leadership and team building skills.
- Microsoft Office Suite skills and good internet skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Council, officials, other governmental and regulatory officials, staff, private and community organizations, developers, contractors and others encountered in the course of work.
- Ability to manage key constituent relationships; patrons, business partners, government agencies, and so on.
- Able to identify key issues; creatively and strategically overcome internal and external challenges or obstacles.
- Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings; professional verbal/written communication.
- Ability to prepare financial reports and statements.
- Ability to prepare, implement, and monitor budgets and any related third-party funding, as well as the ability to develop proposals working with financing and feasibility analysis processes.
- Ability to develop clear, concise and comprehensive technical reports, correspondence and other written materials.
- Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including community members, government officials, and industry representatives.

Other Requirements





- High level of integrity, confidentially, and accountability.
- Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
- At times the work requires the ability to maintain a flexible schedule and tight deadline while simultaneously managing several operations areas.
- Diplomacy in pressure situations with calm, steady demeanor; builds positive relationships with all.
- Identification and resolution skills; strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Compliance with BC Immunization program and TB Screening.
- Satisfactory completion of a police information check
- Ability to provide own transportation to work.
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and Drivers Abstract.

Optional/Assets

- Ability to speak Dene and/or Cree.

WORK SETTING The regular work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 35 hours per week. A flexible schedule is required to meet time-sensitive deadlines, attend to urgent matters, and work outside regular office hours when necessary. Work is primarily office-based, with occasional evening meetings, public presentations, and travel as required. The position works with all levels of the organization, government, and the public. Work-related travel is compensable.

WHY WORK WITH FNFN

Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications

5 weeks vacation

Comprehensive health, dental & insurance benefits

Pension plan

35-hour work week, supporting work-life balance

Paid Christmas closure (prorated)

Meaningful work supporting the FNFN community

READY TO APPLY?

Closes November 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Please submit your resume and cover letter. Preference may be given to qualified First Nations applicants. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Interested in other opportunities? Visit www.fnnation.ca/careers.

Pay: From $84.30 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Advantages

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Executive Director (Fort Nelson)
🏢 Fort Nelson First Nation
📍 Fort Nelson