Chief Executive Officer

Job No: 63055

Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta

Closing Date: 1 Feb 2015 AEDT

About the Organization

Through the Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, and Treaty No. 8 Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC), the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs in Alberta envision the creation of a culturally appropriate and responsive education environment for First Nation students. We aim to achieve this through Indigenous-based education pedagogies, curriculum, education policy, language programs and research that reflects and incorporates Indigenous traditions into a comprehensive education system. 

About the Opportunity

IKWC is an exciting, start-up organization with an opportunity for a motivated Chief Executive Officer who is looking for a new challenge and to play an active role in the community.    

As CEO of an incorporated entity, you will report to the Board of Directors and will be accountable for the overall leadership and management of the IKWC. 

Responsibilities of this pivotal role include:   

• Directs the development of strategies and effective business plans to ensure the success and sustainability of the organization;
• Embodies the Vision, Values, and Mission of the organization, models the desired corporate culture, and meets the highest ethical and behavioural standards; 
• Manages risk assessment and develops mitigating strategies; 
• Attains all established operational and financial goals; 
• Maintains an environment of high employee morale, performance, and engagement; 
• Liaises with all the communities of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 & Treaty No. 8; 
• Collaborates and consults widely to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the IKWC; 
• Fosters a climate of stakeholder focus and collaboration and provides the highest possible level of stakeholder relations and services; 
• Promotes the positive image of the organization brand; 
• Acts as the primary spokesperson for the organization and maintains effective communications with all external stakeholders; 
• Liaises with First Nation agencies and historical organizations to establish the IKWC to ensure the appropriateness and accuracy of information collected in order that all students in Alberta are provided with accurate cultural knowledge and high quality learning opportunities; 
• Ensures the learning system meets the needs of an inclusive K4-12 school setting for each First Nation Education system; and 
• Possesses strong written and oral communication skills.

With a Post-Secondary Degree, you will also have a Master's Degree in Education from a recognized institution. To be successful in this role, it is essential that you have front-line teaching experience and comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by front-line staff. It is imperative that you also have an understanding of how the Chief and Council operate. 

The ideal candidate will have at least five years' management experience, with a significant time spent in a senior leadership role. You will be experienced at building new and innovative organizations, departments or approaches. You will also have a continuous learning orientation demonstrated by regular participation in leadership development courses. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who is capable of establishing new processes, creating and inspiring a new team and developing trusting relationships with stakeholders. Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, you will effectively assess problems, opportunities and make decisions when no precedent exists. You will also be skilled at balancing the priorities of multiple and disparate stakeholders. 

Finally, you will be well-versed in First Nations education and culture. Extensive experience working with Alberta First Nations and competency in First Nations language is advantageous. You will also be able and willing to actively participate in community affairs. 

About the Benefits