EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • The Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation is seeking qualified applicants to apply for the position of Executive Director.
  • This position will start as soon as possible. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
  • For a description of the duties please email manager@arcticindigenouswellness.ca
  • Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Resumes with a cover letter may be submitted by mail or email to:

Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation
P.O. Box 603
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N5

Apply by email

Closing Date: 14 September 2023

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will also facilitate comprehensive, Indigenous traditional knowledge exchange with Traditional Healing Staff members, visiting healers, integrated care managers and teams at all levels of the organization and senior leadership team as required. Responsible to meaningfully engage local Indigenous traditional communities and help recruit Elders, healers, medicine people and helpers to  Integrated Care Teams, within our health care environment. The Executive Director focuses on high quality traditional healing services provision within the Holistic model of health and wellbeing and the integrated care model, while supporting local traditional healing capacity development and sustainability for future generations.

Relevant past experience may include (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

  • Experience/ knowledge of medicines, traditional healing, other ceremonies, cultural teachings and traditional ceremonies across AIWF’s sites, urban and on-reserve a large asset, but not a requirement
  • University Degree or Diploma in social services, healthcare, mental health, leadership, native studies, or related field an asset
  • 3-5 years’ experience in Senior Administration and Management an asset
  • Computer proficiency including proven ability to use relevant technology
  • Experience in coaching and mentoring
  • Experience in evidence-based, community action research
  • Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Knowledge of different Nations that reside in communities and surrounding area
  • Must be willing to travel.
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • A current Police Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment
  • Lives and promotes a healthy lifestyle
  • Grant application writing experience

Responsibilities:

The Executive Director performs some or all of the following:

Leadership

  • Participate with the Board of Directors in continuing with the vision and strategic plan of the organization
  • Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization
  • Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Director on all aspects of the organization’s activities
  • Foster effective team work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
  • In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization
  • Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate
  • Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile

Operational planning and management

  • Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
  • Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board and Funders
  • Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
  • Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
  • Ensure that personnel, client, donor and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
  • Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials

Program planning and management

  • Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services
  • Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board
  • Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
  • Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects

Human resources planning and management

  • Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
  • Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices
  • Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
  • Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization’s mission
  • Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
  • Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
  • Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance
  • Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures

Financial planning and management

  • Work with staff and the Board (Signing authorities) to prepare a comprehensive budget
  • Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
  • Research funding sources, oversee the development of fund raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization
  • Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate
  • Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
  • Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
  • Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization
  • Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments

Community relations/advocacy

  • Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
  • Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization

Risk management

  • Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
  • Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
  • Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

Additional responsibilities may be required as follows:

  • Develop and write proposals and reports as required.
  • Provide leadership for short and long-term planning of the Indigenous Healing Centre.
  • Plan organize and coordinate cultural workshops /programming/ activities/ teachings/ and ceremonies for clients and community
  • Provide Mentorship and Coaching to Traditional Healing Service Area (Healers and Helpers)
  • Assist and support the visiting Traditional Healers, Elders and Medicine People
  • Ensure travel arrangements and accommodations for the visiting Traditional Healers and Board of Directors and or Elders Council are organized by staff
  • Assist in obtaining the necessary supplies, equipment, resources for the provision of traditional healing services
  • Collecting and recording client information/data and entry to the electronic records with the aid of the office administrator
  • Support the expansion and evolvement of traditional healing services across NWT
  • Engage local Indigenous traditional communities and help recruit Elders, healers, medicine people and helpers to AIWF’s Integrated Care Teams, within our health care environment
  • Assist in providing cultural consultations and resource services and bring innovative ideas and practices to bridging traditional and western health methods
  • Develops and participates in the on-going delivery of staff development and training programs.
  • Develops client lectures and shares the day-to-day workload as an active member of the Centre’s healing team.
  • Broad cross sector stakeholder relationship management, communications and interdisciplinary collaboration

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by AIWF.

Please Note: This position is based on annual funding and is full-time @ 40 hours (5 days) per week. Work days and hours may be flexible as needs require. Salary is competitive and subject to experience and funding. Benefit incentives included. Position is based in Yellowknife. AIWF’s values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.