Senior Director of Administration (SDA)

Location: Skidegate / Masset Offices Employment Type: Full-time, permanent Application Deadline: October 14,2026 - End of Day Position Overview Guided by the Constitution of the Haida Nation, Haida values, and responsibilities, the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) advances governance, well-being, and the perpetuation of Haida culture and language. Supported by the Secretariat of the Haida Nation (SHN), which provides administrative and financial oversight, the CHN delivers programs and services for the Haida Nation. The SHN, CHN, and Senior Director of Administration are ultimately accountable to Haida Citizens through the House of Assembly. As the senior administrative leader, the Senior Director of Administration works within a dual reporting framework: to the SHN for administrative and financial oversight, and to the CHN for strategic, governance, and political direction. The SDA provides organizational leadership, operational oversight, and strategic advice, ensuring programs, services, and internal operations align with the Haida Constitution, values, and cultural protocols. The SDA oversees organizational planning, financial and administrative management, people leadership, program delivery, and external relations, while providing steady leadership through transition, change, and growth with sound judgment, cultural humility, and strong governance discipline. Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of organizational strategic and operational plans in alignment with CHN directives and SHN oversight.
• Provide professional advice to the SHN and CHN on internal and external issues affecting the organization, recommending operational and policy improvements.
• Lead and manage organizational change initiatives, including assessing readiness, mitigating risk, and supporting staff through transition.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and bylaws are developed, maintained, and regularly reviewed for SHN approval.
• Ensure compliance with Haida Law, cultural protocols, legislation, policies, procedures, and the Constitution of the Council of the Haida Nation.
• Financial Management & Treasury Oversight
• Provide executive oversight of financial operations in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, including:
• Supporting the development and management of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensuring strong internal financial controls, appropriate expenditure of program budgets, and accurate financial reporting.
• Monitoring funding requirements and organizational financial policies.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reporting to funding partners, oversight bodies, and auditors.
• Program & Service Delivery
• Oversee program and service delivery across all departments, including Governance, Communications, Finance, Human Resources, Lands, Emergency Management, and Marine.
• Ensure programs and services align with organizational priorities and are delivered effectively and responsibly.
• Support the identification and development of new funding sources, grant opportunities, and revenue streams.
• Establish comprehensive program evaluation, performance monitoring, and reporting systems.
• Governance & Administration
• Manage official administrative correspondence, contracts, and legal agreements on behalf of the organization.
• Attend SHN meetings and oversee preparation of agendas, reports, and briefing materials.
• Attend CHN meetings and ensure effective and efficient follow up on actions, directions and decisions arising.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison between the SHN, CHN, staff, and external partners.
• Support governance effectiveness by delivering clear, timely, and objective briefings to elected leadership.
• Represent the organization at local, regional, provincial, and national forums as required.
• People Leadership & Organizational Culture
• Provide executive leadership, mentorship, and supervision to departmental directors and staff.
• Ensure accountable frameworks are established for recruitment, performance management, employee coaching, professional development, and workplace health and safety.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and culturally grounded workplace aligned with Haida values.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, HR policies, and best practices.
• Lead with integrity, accountability, and care for staff well-being.
• Relationship Management & Community Engagement
• Engage with Haida citizens through Seasonal Sessions, House of Assembly meetings, and other forums.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with community partners, governments, funders, and external organizations.
• Support collaboration between the CHN and the Hereditary Chiefs Council, Village Councils, Haida Enterprise Corporation, other Haida Nation institutions and municipal governments as required.
• Risk Management & Organizational Accountability
• Identify and manage organizational risks, including operational, financial, legal, reputational, and health and safety risks.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage, legal compliance, and proactive risk mitigation measures across all departments.
• Uphold high standards of administrative transparency, record-keeping, and public accountability.

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required to support organizational operations. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of First Nations governance, administration, and self-government.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations with multiple programs and stakeholders.
• Strong financial and operational management skills, including public-sector or comparable standards.
• Proven experience leading organizational change and transition.
• Strong judgment, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead respectfully within a cross-cultural and values-based environment.
• Commitment to Haida culture, values, and community.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
• Equivalent education and/or lived experience will be considered.
• A master's degree or professional certification is an asset.
• Minimum 5–7 years of senior management experience, ideally within an Indigenous, public-sector, or complex organizational environment.
• Experience in financial management, people leadership, program delivery, policy development, and governance support.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel within and outside of Haida Gwaii.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Successful completion of criminal record and related checks.
• Eligibility to work in Canada.

Preference will be given to Haida citizens, followed by residents of Haida Gwaii, as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code. What We Offer

• Hourly rate: $76.00-$92.70/hr based on experience.
• Full-time (35–40 hrs/week) with paid time off, including an additional 2-week office closure during the winter break.
• Competitive benefits: dental, extended health, vision care, disability insurance, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and pension plan.
• A supportive and welcoming team environment.
• Opportunities to learn and grow while contributing to the preservation of Haida heritage.