ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ
our backs against the mountains
Position Title: Executive Director
Reports To: Chief and Council
Direct Reports: Assistant to Administrator and Chief and Council, Community and Health Services
Manager, Fisheries Manager, Housing Manager, Operations Coordinator, Operations and
Maintenance Manager, Social Development Manager, Wellness Center, and other
departments and projects as assigned
Department(s): Administration
About the Nation:
The Ahousaht Nation territory encompasses much of beautiful Clayoquot Sound with the village
of Maaqtusiis (Marktosis Indian Reserve IR #15) being the only reserve or village site inhabited yearround.
Ahousaht Nation has 25 reserve sites within the nation’s territories, all solely accessible by float plane or
boat. The Nation has over 2,000 members with approximately one-third of Ahousaht members living within
traditional territories. The traditional governance system of Ahousaht still exists today with three principle
Hereditary Chiefs who are responsible for the people, ancestral territories and resources.
Department Profile:
The Administration Department provides support services to the nation and the leadership bodies. Several
positions are structured under the Administration Department including: Assistant Financial Controller, Assistant
to Administrator and Chief and Council, Director of Finance, Operations Coordinator, Assistant Operations
Coordinator, Membership Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Patient Travel Clerk
Position Summary:
The Executive Director serves as the senior administrative leader, guiding staff in the fulfillment of the Ahousaht
Nation’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives. Reporting directly to the Chief and Council, this role is responsible
for fostering and maintaining effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Key
stakeholders include senior administrative personnel, Directors, the Ahousaht Nation Chief, Band and Tribal
Council members, as well as representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal governments. The Executive
Director also oversees several direct reports, ensuring alignment and accountability across all areas of
administration. The Executive Director is a dynamic and visionary leader responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational management of seven departments, including Health, Social Services, Economic Development, Housing, Infrastructure, Finance, and Administration. This role ensures the effective delivery of programs and services that align with the Nation’s cultural values, governance, and long-term goals. The Executive Director will foster community
engagement, uphold culture and inherent rights, is very familiar with DRIPA & UNDRIP and promotes sustainable
development while residing within the Nation to maintain strong ties to the community.
This position is required to work full time in Maaqtusiis, Ahousaht. Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. Living
allowance and/or accommodation will be considered.
• Encourages and supports others to take the spotlight
• Maintains a humble and team-oriented approach
• Demonstrates emotional resilience and handles criticism well
• Exhibits strong organizational skills
• Highly proficient with technology, particularly mobile tools
• Quickly accesses information when needed
• Avoids saying “I don’t know” by seeking clarity or finding solutions
• Committed to continuous learning and growth
• Follows up reliably, providing answers by the agreed-upon deadline
• Works flexibly and effectively in any environment, whether in the boardroom or out in the community
• Effectively delegates
• Shields managers and staff by taking responsibility under pressure
• Maintains a strong focus on meeting deadlines and delivering results
• Communicates effectively and professionally in both oral and written forms
• Operates with full transparency and integrity
• Makes thoughtful hiring decisions and addresses performance issues promptly
• Encourages collaboration by valuing the insights and expertise of others
• Welcomes constructive criticism and feedback
• Embraces a servant leadership model, supporting the organization from the ground up
• Serves the interests of all 2,400 Ahousaht community members with dedication
Major Accountabilities
• Serving as the senior liaison between the Ahousaht Nation and external stakeholder groups
• Building and sustaining positive relationships with key external partners and organizations
• Leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of the annual operational plan
• Coordinating senior administrative staff to operationalize the Strategic Plan effectively
• Advancing and evaluating organizational structures and processes, including staff committees, terms
of reference, job descriptions, performance competencies, and appraisal systems
• Overseeing the preparation of regular written reports and information packages to keep the Band and
Tribal Council informed on key operational matters
• Collaborating with the Chief to implement Band and Tribal Council directives and resolutions
• Ensuring effective coordination of Board meetings and related governance activities
• Managing the development of the annual budget aligned with program and service objectives
• Overseeing financial systems and monitoring budget utilization, including variance tracking
• Strong understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and annual audits
• Supporting the preparation and submission of funding proposals and required reporting
• Providing staff with education and guidance on efficient resource management
• Leading the development and oversight of comprehensive internal policies and procedures
• Promoting the Ahousaht Nation’s mission, goals, and objectives to the media and general public
• Fostering strong relationships and open communication with community leaders
• Project (capital) management experience
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities of Position
•Proven ability to lead independently while also contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team
•Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution capabilities
•Skilled in public relations, community engagement, and advocacy
•Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
•Confident and persuasive public speaker
•Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage time and stress effectively
•Proficient in active listening and effective verbal communication
•Experienced in mediation and negotiation, with the ability to manage complex discussions
•Deep knowledge and respect for Ahousaht Nation culture, traditions, and values
•Demonstrated expertise in program management, including planning, delivery, and evaluation
•Proven ability to secure program funding through grants and partnerships
•Track record of successful collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders
•Must be willing to travel for work
Education and Experience Requirements
•Bachelor of Administration Degree, Chartered Professional Accountant, with a minimum of five years’ direct experience in working with First Nation’s Community and Chief and Council
•Demonstrated ability to translate theory into practice
•Experience in working with First Nations Communities
•Background in Health or related areas would be an asset
•A combination of education and experience may be considered
Salary Range: $120,000 to $250,000 based on experience, skills and background
Please send your resume and a covering letter exemplifying why you or your company would be the best choice to
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Posting will remain open until filled.
Company
Ahousaht First Nation
Location
Maaqtusiis, Ahousaht
Contact Info
Salary Range: $120,000 to $250,000 based on experience, skills and background
Please send your resume and a covering letter exemplifying why you or your company would be the best choice to
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Posting will remain open until filled.
The video Nature's Guardians displays the traditions behind Indigenous stewardship of the lands and waters
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