ABOUT WILLIAMS LAKE FIRST NATION (WLFN)

The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the T’exelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwepemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6500 years. Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe.

We are Culturally Centered, Future Focused. WLFN offers competitive wages and benefits package, RSP matching up to 8%, lifestyle spending account, advanced training opportunities, and many other benefits.

Deadline for Applications: October 31, 2025 @ 4:00PM.

POSITION

The Executive Director of Administration is a key leadership role within Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN). Reporting directly to the CAO, the Executive Director of Administration is responsible for overseeing administrative operations, developing organizational policies, and ensuring that WLFN’s daily functions run efficiently. The Director of Administration also ensures that administrative processes align with the strategic direction of Chief and Council, supporting the Nation’s governance and long-term goals.

The Executive Director of Administration will assist with leading a multi-faceted team of employees and works with the WLFN’s governing body to establish effective working relationships with community groups, funding agencies, and other external contacts. The Director of Administration will also serve as Acting CAO when required, providing continuity of leadership and decision-making.

Employment Type

Full time (35 hours per week Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm).

Probation Period

3 months from the date of hire.

Minimum Requirements

• Post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Indigenous Governance, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible leadership in administration, governance, or management.

• Valid Class 5 Driver's License.

• Clear criminal record.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and build effective interpersonal relationships with a collaborative, professional, and community-focused approach.

• Ability to work collaboratively with the leadership team in the establishing of goals, strategy, preparation of budgets and funding proposals.

• Ability to understand financial data and forecast the impacts of trends and issues.

• Proficiency in the use of computer programs for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, email, and the internet, to the intermediate level.

• Ability to self-regulate, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail.

• Ability to manage conflict and manage change.

• Lifestyle consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to support individuals to access resources, and problem solve.

• Strong administrative skills with attention to detail.

• Recognizes and respects all cultural diversity and understands Indigenous culture.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership:

• Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures; inclusive of department workplans and strategic goals and objectives.

• Coordinate across departments to improve efficiency and strategic alignment.

• Assist the CAO in managing the day-to-day operations of WLFN, ensuring efficient service delivery to all members.

• Mentor and supervise administrative staff and provide leadership continuity as Acting CAO.

Governance:

• Participates in the development of a vision and strategic plan with WLFN Chief and Council.

• Acts as a liaison between the CAO and other government officials, the media, and the public, facilitating communication and collaboration.

• Acts as an organization spokesperson, making presentations to government, media, affiliated organizations, etc.; develops communication strategy for public awareness of programs and events.

• Engage in public relations, networking, and advocacy activities.

Operations:

• Assists in the development of an operational plan for the organization’s strategic direction and communicates this through regular staff communication and by setting goals and monitoring progress with each department.

• Assists in the development of a comprehensive training plan designed to increase capacity of all employees, leading to the ability to have an internal succession plan.

• Establishes policies and procedures for the organization; regularly reviews and updates to meet legislative and operation changes, ensuring proper review by subject matter experts, Finance and Audit Committee or Chief Financial Officer and the CAO as appropriate.

• Develops a plan to manage the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services.

• Establishes record keeping practices that safeguard records, ensure compliance with retention and disposition schedules, and ensure staff are knowledgeable of their responsibilities and that compliance with information privacy policies is conducted.

Financial Management:

• Ensures budgets are approved and adhered to, in addition to reviewing cash flow and providing regular reports to the governing body.

• Provides input to the audit report development and takes action to implement and operationalize recommendations.

• Maintains lists of individuals with signing authorities at all financial institutions and obtains approval of Council for changes.

• Authorizes expenditures and payment packages according to procedures under the Financial Administration Law.

• Ensures regular reporting requirements are met to governing bodies and appropriate agencies by working with Finance to produce appropriate documentation for funding bodies.

• Reviews long-term debt financing and recommends actions to the Finance & Audit Committee, ensuring concurrence is obtained from legal counsel and records maintained in accordance with the Records Management Policy.

• Undertakes Risk Management assessment process and prepares a Risk Management Plan to identify any risks that could impact the achievement of strategic goals or operations in general and methods of mitigation, creating business plans for any business activities and reporting on for-profit business activities and obtaining insurance to address risks where appropriate.

• Monitors Investments, approves transfers of investment funds, monitors performance of investments and reports on changes to the investment portfolio to Council, providing recommendations to the Audit Committee for any risk assessment, selection or de-selection of investment managers or custodians, funds to be invested and changes to portfolios

• Identifies, researches, writes, and pursues economic development funding proposals in partnership with program directors.

• Writes official correspondence on behalf of the governing body to involve key stakeholders in various projects, ensuring follow-up of particular action items and documenting issues and progress.

Community Relations:

• Ensures that WLFN members understand the programs, services and opportunities offered through the administration.

• Provides opportunities for WLFN members to share their views or concerns, interact with staff and feel part of the Nation organizations.

• Supports the mission, vision, values of WLFN.

• Contributes to the WLFN’s ongoing success by accomplishing other duties as required or assigned.

We thank all those individuals who applied. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Are you interested in relocating but want to know more about why you should make the move to the Cariboo? Learn more here! Make the Move - Cariboo Regional District (cariboord.ca)