Director, Health
Top Benefits
About the role
**Title:**Director, Health
**Location:**Ottawa, Ontario
**Employment Status:**Permanent Full-Time Position
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Internal and External Competition
Application Instructions: Interviews will be held over ZOOM.
About the AFN The AFN is an advocacy organization that takes direction and fulfills mandates as directed by First Nations in-Assembly through resolutions. As a national advocacy organization for First Nations, the AFN seeks to advance First Nations Inherent and Treaty Rights through the development of policy, public education, and where applicable, the co-development of legislation to build First Nations capacity.
The AFN was created out of a desire among First Nations leadership for a strong and effective collective advocacy organization. From this, values such as respect for human rights, diversity, justice, and the sovereignty of each rights-holding First Nation guide the work of the organization.
Position Overview
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the position of Director, Health. The incumbent will lead, focus, build, develop, and motivate the Health Sector to achieve the AFN and Health Sector strategic objectives and workplans. The Director is responsible to lead the Health Sector in fulfilling the First Nations mandates and the national advocacy strategies in all First Nations Communities. Reporting to the Senior Director, Social, the Director has the following
Key duties and responsibilities:
-**Strategic Leadership:**Leads, focuses, builds, develops, and motivates the Health Sector in achieving Sector plans, goals, objectives and priorities, including researching, developing, and delivering a strategic plan and planning process.
-**Team Management:**Lead and mentor a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and effective work environment.
-**Human Resources:**to oversee the hiring of Sector staff, conduct performance appraisals, and ensure Sector employees comply with AFN policies and procedures. -**Financial Management:**Oversees the Sector financial management: sector budget, proposal submissions and reporting to federal government departments.
-**Collaboration:**Work closely with other AFN sectors, the National Chief’s Office, and external organizations to coordinate efforts and share best practices.
-**Advocacy & Representation:**Represent the AFN in a variety of forums, presentations, panel discussions, conversations, and meetings, related to Sector issues and matters.
-**Communication:**Prepare reports, briefing notes, and presentations to inform partners and support decision-making processes.
Working Conditions
-
Primarily office-based with regular travel required for meetings, community engagement, and events.
-
Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate community needs and organizational priorities.
Physical and Mental Demands
-
Extended periods of computer use and desk work.
-
High levels of concentration and emotional resilience are required when addressing complex health issues.
-
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Who Can Apply:
-
A post-secondary degree in Public Policy, Management, Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies or a related field of study and a minimum of 5 years of relevant management level experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
-
Significant demonstrated knowledge and understanding of First Nations health considerations
-
Strong analytical skills and capability to provide quality deliverables with an attention to detail.
-
Demonstrated advanced communications skills, both oral and written.
-
Demonstrated successful experience working with First Nations governments and within First Nations networks.
-
Demonstrated successful experience in establishing effective relationships with federal, provincial, territorial governments and officials.
-
Demonstrated superior leadership skills, sound judgement, and collaborative teamwork.
-
Diplomacy, tact, sound judgement, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
-
Planning, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating skills.
-
English is the working language; however, the ability to work in both official languages or an Indigenous language is an asset.
Diversity Statement
Qualified persons of First Nations Ancestry will be given preference in accordance with s.16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Why Work with AFN?
At the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), we value our employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, engaging, and rewarding workplace. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:
-Employer-Paid Health Benefit Premiums– Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with premiums fully paid by AFN. -Generous Pension Matching– A competitive pension plan with significant employer contributions to help you build your future. -Ample Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days– Generous vacation entitlements, paid sick leave, and personal days, plusadditional non-legislative time offthroughout the year. -Professional Development Support– Coverage for courses, certifications, and training to help you grow your skills and advance your career. -Wellness Funds– Annual funds you can use towards fitness, mental health supports, or other wellness-related expenses. -Modern, Central Location– Our bright, collaborative office is located in the Sun Life Building in downtown Ottawa, with Parliament LRT Station right in the building for an easy commute. -Convenient Amenities– Steps away from cafes, restaurants, and shops. -Meaningful Work– Be part of a national organization advocating for First Nations, making a positive difference for communities across Canada. -Collaborative & Inclusive Culture– Work alongside passionate, dedicated colleagues in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Accommodation Statement
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is dedicated to an inclusive selection process and work environment. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources representative when you are invited to meet regarding this employment opportunity.
While we appreciate all applications, only those candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
AFN may cancel, postpone, or revise employment opportunities at any time.
Not the right fit? Search for Director, Health jobs in Ottawa, ON
About Assembly of First Nations / Assemblée des Premières Nations
The Assembly of First Nations is an assembly, modelled on the United Nations General Assembly, of First Nations represented by their chiefs. It emerged from the Canadian National Indian Brotherhood which dissolved in the late 1970s; AFN was established in 1982.
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Director, Health
Top Benefits
About the role
**Title:**Director, Health
**Location:**Ottawa, Ontario
**Employment Status:**Permanent Full-Time Position
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Internal and External Competition
Application Instructions: Interviews will be held over ZOOM.
About the AFN The AFN is an advocacy organization that takes direction and fulfills mandates as directed by First Nations in-Assembly through resolutions. As a national advocacy organization for First Nations, the AFN seeks to advance First Nations Inherent and Treaty Rights through the development of policy, public education, and where applicable, the co-development of legislation to build First Nations capacity.
The AFN was created out of a desire among First Nations leadership for a strong and effective collective advocacy organization. From this, values such as respect for human rights, diversity, justice, and the sovereignty of each rights-holding First Nation guide the work of the organization.
Position Overview
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the position of Director, Health. The incumbent will lead, focus, build, develop, and motivate the Health Sector to achieve the AFN and Health Sector strategic objectives and workplans. The Director is responsible to lead the Health Sector in fulfilling the First Nations mandates and the national advocacy strategies in all First Nations Communities. Reporting to the Senior Director, Social, the Director has the following
Key duties and responsibilities:
-**Strategic Leadership:**Leads, focuses, builds, develops, and motivates the Health Sector in achieving Sector plans, goals, objectives and priorities, including researching, developing, and delivering a strategic plan and planning process.
-**Team Management:**Lead and mentor a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and effective work environment.
-**Human Resources:**to oversee the hiring of Sector staff, conduct performance appraisals, and ensure Sector employees comply with AFN policies and procedures. -**Financial Management:**Oversees the Sector financial management: sector budget, proposal submissions and reporting to federal government departments.
-**Collaboration:**Work closely with other AFN sectors, the National Chief’s Office, and external organizations to coordinate efforts and share best practices.
-**Advocacy & Representation:**Represent the AFN in a variety of forums, presentations, panel discussions, conversations, and meetings, related to Sector issues and matters.
-**Communication:**Prepare reports, briefing notes, and presentations to inform partners and support decision-making processes.
Working Conditions
-
Primarily office-based with regular travel required for meetings, community engagement, and events.
-
Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate community needs and organizational priorities.
Physical and Mental Demands
-
Extended periods of computer use and desk work.
-
High levels of concentration and emotional resilience are required when addressing complex health issues.
-
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Who Can Apply:
-
A post-secondary degree in Public Policy, Management, Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies or a related field of study and a minimum of 5 years of relevant management level experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
-
Significant demonstrated knowledge and understanding of First Nations health considerations
-
Strong analytical skills and capability to provide quality deliverables with an attention to detail.
-
Demonstrated advanced communications skills, both oral and written.
-
Demonstrated successful experience working with First Nations governments and within First Nations networks.
-
Demonstrated successful experience in establishing effective relationships with federal, provincial, territorial governments and officials.
-
Demonstrated superior leadership skills, sound judgement, and collaborative teamwork.
-
Diplomacy, tact, sound judgement, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
-
Planning, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating skills.
-
English is the working language; however, the ability to work in both official languages or an Indigenous language is an asset.
Diversity Statement
Qualified persons of First Nations Ancestry will be given preference in accordance with s.16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Why Work with AFN?
At the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), we value our employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, engaging, and rewarding workplace. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:
-Employer-Paid Health Benefit Premiums– Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with premiums fully paid by AFN. -Generous Pension Matching– A competitive pension plan with significant employer contributions to help you build your future. -Ample Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days– Generous vacation entitlements, paid sick leave, and personal days, plusadditional non-legislative time offthroughout the year. -Professional Development Support– Coverage for courses, certifications, and training to help you grow your skills and advance your career. -Wellness Funds– Annual funds you can use towards fitness, mental health supports, or other wellness-related expenses. -Modern, Central Location– Our bright, collaborative office is located in the Sun Life Building in downtown Ottawa, with Parliament LRT Station right in the building for an easy commute. -Convenient Amenities– Steps away from cafes, restaurants, and shops. -Meaningful Work– Be part of a national organization advocating for First Nations, making a positive difference for communities across Canada. -Collaborative & Inclusive Culture– Work alongside passionate, dedicated colleagues in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Accommodation Statement
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is dedicated to an inclusive selection process and work environment. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources representative when you are invited to meet regarding this employment opportunity.
While we appreciate all applications, only those candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
AFN may cancel, postpone, or revise employment opportunities at any time.
Not the right fit? Search for Director, Health jobs in Ottawa, ON
About Assembly of First Nations / Assemblée des Premières Nations
The Assembly of First Nations is an assembly, modelled on the United Nations General Assembly, of First Nations represented by their chiefs. It emerged from the Canadian National Indian Brotherhood which dissolved in the late 1970s; AFN was established in 1982.