Chief Electoral Officer

Location: 12304 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5M 2N4

Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidate Found

Position Status: Full Time (40 hrs per week), Term Position

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens’ Council is recruiting for a Chief Electoral Officer. Appointed by the Citizens’ Council, the Chief Electoral Officer is an arms-length officer of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government who oversees the independent Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Elections, and Referenda of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government in accordance with the Elections and Referenda Act (“the Act”), the Constitution of the Métis Nation within Alberta, and other relevant Otipemisiwak Métis Government laws.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer which employs or retains persons as considered necessary for the conduct of elections and referenda under the Act, including but not limited to independent legal counsel to assist the Chief Electoral Officer in the performance of their duties under the Act;

• Provide guidance and supervision respecting the management and conduct of an election or a referendum, including but not limited to the issuing of guidelines for the deadline for appointments made under section 27 and section 28 of the Act;

• Enforce fairness, impartiality and compliance with this Act in the performance of the duties of all Election Officers;

• Issue to Election Officers any information and guidance the Chief Electoral Officer considers necessary to ensure the effective performance of their duties under the Act;

• Review any forms or documents required under the Act;

• Participate in the allocation of the budget for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer;

• Request, collect, and verify any additional information from declared candidates as necessary to ensure accuracy of all filings under the Campaign Finance Regulation;

• Determine and issue orders in cases of non‑compliance of the Campaign Finance Regulation by declared candidates;

• Impose consequences for major violations of the Campaign Finance Regulation through orders (e.g. contributions from prohibited organizations, exceeding expenditure limits) including prohibitions on holding office, and removal from office.

• Perform all duties assigned to them by Otipemisiwak Métis Government Law, including as required under the Campaign Finance Regulation; and

• Serve as the Chair of the District Boundaries Commission, as set out in the District Boundaries Act.

Skills & Competencies

• Familiarity with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government/Métis Nation within Alberta laws.

• Strong understanding of election and referenda law and processes, with the ability to interpret and apply statutes and regulations.

• Knowledge of voting systems and procedures, including in-person, mail-in, and electronic voting.

• Understanding of ballot design, printing, distribution, and security procedures to maintain integrity and secrecy.

• Ability to identify and address gaps or ambiguities in legislation, regulations, or procedures.

• Ability to ensure transparency and accountability through clear communication and accessible reporting.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholder groups.

• Strong leadership skills, with experience recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting staff and volunteers.

• Experience with resource allocation and budgeting for large-scale operational activities.

• Proven ability to develop strategic plans and manage complex, multi-phase projects under tight timelines.

• Experience with resource allocation and budgeting for large-scale operational activities.

• Demonstrated impartiality and fairness in decision-making and oversight of processes.

• Strong sense of ethics and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions.

• High ethical standards, integrity, and the ability to inspire public trust and confidence in electoral processes.

• Strong computer skills with the ability to adapt to new technology and software.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure, including in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

• Knowledge of Métis history, culture, and issues affecting Métis people. An in-depth understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis culture is an asset.

Qualifications

• Must be a Citizen of the Métis Nation within Alberta;
• Must be 18 years of age or older on the day of their appointment;
• Must not be an elected member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government;
• Must not be an Otipemisiwak Métis Government employee;
• Must not have held an elected office in the Otipemisiwak Métis Government within ten (10) years of their appointment; and
• Must not have:
  • donated money or services to;
  • been employed or paid by; or
  • campaigned for;
    • any candidate for an Otipemisiwak Métis Government elected office or for a campaign for a referendum result within ten (10) years of their appointment.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work regular office hours of Monday to Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, as well as a flexible schedule of days, evenings, and weekends, as needed.

• Ability to travel within Edmonton as well as throughout Alberta, on occasion.

• Reliable transportation and valid Class 5 driver’s license.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to become an Officer of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and be a part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada.

• Meaningful work in a supportive work environment.

• Training and professional development opportunities.

• A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.

• Generous time off policies.

Apply online at http://albertametis.com/careers/

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.