Competition #2026-046

Category: Full-time Permanent

Closing Date: June 4, 2026

Position Summary

Reporting to the Grand Chief, the Executive Director provides essential leadership in advancing the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ strategic direction. The Executive Director’s priorities will be to develop, plan, and coordinate daily operations while offering strategic oversight and direction to departmental and program Directors, in accordance with the guidance of the Grand Chief, Executive Council of Chiefs and/or the Chiefs in Assembly.

This position is tasked with the fulfillment of the mandate to devise collective strategies and mechanisms for coordinated action by First Nations and their organizations. It serves a key leadership role in implementing the strategic direction determined by the Grand Chief, Executive Council of Chiefs and/or the Chiefs in Assembly, ensuring alignment with their mandate and priorities.

The Executive Director is a dynamic adaptive and resourceful leader who fosters collaboration and engagement with First Nation communities, staff, and Chiefs in a constantly changing environment. This role requires a strong leader with the insight needed to foster a safe and supportive environment for employees through a collaborative, transparent and inclusive approach, ensuring alignment with the AMC’s mandate. The Executive Director is responsible for guiding and managing the organization to achieve its primary objectives while demonstrating adaptable leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work closely with the Grand Chief in the collaborative development, implementation, and ongoing review of the strategic plan.
• Design and implement an organizational strategy and plan (showing key milestones, goals, and budgets that directly relate to the organization-wide strategic objectives).
• Lead organizational development and enhancement projects, identify new opportunities that propel growth and increase impact.
• Cultivate an organizational culture that values First Nations culture, heritage, innovation, excellence, and accountability, ensuring these principles are embedded in all facets of operation.
• Implement the mandate of AMC.
• Oversee organizational systems to ensure an effective and sustainable infrastructure in collaboration with the leadership team.
• Monitor progress of the strategic plan and recommend strategies to mitigate risks and address issues so that work is completed within approved timelines with intended benefits.
• Provide analyses, recommendations, and/or reporting to the Grand Chief.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, government regulations, and funding agreements.
• Ensure that all initiatives align with the vision and mandate established by the Chiefs in Assembly.

Organizational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to Directors, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring their work aligns with organizational goals.
• Ensure programs and services align with the AMC mission, strategic plan, and values.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure the efficient management of Secretariat departments and programs.
• Monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and adjust strategies as necessary to achieve organizational success.
• Ensure programs and services respond to evolving and diverse First Nation community needs, monitor trends and identify/close gaps in programs and delivery.
• Work closely with departmental leadership to monitor and mitigate risks.
• Oversee appropriate and effective program monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Ensure the development and review of policies, manuals, and resources to ensure effective delivery.
• Ensure programs and services are delivered within policies and procedures, relevant legislation, and professional standards.
• Develop and oversee program budget; oversee expenditures and ensure compliance with policies and practices while maintaining effective cost controls.
• Develop and monitor organizational budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Overall supervisory responsibilities of programs, operations, services, and finances of AMC.
• Review the effectiveness of the administrative/financial operations, plans, policies, procedures and works collaboratively with appropriate Directors to implement appropriate revisions where necessary.
• Attend meetings and provide updates, reports, and recommendations as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and sustain strong relationships with First Nations communities and stakeholders, including local, regional, and national government bodies and funding organizations.

• Engagement with non-First Nation stakeholders must be viewed through a lens of accountability, ensuring their respect for First Nations sovereignty.

• Represent the organization at key meetings, events, and forums to advocate for the interests of First Nations.

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with First Nation communities, partners and stakeholders.

• Foster collaboration and consultation with Chiefs, Elders, and community members to guide decision making processes.

People Leadership

• Support the capacity and capability of their direct reports, supporting their professional development and career progression.

• Be a resource and mentor to the team, providing guidance and direction on risks, issues, or problems to ensure positive outcomes are achieved.

• Foster a respectful workplace and cooperative working relationships with all employees.

• Develop and lead a high-performance team, supporting both personal and professional development through effective coaching and mentoring.

• Cultivate a workplace environment that builds intercultural understanding and an appreciation for differences.

• Serve as a role model regarding AMC’s values and leadership principles.

• Complete employee performance reviews, including development and succession plans.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Indigenous Studies, or a related field (equivalent education and experience may be considered).

• Minimum of 10+ years experience providing organizational and operational leadership, particularly within a First Nation organization.

• Minimum of 10+ years experience in an executive leadership role working in complex multi-disciplinary environments serving diverse communities.

• Experience working with First Nations governance and working closely with First Nations Leadership.

• Experience and knowledge of financial accounting principles, practices, and procedures.

• Experience with negotiation as well as operational and strategic management planning.

• Strong commitment to the values and principles of First Nations with a deep understanding of the historical, political and legal issues facing First Nations in Manitoba and Canada.

• Proven leadership skills with a strong ability to achieve results through a consultative and inclusive approach to decision-making.

• Proven expertise in developing and executing strategic plans while effectively managing organizational change.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to complex issues, while effectively managing resources and mitigating risks.

• Ability to navigate complex political and cultural environments effectively.

• Ability to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including a clear Vulnerable Sector Search.

• Must possess a valid Class 5 driver's license and have access to a reliable vehicle.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position title and quote competition number applying for, qualifications, and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (including a most recent employer reference) by 4:00p.m. on June 4, 2026 to:

Human Resources

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3

Quote Competition # 2026-046 in your application.

For best results, submit your application to BambooHR

https://manitobachiefs.com/about/job-opportunities/

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to verify citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from the Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify.

Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com