Chief Administrative Officer Full-time

Position Summary

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Kwakiutl Band Council (KBC) is the senior administrative leader responsible guiding the effective management, coordination, and delivery of programs, services, operations, and strategic priorities of the Kwakiutl Band Council (KBC). Reporting to Kwakiutl Band Chief and Council, the CAO provides steady, values-based leadership while fostering a collaborative culture where departments, leadership, staff, community partners, and external governments work together toward shared outcomes. Furthermore, the CAO supports good governance, ensures responsible financial and operational management, and helps advance the Kwakiutl Band Council’s vision, values, and priorities established by the community and leadership.

Reporting Relationship

The CAO reports directly to Chief and Council and works closely with department managers, staff, community members, committees, funding agencies, partner organizations, other First Nations, and all levels of government.

Collaborative Leadership Approach

The CAO is expected to lead through trust, transparency, active listening, and shared accountability. The Kwakiutl Band Council requires a leader who brings people together, builds respectful relationships, encourages cross-departmental problem solving, and creates space for staff and partners to contribute their expertise. The CAO models professional, cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to service excellence.

Leadership Attributes

• Collaborative leadership: Builds trust, encourages participation, and aligns staff, leadership, and partners around shared community goals.
• Respect of Indigenous governance: Understands the importance of Chief and Council direction, cultural protocols, and Nation-specific decision-making processes.
• Strategic thinking: Connects day-to-day administration to long-term priorities, rights and title, self-determination, and community well-being.
• Clear communication: Provides timely, respectful, and transparent information to Chief and Council, staff, members, funders, and partners, as appropriate.
• Integrity and accountability: Demonstrates ethical judgement, confidentiality, fairness, transparency, and responsible stewardship of Nation resources.
• Financial and operational management: Oversees budgets, funding agreements, systems, programs, services and infrastructure with sound judgement.
• Cultural humility: Listens carefully, respects local knowledge, supports cultural safety, and works in a way that honor’s the Kwakiutl’s values and protocols.
• Change leadership: Guides inclusive organizational improvement, capacity building, and policy development while supporting staff and community through transition.
• Relationship building: Strengthens partnerships through diplomacy, consistency, respect, and follow-through.
• Problem solving: Assesses complex issues, develops practical options, and supports informed, community-minded decision-making.

Leadership and Governance Support

• Provide strategic advice, administrative guidance, and operational updates to Chief and Council.
• Implement the direction, policies, resolutions, and priorities approved by Chief and Council.
• Support effective governance by maintaining a respectful separation between political leadership and administrative operations.
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, recommendations, and meeting materials as required.
• Promote transparency, accountability, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making in all administrative matters.

Administration and Operations

• Support daily operations across all departments, programs, services, and administrative functions.
• Ensure programs and services are delivered efficiently, professionally, and in a culturally respectful manner.
• Develop, review, and implement administrative policies, procedures, workplans, and internal systems.
• Coordinate organizational planning, reporting, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, funding agreements, employment standards, health and safety requirements, and other regulatory obligations.

Financial Management

• Provide oversight of annual budgets, financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and fiscal controls.
• Leads and participates in the preparation and presentation of annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with Administration, Finance Departmental Managers, and the Chief and Council.
• Work with finance staff to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to Chief and Council, funders, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Support responsible stewardship of First Nation resources, assets, grants, contributions, and funding agreements.
• Identify financial risks, funding opportunities, cost efficiencies, and long-term sustainability considerations.
• Ensure financial policies and procedures are followed consistently across the organization.

Human Resources and Staff Leadership

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and support department managers and staff.
• Oversee recruitment, orientation, training, performance management, succession planning, and staff development.
• Promote a respectful, safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded workplace.
• Address staffing concerns, workplace issues, and performance matters in accordance with policy and best practices.
• Encourage teamwork, accountability, communication, and professional growth across the organization.

Community and External Relations

• Build and maintain respectful relationships with community members, Elders, leadership, staff, neighboring Nations, governments, agencies, funders, and partners; while promoting open communication, positive community engagement, and meaningful participation. Demonstrated experience planning, organizing, and positively facilitating community meetings, information sessions, consultations, and engagement initiatives that encourage respectful dialogue, build trust, and support informed decision-making is essential.
• Represent the First Nation professionally at meetings, negotiations, planning tables, and community events as directed.
• Support communication between administration, Chief and Council, and community members.
• Advance community priorities through collaboration, advocacy, funding applications, and partnership development.
• Ensuring community values, culture, traditions, and wellness are considered in administrative planning and service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in public administration, business administration, Indigenous governance, finance, political science, management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Several years of senior management or executive leadership experience, preferably in a First Nation, Indigenous organization, local government, or public-sector environment.
• Strong understanding of First Nation governance, community administration, funding agreements, financial management, human resources, and policy development.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including employment standards, occupational health and safety, privacy, funding compliance, and governance-related requirements.
• Experience working respectfully with Chief and Council, community members, Elders, staff, government representatives, and partner organizations.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage complex priorities, confidential matters, budgets, staff, and community expectations.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, cultural awareness, and political sensitivity.
• Ability to build trust, resolve conflict, support change, and promote collaboration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general administrative, financial, and reporting systems.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based in the First Nation administration office.
• Some evening meetings, community events, and travel may be required.
• The position requires handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• The CAO must be able to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities and time-sensitive matters.

Application Information

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and references by the application deadline. Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with applicable hiring policies. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment Details – Chief Administrative Officer

Organization: Kwakiutl Band Council

Location: #99, Tsakis Way, Port Hardy, BC, V0N 2P0

Employment Type: Full-time, permanent

Hours of Work: Regular office hours with occasional evenings, meetings, community events, emergency response activities, and travel as required

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience

Start Date: To be negotiated with successful applicant

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume/portfolio outlining your qualifications, leadership experience, and interest in serving the Kwakiutl First Nation government to:

Email: education@kwakiutl.bc.ca; social-dev@kwakiutl.bc.ca

Closing Date: August 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

C1AO