Job Board

Passion & purpose can be powerful!

At Shäwthän Näzhì, we believe in the transformative power of healing with the land and are invested in family wellness rooted in Indigenous culture. We are seeking a passionate and visionary Executive Director to lead our dedicated team in making a meaningful impact in the lives of First Nation individuals and families. This position requires a visionary leader who is committed to transformative change, possesses strong financial management skills, and has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by First Nation populations. If you are committed to fostering community connections, embracing cultural practices, and driving innovative recovery solutions, we invite you to bring your unique perspective and experience to our organization. Your journey towards making a difference starts here!

Organization Overview: Shäwthän Näzhì is an Indigenous not-for-profit committed to fostering healing and family wellness through culturally rooted practices. Our work emphasizes land-based recovery support and animal-based therapy, honoring the deep connection between community, culture, and the natural world. With a dynamic team of approximately 20 contractors and 5-7 full-time staff, we harness collective expertise to serve our community with integrity and compassion.

Position Summary: The Executive Director will be responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and management of Shäwthän Näzhì, guiding our mission to foster healing and wellness within Indigenous communities. This role involves collaborating closely with the Board of Directors to create and implement a strategic vision that aligns with our core values and cultural practices. The Executive Director will serve as a cultural ambassador, integrating Indigenous values into all organizational operations while mentoring a diverse team of contractors and staff.
In addition to overseeing financial planning and administrative processes, the Executive Director will ensure the effective delivery of programs focused on healing, family support, land-based recovery, and animal-based therapy. Engaging with community stakeholders, including Elders and partnering organizations, is essential to ensure our programs are culturally relevant and responsive to community needs. As the chief spokesperson for Shäwthän Näzhì, the Executive Director will represent our mission to various audiences, cultivate relationships with funders, and lead advocacy efforts that promote Indigenous perspectives on healing and recovery.

Location: offices are shared between Whitehorse and Haines Junction

Reports To: Board of Directors

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

1. Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Organizational Direction: Develop and implement the strategic vision in close collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with our values and our core work of healing and wellness.
• Cultural Stewardship: Serve as a cultural ambassador, integrating Indigenous values and practices into organizational operations.
• Team Leadership: Provide mentoring and supervision to a diverse team of both contractors and staff members, fostering an approach of decolonization, and working for an environment of empathy, accountability, and continuous growth.

2. Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Budget Management: Lead the budgeting, financial planning, and grant application processes to ensure fiscal stability and transparency.
• Policy Implementation: Develop, implement, and review operational policies and procedures that support organizational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Reporting: Prepare and present regular performance and financial reports to the Board of Directors, maintaining rigorous accountability standards.

3. Program & Service Delivery

• Program Oversight: Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs focused on healing, family support, land-based recovery, and animal-based therapy.
• Community Engagement: Engage with stakeholders—including Elders, community members, and partnering organizations—to ensure programs are culturally relevant and responsive to community needs.
• Innovation: Encourage and implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance service delivery and program impact.

4. Partner Relations & Public Engagement

• Representation: Act as the chief spokesperson for Shäwthän Näzhì, articulating our mission and vision to diverse community groups, government agencies, and potential donors.
• Fundraising & Development: Cultivate relationships with existing and prospective funders, and spearhead fundraising initiatives to support program growth and sustainability.
• Advocacy: Lead outreach and advocacy efforts, promoting our services and the broader Indigenous perspectives on healing and recovery.

5. Board & Governance Support

• Liaison Role: Serve as the primary conduit between the staff and the Board of Directors, ensuring that board directives are implemented effectively.
• Governance: Assist in the development and refinement of governance practices and policies, ensuring organizational decisions reflect cultural sensitivity and strategic priorities.
• Meeting Facilitation: Organize board meetings, prepare agendas, and produce comprehensive reports and documentation to support informed decision-making.

 
QUALIFICATIONS


Educational & Professional Background

• Education: A bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Indigenous Studies) is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

• Experience: A minimum of 5–7 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, ideally with experience in Indigenous or culturally focused organizations.

• Identity: Preference will be given to candidates who are Indigenous.

Core Competencies & Skills 

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that drive organizational growth and impact.
  • Innovative & Adaptive Thinking: Ability to navigate complex challenges with creative solutions while honoring tradition.

• Team management:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a diverse team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment; and managing contractor relationships.
  • Experience in conflict resolution and team building, promoting a positive team culture.
  • Ability to flexibly mentor and develop staff, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills.
  • Understanding of own strengths and growth areas as well as the team’s, with a collectivist mindset on how to proactively resolve issues.

• Financial Management:
  • Proficient in budget development and monitoring, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively.
  • Experience in financial reporting and analysis, providing accurate data to inform decision-making.
  • Ability to identify funding opportunities and manage grant applications and reporting processes.

• Understanding of Context and Challenges: Deep understanding of Indigenous values, traditions, and healing practices. Deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by First Nation populations regarding the impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular insight into the context of Yukon First Nations governance, relationality and community systems.

• Organization: Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Communication: Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage and build trust with diverse audiences.

• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary & Passionate: A leader who is committed to transformative change and the empowerment of Indigenous communities.
• Integrity: High ethical standards with a proven commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Collaborative Spirit: Capable of balancing strategic vision with day-to-day operational needs and exhibiting a genuine respect for all voices within the organization.
• Resilient & Adaptable: A dynamic problem-solver who can lead the organization through evolving challenges while staying true to our core values.

 
Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Yukon Class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Criminal Records Check.
• Willingness to travel frequently to remote First Nation communities and other locations as required.
• Flexibility to adjust regular working hours and provide after-hours support for staff and contractors, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• WHMIS training and Standard First Aid/CPR certification are desirable or must be obtained within three months of hire.