Near Chilanko Forks, BC (Onsite)

ABOUT TŜIDELDEL FIRST NATION 

On behalf of our client, Tŝideldel First Nation, we are searching for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), to join their team located near Chilanko Forks, British Columbia. Tŝideldel First Nation is a proud member of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, with its primary community and administrative centre located along Highway 20, approximately 188 km west of Williams Lake in the Central Interior of BC.

The name Tŝideldel, meaning “red stone,” reflects the distinctive red rock formations that anchor the community’s identity and history. The people of Tŝideldel are Nenqayni Deni - “the First Nations People.” The Nation has a population of over 600 members, with deep cultural, historical, and spiritual connections to its lands, language, and way of life. Reserve lands encompass approximately 4,362 hectares, and community life remains closely connected to Tsilhqot’in traditions, including fishing, hunting, and land‑based practices that continue to shape governance, decision‑making, and community priorities.

Guided by a vision of being self‑governing, self‑determined, and self‑reliant, Tŝideldel First Nation is committed to ensuring a high quality of life for its members. Leadership is grounded in integrity, respect, cultural knowledge, and accountability, and advanced through collaborative governance, inclusive engagement, and community‑driven planning. The CAO plays a central leadership role in supporting Chief and Council, overseeing administration and operations, strengthening organizational capacity, and ensuring programs, services, and strategic priorities are delivered in alignment with Tsilhqot’in values and the Nation’s long‑term vision.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to Chief and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for administering and overseeing all programs and services of Tŝideldel First Nation, ensuring they are delivered effectively, responsibly, and within approved budgets. The CAO ensures Band policies and procedures are followed, supervises department managers, coordinators, employees, and contractors, and maintains accurate records of the Nation’s affairs, including decisions of Chief and Council.

This role is best suited to a steady, relationship‑driven leader who can balance strategic oversight with hands‑on operational follow‑through, supporting managers to set goals, deliver on priorities, and maintain a respectful, professional workplace culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership, Planning & Performance

• Provide leadership across all programs and departments, ensuring clear goals, sound planning discipline, and measurable follow-through.
• Ensure appropriate tools and policies are in place to support effective administration and management; lead community planning initiatives where required.
• Support department managers with planning, goal setting, performance management, and accountability, including addressing performance and attendance issues as needed.  

Governance, Council Support & Implementation

• Advise and inform Chief and Council and community on matters under Council’s authority and direction.
• Attend Council, general and committee meetings; oversee the preparation of agendas and minutes; implementation of Council decisions.
• Ensure accurate and complete records are maintained for the Nation’s affairs and all decisions of Chief and Council.
• Assist Council with third‑party protocols and agreements, as required.

Policy, Bylaws & Compliance

• Ensure staff adhere to approved policies and procedures.
• Develop, draft, and implement policies and bylaws for Council consideration and approval.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including the Indian Act, labour legislation, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Interpret contribution agreements and ensure all compliance, reporting, and accountability requirements are met.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving policy and compliance obligations and manage organizational risk accordingly.

Financial Leadership & Funding Stewardship

• Ensure all programs are administered within approved budgets; authorize expenditures and maintain strong internal controls.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and maintain budgetary control systems.
• Support department managers with budget monitoring, audits, and financial accountability, recommending adjustments where required.
• Present monthly comparative financial statements and oversee contract and tender reviews, accounting systems, and financial procedures.
• Maintain awareness of available funding opportunities and support proposal development and submissions across departments, with a particular emphasis on strengthening proposal writing and funding acquisition capacity related to housing and operations and maintenance (O&M) needs.

People Leadership & Workforce Oversight

• Supervise all department managers, coordinators, employees, and contractors, ensuring clear communication and delegation of responsibilities.
• Hold regular management meetings; support staff training, orientation, and development; clarify performance expectations; and manage grievances and appeals.
• Foster a respectful workplace culture grounded in professionalism, including clear expectations for how leaders engage with staff and community members.

Government Relations & Community Relations

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other governments, funders, and external partners.
• Ensure required reporting is completed for relevant departments and agencies (including social services, capital, education, and health).
• Keep community members informed and up‑to‑date on key issues and activities, and build constructive, respectful relationships within the community.

Practical Community Issues, Operations & Crisis Response

• Ensure the effective operation and maintenance of municipal services and capital projects, including office and administrative systems.
• Ensure emergency services function effectively, respond to crisis situations as required, and provide dispute resolution and advocacy support in collaboration with department managers.
• Lead departmental planning, project coordination, and continuous operational improvement initiatives.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Indigenous Governance, Management, Finance, or a related discipline.
• A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Leadership, Indigenous Governance, or a related field is considered an asset but not essential.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively senior management experience, including 5+ years in an executive or senior leadership role overseeing multiple functional areas.
• Lived or learned experience working with First Nations governments, Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous‑led institutions, with a strong understanding of Indigenous governance, culture, and community‑based decision‑making.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing administration, finance, human resources, programs, and operations, with accountability for budgets, funding agreements, reporting, and compliance.
• Proven knowledge of government and Indigenous funding frameworks, including experience securing funding, negotiating contribution agreements, and supporting sustainable, long‑term funding strategies.
• Experience supporting Chief and Council, Boards, or other governing bodies with strategic planning.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to provide senior organizational leadership across multi‑department operations and to manage and support managers.
• Strong capability in policy development, governance, risk management, and compliance, including interpretation of legislation and contribution agreements.
• Proven financial acumen, including budgeting, internal controls, contracts, and organizational reporting, with the ability to support fiscal discipline across departments.
• Demonstrated ability to identify funding opportunities, support proposal development, and ensure effective reporting and accountability.
• Excellent judgment, emotional intelligence, and a respectful, relationship‑based communication style when working with Chief and Council, staff, community members, partners, and external stakeholders.

This position will appeal to a senior leader who values responsibility, breadth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an Indigenous community. Working closely with Chief and Council, senior leadership, staff, community partners, and external agencies, the CAO provides overall leadership for the Nation’s administration and operations. The role balances strategic leadership with practical organizational oversight, strengthening governance, building organizational capacity, and ensuring programs and services are delivered effectively and responsibly in alignment with community priorities and Tsilhqot’in values. The work involves regular engagement across office, community, and meeting environments, with meaningful interaction with leadership, staff, partners, and members, including participation in community and cultural activities where appropriate.

This is a permanent, full‑time position based onsite at the Administration Office. To help you with the transition, Tŝideldel First Nation will provide a relocation allowance and subsided housing in a newly renovated property. For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to work across a broad range of community needs, with the authority and mandate to make real, tangible improvements to how services are delivered and how the organization supports its members. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required to support Council meetings, community sessions, or key initiatives.

HOW TO APPLY

We encourage applicants to avoid speculative approaches and apply through MNP’s official process online. If you have additional questions only, please email fred.punter@mnp.ca  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected to move forward will be contacted. Preference will be given to Tŝideldel community members, though all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code and Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, preference may be given to qualified candidates with Aboriginal Ancestry.