Executive Director / Niagara Regional Native Centre

The Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC) is seeking a culturally grounded and experienced Executive Director to provide steady leadership during a period of organizational strengthening and renewal. The successful candidate will bring strong experience in operations, staff leadership, community relationship-building, and organizational accountability, along with a deep commitment to the well-being of Indigenous peoples and urban Indigenous communities in Niagara.

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and strong representation for NRNC. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures that programs and services reflect the Centre’s mission, vision, and community needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Governance

• Serve as the direct supervisor to all staff and ensure that an effective staff supervision process is in place.
• Provide professional oversight to staff and support the achievement of organizational goals.
• Lead employees through clear communication, sound judgment, delegation, and accountability.
• Implement Board-approved strategic direction and keep the Board informed on organizational priorities, risks, and emerging issues requiring governance attention.
• Advise and inform the Board of Directors on organizational priorities, including ongoing and emerging issues that require attention.
• Attend and participate in Board of Directors meetings.
• Support transparency, accountability, and strong relationships between the organization, the Board, and the membership.

Operations and Program Management

• Manage the organization’s day-to-day operations.
• Supervise and participate in the development, delivery, and evaluation of NRNC programs and services, ensuring they reflect the mission and direction set by the Board.
• Prepare supporting reports for Board meetings.
• Support the Board in developing and reviewing policies for Board approval, develop and maintain operational procedures and job descriptions, and ensure compliance with approved policies and procedures.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times for members, clients, employees, students, and volunteers.
• Ensure regular organizational and program reviews occur and that changes are made where required.

Community Relations and Representation

• Act as the organization’s spokesperson and promote NRNC’s mission, services, and community presence in a way that supports trust, transparency, and respectful relationships.
• Carry out media and public communication responsibilities as assigned by the Board and in accordance with approved policy.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with Indigenous organizations, governments, funders, and community partners.
• Represent NRNC on appropriate committees, networks, and collaborative initiatives.
• Monitor community needs and identify when changes in programs, services, or partnerships may be required.
• Maintain a visible, respectful, and active presence in the urban Indigenous community of Niagara.

Human Resource Management

• Determine and meet staffing requirements to effectively deliver and manage the organization’s programs and services.
• Create a supportive, safe, and culturally grounded work environment for employees and volunteers.
• Support and coordinate recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training processes in accordance with Board-approved policy, in collaboration with the Board, the Personnel Committee, and the HR service provider. Final hiring decisions are made by the Board.
• Ensure a performance management process is in place and that regular staff reviews are conducted by managers or supervisors.
• Work with the Board of Directors on salaries and other compensation matters.
• Support clear roles, fair HR practices, and consistent supervision processes that strengthen accountability and workplace stability

Financial Administration

• Directly oversee all financial activities related to the annual and day-to-day operation of NRNC.
• Lead the preparation of a comprehensive annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Partner with the Board to support funding development through research, relationship-building, and proposal preparation.
• Ensure strong financial oversight, internal controls, and compliance with organizational policies, funder requirements, and applicable regulations
• Keep the Board informed through regular, accurate financial reports outlining the organization’s revenues, expenses, cash flow, and emerging financial risks.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Formal Education and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field such as Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, Business, Social Sciences, or combination of relevant education, leadership experience, and community-based knowledge.

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of Indigenous culture, community, and protocol with the ability to lead in a culturally grounded, respectful, and community-informed way.
• Deep understanding of urban Indigenous community needs, opportunities, and service gaps.
• 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit, community-based, or Indigenous-led organization.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in staff management.
• Experience in initiating, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and services.
• Demonstrated experience with financial oversight, budgeting, reporting, and accountability within a nonprofit or community-based setting.
• Strong record-keeping and documentation abilities.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors is strongly preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, set direction, and maintain organized systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of people and partners.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability.
• Leader who can build trust and support a healthy organizational culture.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends when required.

INDIGENOUS HIRING

This is an Indigenous-specific position. Only First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants will be considered. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to participate in a respectful Indigenous identity confirmation process consistent with NRNC’s hiring approach and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter to: recruiting@armstrongstrategy.com

Applications are being received by Armstrong Strategy Group (ASG) on behalf of the NRNC Personnel Committee.

Please note that only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

POSTING INFORMATION

A vacancy currently exists for this position.

ASG and NRNC do not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.