FLYING POST FIRST NATION
Treaty No. 9 · Anishinaabe Nation · Administration Office: Nipigon, Ontario
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports To: Chief and Council
Location: Nipigon, ON administration office
Salary: Commensurate with experience; competitive benefits package
Employment Terms: Includes a 6-month Onboarding and Evaluation Period (see below) Closing Date: July 31, 2026
ABOUT FLYING POST FIRST NATION
Flying Post First Nation (FPFN) is a federally recognized Treaty No. 9 Anishinaabe Nation. Our families have origins along the Groundhog River, Foleyet, and Lake Ivanhoe. Through historical displacement, our members have integrated into urban and rural communities across Canada and the United States, while continuing to carry our traditional practices, language, and culture forward. Our reserve land is held for traditional practice, teaching, and gathering.
As a dispersed, off-reserve Nation, FPFN delivers programs and services to members wherever they live, advances our Section 35 and Treaty rights, and pursues economic development on our own terms. This creates unique governance, jurisdictional, and service-delivery responsibilities — and an opportunity for the right leader to help build strong, self-determined administration.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Operations is the senior administrative leader of the Nation, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the FPFN administration and the effective delivery of programs and services to all members. Working closely with Chief and Council, the Director translates the Nation’s strategic and political direction into sound operational systems, policy, staffing, and accountable management.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee daily operations of the administration office and lead the staff team, including hiring, supervision, training, and performance management.
- Develop and implement policies, bylaws, and operational procedures that strengthen governance and accountability.
- Support Chief and Council with strategic planning, briefing notes, and implementation of Council direction and Band Council Resolutions.
- Manage program and service delivery to dispersed membership across urban and rural communities.
- Oversee budgets, funding agreements, and reporting to funders including Indigenous Services Canada and program partners.
- Liaise with government (federal, provincial, municipal), legal counsel, industry, and community stakeholders on behalf of the Nation.
- Support economic development initiatives, benefit agreements, and rights-based files in coordination with Council and advisors.
- Ensure compliance, records management, confidentiality, and risk management across operations.
ONBOARDING AND EVALUATION PERIOD
The first six (6) months of employment constitute an Onboarding and Evaluation Period. During this time, the Director of Operations will receive structured orientation and support from Chief and Council, and performance will be assessed against the Key Responsibilities outlined above.
Specific, measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the role will be jointly established by the Director of Operations and Chief and Council within the first 30 days of employment, and reviewed at the midpoint and conclusion of the Onboarding and Evaluation Period. KPIs will be drawn from, and aligned to, the Key Responsibilities above and may address, for example:
- Governance and policy development milestones
- Financial oversight, budget management, and funder reporting
- Program and service delivery to membership
- Staff leadership and team performance
- Government, legal, and stakeholder relations
- Compliance, records management, and risk management
Successful completion of the Onboarding and Evaluation Period, and continuation of employment, will be confirmed in writing by Chief and Council.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Post-secondary education in public administration, business, Indigenous governance, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Progressive senior management or supervisory experience, ideally within a First Nation, Indigenous organization, or public-sector setting.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing policy, bylaws, or programs from the ground up.
- Strong understanding of First Nations governance, Treaty and Section 35 rights, and the operating context of a dispersed, off-reserve Nation.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, staff, and multiple funder relationships.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Willingness to travel and a valid driver’s license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The following strengths are considered strong assets for this role:
- Direct experience developing and implementing new governance frameworks within First Nations
- Senior-level policy development, strategic planning, working alongside government funders, legal partners, and community stakeholders.
- Proven operations and personnel management — supervising front-line teams, resource management, training, and liaison with emergency services and legal partners.
- Extensive frontline and leadership experience across multiple First Nations communities, including remote and on-reserve settings — reflecting cultural competency and adaptability.
- Formal leadership training.
- Demonstrating sound judgment and commitment to community wellbeing.
- Strong record of reporting, and administrative accuracy, along with inter-agency coordination and stakeholder liaison.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining how your experience meets the requirements of this position to:
Flying Post First Nation — Nipigon, ON
Email: [email protected] · Attention: Chief and Council
Preference will be given to qualified candidates of First Nations ancestry, in accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. We thank all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Miigwetch · Flying Post First Nation
Pay: $50,000.00-$120,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
