POSITION TITLE: Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Director
Classification: Permanent, Full-Time
Wage Range: $120,000-$140,000
Date: July 2026
VISION ADVANCEMENT
Ktunaxa Nation Council purpose in working together Is to achieve a shared vision.
Every position within KNC has a part to contribute.
Strong, healthy citizens and communities, speaking our language and celebrating who we are and our history In our ancestral homelands, working together, managing our lands and resources, within our self-sufficient, self-governing Nation.
The Ktunaxa Nation Is characterized by the spirit of courage, Initiative, Innovation, perseverance and leadership that it has brought to the work of preserving and protecting both the post and the future of its people. This has been accomplished through the exceptional commitment and vision of its human resources. It Is therefore expected that employees who represent the Ktunaxa Nation will be committed to honouring the spirit of the Nation's work by putting their best Into all that they do and by conducting themselves at all times ethically, professionally and respectfully.
CONTRIBUTION TO NATION VISION
The Executive Director of the Seven Nations Soaring Eagles Wellness Center contributes to the nation vision by providing a culturally-rooted, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to healing and wellness in the treatment of addictions. This position is responsible for operationalizing the healing center and aligning operations with the vision and philosophical foundations that have been developed.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Seven Nations Soaring Eagles Wellness Centre offers a culturally rooted, strength-based and trauma-informed approach to healing and wellness. The 12-week program is a transformation ceremony. Healing is holistic and is being approached by revitalizing culture, reclaiming identity and wisdom, reconciling families, communities, and nations, and re-establishing wholeness, to address "addictions". The center has undergone thoughtful and laborious work to develop strong roots with a strong vision, supporting philosophical foundations, aligning principles, practices, and outcomes, and a program curriculum that will support participants to journey through a ceremonial-based healing program with beautifully developed and complementary infrastructure. The center is a new program and facility that is now transitioning into the next phase, toward becoming fully operational and is seeking an ED to bring the center to life.
The Ktunaxa Nation seeks a highly skilled and experienced Executive Director to lead the transition from development to full operational capacity. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in aligning the center's activities with the Ceremonial based healing curriculum, the Ktunaxa Nation Social Sector Framework and the Healing Center's Practice Framework and fostering and maintaining the perspective and awareness of Indigenous colonial trauma as the roots of addictions. The successful candidate will oversee strategic planning, financial management, stakeholder engagement, human resources management, quality assurance, compliance, and data management.
CULTURE/ TRADITIONS/ HERITAGE/ LANGUAGE
Requirement for Knowledge and Demonstration
Basic/ Allies Understanding Familiarity, respect and sensitivity to identified culture and First Nation History
Significant Comprehension
Knowledge Keeper
First Nations {to include Metis)
Required to have a strong understanding of colonization, systemic barriers Aboriginal people face, as well as the impacts of lateral violence and intergenerational trauma. It is vital to have experience working with Aboriginal Bands, Cultural sensitivities to mainstream society (RCMP, community care agencies, etc.)
Ktunaxa Culture, Heritage and Traditions
Understanding of what is appropriate; sensitivities, respect.
It is vital to have a strong understanding and appreciation of Ktunaxa culture, heritage, and traditions and ensure they are well integrated into services and programming in an appropriate and approved way.
Consultation with TKLAC in the interpretation, development and implementation of curriculum related to the Social Sector Cultural Framework.
Ktunaxa Language
Understand and speak basic greetings, dedication to developing language skills and integration into center curriculum, activities and daily interactions
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Executive Director contributes to rewriting the traditional outcomes for Indigenous people, resulting in building capacity in vulnerable adults and families in navigating complex systems, building solid support networks, coping with stress and trauma, and strengthening life skills. The incumbent must identify barriers and gaps and advocate to ensure Indigenous people have access to services that are delivered in a way that is both culturally respectful and trauma-informed.
The Executive director contributes to the community at large by providing guidance, leadership, mentorship and direction in the operationalization of the Seven Nations Soaring Eagle Indigenous Treatment Center, contributing to the wellness of Ktunaxa and other Indigenous people in a culturally-appropriate and trauma informed way. The Executive Director will develop the management team and establish protocols and efficient processes, guided by the vision and values of strong healthy citizens, building capacity in team members, all Indigenous people, and the Ktunaxa Nation.
ACCOUNTABILITY
PROBLEM SOLVING
The Executive Director establishes strategic direction for the Treatment Center and ensures compliance with accreditation requirements, establishes clinical protocols, and develops ail operational practices for the Center. High degree of high-stakes problem solving skill is necessary, and incorrect or inappropriate actions and decisions have serious repercussions relating to liability, service delivery, public relations.
Consequences to incorrect or inappropriate recommendations, actions and decisions have long-term effects and consequences that could impact the organization over a long period of time. Errors could have extreme health impacts, including death.
This position identifies, anticipates, and analyzes emerging problems and develops responses to meet programming needs, such as policies, procedures, goals and strategies.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Executive Director is fully responsible for the operational budget of the Treatment Center with the highest level of financial authority. Responsible for approving expenditures, developing budgets in accordance with reporting requirements, and completing thorough budget reviews with variance explanation and approval. balancing, and monitoring of financial activities.
SUPERVISION
The Executive Director establishes and directly supervises and oversees the management team and has overall responsibility for direction, coaching, assigning strategic objectives and approving associated work plans.
Develops and valuates all positions, approves and authorizes all decisions pertaining to recruitment, selection, termination, discipline, etc.
COMPLEXITY - Decision Making. Autonomy. Independent Judgment
The Executive Director acts with a high level of autonomy, with extreme decision making and Independent judgement.
Decisions made affect the day to day operations and long term effectiveness of the entire Center.
Work is governed by a Board of Directors who provide broad objectives and must Interpret and develop programming and functions derived from that broad direction. Full and direct accountability for final results.
CONTACTS/ COMMUNICATION
Communicate and collaborate effectively with Indigenous and Health partners, including medical professionals, community leaders, and funding agencies.
Establish partnerships, foster relationships, and secure necessary support to operationalize the center's Cultural Ceremonial Healing Curriculum.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible to develop the Management Team for the organization including HR, Admin, and clinical Team, etc. Other responsibilities include:
Strategic Planning:
Formulate a detailed strategic plan aligned with the Ktunaxa Nation Social Sector Framework and Healing Center's Practice Framework.
Operationalize the healing center, establish clinical protocols, ensure Accreditation compliance, and develop efficient operational processes.
Financial Management and Planning:
Oversee financial aspects, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control measures.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Communicate and collaborate effectively with Indigenous and Health partners, including medical professionals, community leaders, and funding agencies.
Establish partnerships, foster relationships, and secure necessary support to operationalize the center's Cultural Ceremonial Healing Curriculum.
Human Resources Management:
Assemble a skilled and compassionate team and oversee recruitment, training, and performance management.
Develop staffing models, create job descriptions, advertise job openings, conduct interviews, and provide orientation and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Quality Assurance and Compliance:
Establish robust quality assurance protocols to ensure adherence to best practices, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.
Continuously monitor and improve the quality of care provided, maintaining high standards of participant safety and satisfaction.
Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure compliance with local, provincial, and federal regulations, obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and certifications specific to addiction healing services.
Adhere to healthcare laws, patient confidentiality regulations (such as FOIPPA), and safety standards.
Data Management and Electronic Health Records (EHR):
Implement an integrated data management system, including electronic health records.
Select and implement an EHR system, train staff, and ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Academic Preparation
- 7-10 years of leadership experience within an Indigenous healing and wellness context
- Master's degree or equivalent and belonging to a registered college or association
- Education and Professional background in trauma-informed, decolonizing, post-colonial Mental Wellness
Experience/ Expertise
- Demonstrated experience in healthcare administration, preferably in addiction treatment or related fields.
- Understanding of Indigenous colonial trauma and its impact on addictions with a culturally competent approach to healing.
- Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
- Financial management expertise, including budgeting and forecasting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
- Proven ability to build and lead diverse teams, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Knowledge of quality assurance, compliance, and data management are best practices.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements in healthcare, including licensing, accreditation, and patient confidentiality.
- Experience in implementing electronic health records systems is desirable
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Environment
Primarily indoors; hazards are easily identified and avoided through planning and risk assessment.
Physical Effort
Minimal physical effort, frequent sitting and performance of computer work, typing, mousing.
Mental/ Sensory Effort
This position requires report writing and deadlines and always works in chaotic conditions with constant interruptions and redirections. Stress, anxiety, exhaustion, depression can be common and need constant assessment and self-care. Exposure to vicarious trauma. These conditions exist throughout the entire working day; and on-call during off hours.
People Environment
Continuous expose to highly challenging people behavior - investigations, advise, discussions, advocacy, guidance. extreme confidentiality and sensitivity, frequent exposure to challenging people behavior under which work is done.
Major challenging people conditions are totally inherent within this position. High degree of self-care required. Staff mediations, client complaints and system issues. Clients are people with mental health, violence, abuse, addictions issues.
Position Required Travel
Occasional travel required within 7amak7is Ktunaxa. May be at times required to travel through the interior and province for meetings, trainings, etc.
Please send cover letter and resume to: [email protected]
Pay: $120,000.00-$140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
