Job Description

The Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide strategic leadership and oversee day-to-day operations. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO ensures the effective delivery of programs and services, manages multi-million-dollar budgets, and advances IFNA's mission of promoting self-reliance and prosperity for member communities

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

Collaborate with the Board to develop and implement strategic plans that advance IFNA's mandate of self-reliance and community prosperity, provide regular reports, prepare meeting materials, and support governance functions.

Community Engagement & Representation:

Maintain strong relationships with member communities, ensuring visibility through annual visits, represent IFNA at regional and community events, act as the primary media spokesperson when authorized, and promote unity and collaboration across communities.

Organizational Management:

Lead operational planning across service areas including health, finance, education, economic development, and technical services; oversee human resources, ensuring high performance, cultural alignment, and effective organizational structures.

Financial Oversight:

Manage multi-million-dollar budgets, funding agreements, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities; identify and pursue additional funding opportunities.

Operational Excellence & Accountability:

Foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and measurable outcomes; ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, and legislation; provide leadership during emergencies and promote responsive, community-driven service delivery.

Position Requirements:

Post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or a combination of equivalent education and management experience. Minimum of 5 years of senior management or executive leadership experience, preferably within Tribal Councils or the non-profit sector. Demonstrated experience in board-governed environments with strengths in operations, finance, and human resources. Proven success in managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex funding arrangements. Experience working with First Nations, with demonstrated respect for culture, language, and traditions. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with IFNA communities, ideally with proficiency in an Indigenous language. Excellent political acumen, analytical abilities, and communication skills, with the ability to prepare briefing notes, reports, and presentations for both the Board and community audiences.
Note: Flexibility is key at IFNA. You may occasionally cover tasks outside your role, ensuring comprehensive support for our organization's mission.

Why Join IFNA?

If you're ready to contribute to our organization and make a meaningful difference, apply now to join our team. We welcome individuals who are committed to supporting the well-being of our communities.

Schedule:

Regular hours from Monday to Friday with weekends, overtime and on-call availability.

Deadline:

November 14, 2025

Please note that only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

We value diversity and encourage individuals from Indigenous backgrounds to self-declare, as preference may be given to candidates with such backgrounds in line with our commitment to inclusivity and IFNA community representation.

IFNA encourages any applicant with accessibility considerations to come forward throughout the recruiting processes.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $95,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we invite applicants to self-identify. Do you identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis)? While not required, ability to speak Ojibwe or Oji-Cree is an asset. Do you speak either language?
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: In person