About Penelakut Tribe
Penelakut Tribe is a Hul’qumi’num speaking community that is separated into the following four reserve locations accessible by ferry or boat and located adjacent to Chemainus and in the Southern Gulf Islands: Tsussie, 15.5 hectares, Northern tip of Galiano Island, 29.1 hectares, Tent Island, 34.4 hectares, and Penelakut Island, 556.7 hectares.
Together, Penelakut Tribe have a total of 1,001 registered Penelakut Community Members that are split into half on reserve and half off-reserve. Traditional language and cultural customs are alive and celebrated, and elders are active and respected. A diversity of housing allows Elders, youth and families to stay in the community and grow through different stages of their lives. Members are supported by a strong community that take care of each other.
About This Position
Reporting to the Chief and Council, the Chief Executive Officer oversees all operations of the Penelakut Tribe. The CEO plays a pivotal role in advancing the Penelakut Tribe’s mission, enhancing community welfare, and ensuring sustainable development. Reporting directly to the Chief & Council, the CEO works closely with both leaders and community members to provide strategic and practical guidance, lead administrative functions, oversee finances, nurture organizational culture, and promote community engagement.
This critical leadership role ensures that all programs, services, and operations are carried out efficiently and effectively in a respectful and ethical manner. The CEO ensures that all decisions and actions align with the community's values and goals.
Select Responsibilities Will Include:
Leadership:
o The Administrator supervises the day-to-day operations of Penelakut Tribe, including all departments and programs
o Conducts needs assessments, gap analysis, and provides leadership to develop plans and priorities in creating programs to address the future needs of the community
o Evaluates the effectiveness of programs and services and makes recommendations to the Chief and Council
o Identifies and partners with external organizations to enhance the delivery of existing programs and services to community members
o Oversees human resources/staffing plans and is regularly involved in the recruitment, evaluation, appraisal and development of staff, and when necessary recommending and overseeing corrective action
o Addresses performance issues and acts as a coach and mentor to develop employees.
· Operations & Administration:
o Collaborates with the CFO to oversee the general management of Penelakut Tribe’s financial affairs ensuring the establishment and review of internal financial controls to ensure effective financial and fiscal management
o Identifies, researches, writes and pursues funding proposals in partnership with program managers
o Directs Program Managers with implementation of programmatic operations and implementation of both long- and short-term goals
o Provides policy advice and support to Chief and Council and Committees, coordinating agendas, ensuring the required information is provided
o Interprets and carries out Council's direction in terms of strategic plans, goals, objectives, polices and budgets
o Works with the CFO to assist department Managers in the development, administration and monitoring of the Programs approved budgets
o Works with the CFO to assist in the review and monitoring of expenditures in accordance to budget and/or contracts and ensures that the all programs are working within their allocated resources
o Monitors financial plans and budgets (multi-year and annual) in relation to strategic plan direction, goals and objectives set by Council
o Develops alternative sources of revenues and increasing revenues for existing programs and services
o Regularly reviews financial statements with Chief and Council; annually with Auditor and membership
· Create and lead job development initiatives
o Design new roles, career ladders, and skill-building programs that align with both employee as the business needs
o Partner with department leaders to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training plans
o Launch mentorship and coaching programs to accelerate professional growth
o Build and maintain a library of learning resources, from workshops to e-learning modules
o Track and measure the impact of development programs, using data to refine an improve.
· Governance
o Coordinates and develops an Administrative Five-Year Strategic Plan in consultation with Chief and Council and other resource people as required
o Facilitates the orientation and training of leadership to assist Band Council to learn their roles and responsibilities including conflict of interest
o Ensures agenda, briefing notes and other preparations are made for Council and AGM meetings. Provides Council and its committees with proper support and information to enable the Council and its Committees to make sound decisions
o Implements decisions of Council and reports regularly on progress
· Communications
o Develops communication strategy for public awareness of programs and events informing community members
o Ensures Community members understand programs, services, and opportunities offered through the Band Office
o Upon the direction and approval of Chief and Council makes presentations to government and external organization via a developed communication strategy
o Raises the profile of the Band as outlined in Penelakut Tribe’s communication strategy
Our Ideal Candidate Will Bring:
Education & Experience
· Degree in business or public administration, leadership, management studies, Indigenous studies, or a related field.
· An equivalent combination of relevant post-secondary education, training and significant experience may also be considered.
· 5+ years of related experience, ideally in a management role for an Indigenous organization, experience in direct organizational leadership role preferably within an Indigenous organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
· Extensive background in leadership, management, and strategic planning, preferably within a First Nations or Indigenous community context.
· Comprehensive understanding of First Nations administration and governance, cultural traditions, and the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous communities.
· Familiarity with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to First Nations communities, including the Indian Act.
· Commitment to preserving and promoting the Nation’s culture, language, and traditional ways of life.
· Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills, with a proven ability to build consensus and navigate complex political environments.
· Proven expertise in advocacy, negotiation, and relationship-building with government, industry, and community stakeholders.
· Strong financial management and business acumen, with the ability to oversee complex budgets and economic development initiatives.
We Offer:
· Annual salary $80,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications with opportunity to progress with time in role.
· Generous vacation and benefits including extended medical and dental and a savings plan
Join Us!
If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity to join our vibrant organization, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by July 2, 2026
In accordance with Section 41 of the Human Rights Code, preference will be given to qualified applicants from Penelakut First Nation or of Indigenous ancestry. We are an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
We would like to thank all those you apply for the position. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00-$110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
Application question(s):
- Have you provided a covering letter with your application?
Work Location: In person
