Job Description
About the Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services CorporationThe Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC) was created in March 1990 to address the shortcomings in the administration of justice within Nishnawbe Aski Nation and to improve access to justice for NAN members.Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Territory is part of Treaty No. 9 and the Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5, a landmass covering two-thirds of the Province of Ontario, spanning 210,000 square miles (review the Treaty Map here). NAN represents 49 First Nations with a total population (on and off-reserve) of approximately 45,000 people, grouped by Tribal Council. Six NAN member Nations are not affiliated with a specific Tribal Council.NALSC currently serves all 49 NAN communities. Many are remote and/or fly-in, and the populations of many communities are growing. The NALSC has offices in Fort William (Head Office), Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Timmins, and Thunder Bay, and currently employs approximately 100 people with several unfilled positions.The organization has grown rapidly in recent years and the Board has expanded the organizational structure to add 4 Directors – Director of Legal Services, Director of Justice Programs, Director of Finance, Director of HR – that report directly to the Executive Director. Future goals for the organization include increasing capacity and services, including putting justice workers into every NAN community, and establishing an Indigenous Justice Court System within the next 20 years.About the RoleThe Executive Director oversees the operations of NALSC under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director supports the Board in ensuring the NALSC is working within its vision and mandate and is responsible for a variety of duties and functions, including overseeing human and financial resources, and maintaining healthy relationships with NALSC members, the Chiefs of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation.Based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, The Executive Director reports to the NALSC Board of Directors and is responsible for the following:Provide effective leadership to NALSC by exemplifying integrity and respect, empowering managers and directors, and following through on the Corporation’s strategic plan.Lead the Board in Strategic Planning and ensure programs and services are administered according to the Vision, Mission, and Mandate of the NALSC.Analyze the organizational structure to ensure efficient delivery of services to clients while maintaining adequate accountability of staff.Ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of sound and up-to-date administrative policies, procedures, and practices.Work with Directors to ensure sound financial controls, policies, and procedures are implemented, maintained, and followed.Review and sign off on funding applications being submitted by DirectorsAttend all meetings of the Board of Directors and provide the Board with all necessary information, support, and advice to facilitate sound decision-making.Maintain a healthy relationship with the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and keep him/her apprised of all important matters affecting the Corporation.Complete monthly and quarterly written reports to the Board of Directors on the activities of the Executive Director including a written annual general report once a year on the activities of the Corporation.Travel to the communities served by NALSC whenever necessary to properly discharge the Corporation’s mandate.Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including Legal Aid Ontario, the Ministry of the Attorney General, police services, etc.Conduct regular meetings with the management team to keep them informed of all matters directly related to their areas of responsibility.Delegate responsibilities and corresponding authority where appropriate, while recognizing the Executive Director always maintains responsibility for actual results.Provide effective leadership and direction to the organization.The CandidateThe successful candidate for this role will have:A post-secondary degree or diploma in Law, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, or related fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.A minimum of seven (7) years of management experience in large and growing organizations.Demonstrated understanding of traditional models of justice and the mainstream legal system, with the ability to bridge gaps between the two.Demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario justice system.Proven research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to synthesize information and provide a balanced perspective of complex issues.The ability to deal with sensitive or confidential matters with tact, discretion, and diplomacy.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Well-developed organizational and time management skills, with an ability to create and follow processes and complete a high volume of work with accuracy and within prescribed deadlines in a fast-paced environment.The ability to develop positive and collaborative working relationships with government officials, elected representatives, staff, and community members.Experience with First Nation communities, culture, and organizations – knowledge of Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities is preferred.Ability to speak Cree, Oji-Cree and/or Ojibway will be considered an asset.To ApplyTo learn more about this leadership opportunity, please submit a comprehensive résumé and cover letter in confidence to Pathways Executive Search.NALSC invites applications from qualified members of NAN. Please indicate in your cover letter how you meet the criteria for the position and whether you are a NAN member.The position offers a competitive compensation package with a salary range of $129,198-$149,777.Consideration of candidates will begin immediately with a formal review by the recruitment committee in May. Nominations, applications, or expressions of interest should be directed to:Meaghen Fillion• Consultant/SearchAssociatePathways Executive SearchMeaghenF@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.caDarrin Jamieson• PartnerPathways Executive SearchDarrinJ@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.ca#J-18808-Ljbffr