Fort William First Nation – Chief Executive Officer Lead with Integrity. Build Community. Shape the Future. Fort William First Nation (FWFN), situated on the historic Fort William Reserve along the western shore of Lake Superior, is an Ojibwe community grounded in a rich history dating back to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850. As the administrative and cultural heart of the Nation, FWFN is dedicated to supporting the holistic wellbeing—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—of its members, with a vision of becoming a healthy, vibrant, and self-sustaining community built on traditional Anishinaabe values. We are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer who will lead with cultural humility and strategic insight to champion community-driven programs, strengthen governance, and uphold the promises of our past while guiding the Nation toward a thriving future. About the Role Reporting to Chief and Council, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the delivery of all FWFN programs, services, and operations. As CEO, you will play a pivotal role in aligning organizational priorities with the community’s long-term vision, ensuring effective administration, strong financial stewardship, and meaningful service outcomes for members. You will foster a high-performing and culturally grounded organization, leading Senior Managers and staff to deliver exceptional programs in alignment with Council decisions and community priorities. A champion for collaboration and transparency, you will support sound governance, oversee financial and operational systems, and build relationships with all levels of government, partners, and stakeholders. Most importantly, you will serve the Nation with integrity and humility, helping to strengthen a vibrant and prosperous future for all. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance

Support Chief and Council in the development and implementation of FWFN’s long-term strategic vision
Lead the coordination of governance meetings, prepare Council agendas and by-laws, and oversee implementation of Council resolutions
Provide regular updates and reports on operational, financial, and strategic matters

Operational Management & Program Delivery

Direct and support the Senior Management Team in delivering services and programs to the community
Oversee annual budgeting, planning, audits, and financial reporting, ensuring strong internal controls and accountability
Monitor and evaluate department performance, establish objectives, and align resources with community needs

Government & Stakeholder Relations

Act as FWFN’s liaison with government officials, agencies, and the media
Represent the Nation’s interests in funding negotiations and partnership development
Prepare contribution agreements, funding proposals, and ensure timely access to required resources

Organizational Culture & Capacity Building

Champion a healthy workplace culture grounded in transparency, respect, and community values
Support talent development and performance evaluation across departments
Ensure the security and responsible management of all FWFN assets and resources

Candidate Profile You are a values-driven and strategic leader with experience guiding organizations through growth and change. With a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, manage complex operations, and build trusting relationships with leadership, staff, and external stakeholders, you are ready to serve Fort William First Nation with dedication and heart. You bring:

A strategic mindset with a commitment to community-centered leadership
Strong governance experience and the ability to support and implement Council decisions
Excellent financial and operational management skills, including budgeting and audit coordination
A collaborative, transparent, and relationship-oriented leadership style
Cultural competency and a respect for Anishinaabe traditions, teachings, and protocols
Resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment in complex situations

Qualifications

A university degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field
A minimum of five (5) years of senior management experience in First Nation Administration. Equivalent combination of education and experience considered
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with accounting software
Valid Ontario Driver’s License and the ability to travel
Must be able to work flexible hours and undergo a Vulnerable Sector and Judicial Records Check
Understanding of the traditions, heritage, and cultural lifeways of Fort William First Nation is a strong asset

How to Apply If you are a visionary leader who is passionate about serving and empowering Indigenous communities, we want to hear from you! To apply for this key role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking on this application link: https://phelpsgroup.ca/careers/30814/fort-william-first-nation-ceo-redo/apply/ Application deadline: June 22, 2026 Salary: $167,564-$185,202 AI will not be used in the candidate screening process. To learn more information, visit our website at https://phelpsgroup.ca/

Fort William First Nation

Open Positions

Chief Executive Officer