Executive Director
Okanagan Indian Band
KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE
Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.
The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:
- 4 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
- Paid Director’s Days off (one per month)
- Extended Health and Dental Benefits
- Employer Matched Pension Plan
- 15 Statutory Holidays
- Paid Winter Holiday Break
- Cultural Leave
- Discounted Silver Star lift passes
- Retention Bonuses after years of service
- 15 Paid Sick Days
- Paid Personal Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development Opportunities
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Start Date: ASAP
Deadline for applications: Open until filled.
JOB SUMMARY
The Executive Director (ED) is the senior administrative officer of the Okanagan Indian Band, accountable directly to Chief and Council. The ED is responsible for the strategic leadership, organizational management, and external representation of OKIB. Operating within the direction and policies established by Chief and Council, the ED translates governance decisions into organizational action, ensures accountability across all departments, and advances OKIB's vision for community wellness, cultural strength, and self-determination. The ED provides direct leadership to the Director of Operations and the Director of Administration and maintains a dotted-line relationship with the Title and Rights Claims function within Territorial Stewardship.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports directly to the Chief and Council.
Direct Reports: Director of Operations, Director of Administration
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the primary liaison between Chief and Council and OKIB administration; translate Council direction into organizational priorities and action plans.
- Lead the development and implementation of OKIB's organizational strategy, operational plans, and annual work plans in alignment with Council's vision and community priorities.
- Prepare and present briefing notes, reports, and recommendations to Chief and Council; attend all regular and special Council meetings as required.
- Ensure that Syilx values, cultural protocols, and the best interests of OKIB membership are embedded in organizational decision-making at every level.
- Provide direct supervision, performance management, and professional development support to the Director of Operations and Director of Administration.
- Establish and maintain clear delegation of authority and accountability frameworks for both Director roles; review and update annually.
- Facilitate regular Senior Leadership Team meetings to ensure organizational alignment, cross-directorate communication, and coordinated decision-making.
- Hold final budget approval authority for all OKIB departments; review and authorize annual budgets submitted through the Director of Administration.
- Ensure the organization maintains financial integrity, audit readiness, and compliance with all funding agreements and reporting obligations.
- Represent OKIB in all senior government-to-government negotiations, intergovernmental forums, and strategic partnership discussions.
- Lead or oversee major funding negotiations with Indigenous Services Canada, the Province of BC, and other key funders.
- Maintain and develop relationships with neighbouring Nations, tribal councils, municipal governments, and regional partners.
- Ensure OKIB's administrative policies, bylaws, and procedures are current, compliant with applicable legislation including the Canada Labour Code, and reflective of Council's direction.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of a delegation of authority policy and emergency succession framework before any Director positions are posted.
- Support the Title and Rights Claims function through a dotted-line relationship, ensuring rights and title work is resourced and reported directly to Council.
- All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
- Attend Senior Leadership Team meetings and Chief and Council meetings as required.
- Prepare, review, and submit briefing notes, motions, and Council packages on behalf of administration.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of annual reports, audit packages, and organizational performance reports.
- Ensure organizational policies are reviewed, updated, and communicated to all staff on a regular cycle.
- Monitor KPIs and organizational performance indicators; report results to Chief and Council.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.
Education
- Post-secondary degree in public administration, business administration, Indigenous governance, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- First Nations Governance credential considered an asset.
Experience
- Minimum 8-10 years of progressive senior leadership experience, including direct experience in a First Nations governance context.
- Demonstrated experience working with or reporting to an elected governance body such as Chief and Council, a Board of Directors, or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge of the Canada Labour Code, First Nations governance frameworks, and federal and provincial funding environments.
- Proven experience in budget management, financial oversight, and audit processes.
- Experience leading organizational change, succession planning, and senior-level recruitment.
Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)
- Deep understanding of and commitment to Syilx culture, values, and community priorities; knowledge of Okanagan Nation history and rights is a strong asset.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government, funders, and community partners.
- Strong strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and executive communication skills.
- High level of integrity, political acuity, and sound judgment in complex governance environments.
- Ability to balance organizational effectiveness with cultural accountability and community responsiveness.
- Demonstrates cultural appropriateness and respect for community protocols.
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$150,000 -$200,000 per annum dependant upon education and experience.
Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:
Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011
The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references
Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
