Position Name: Executive Director

Nature: Permanent Employment

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Canada / Fully Remote

Salary Range: CAD 105,000 to CAD 120,000 per year

Hours: Full-time, 37.50 hours per week (must be able to work between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST)

Post Date: July 17, 204

Close Date: August 16, 2024

ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (IFA)

The Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) is a dynamic and innovative tech not-for-profit organization dedicated to integrating technology, education, and cultural preservation among Indigenous communities. Established with a vision to bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy among Indigenous peoples, the IFA has rapidly grown into a leading force in advocating for digital inclusion and cultural resilience. At its core, the IFA is committed to creating and nurturing spaces where Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions are celebrated and interwoven with modern technological advancements. This unique approach not only enhances access to digital tools and resources but also ensures that these advancements are aligned with the values and needs of Indigenous communities.

Mission:

The Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) is committed to bridging the gap between traditional Indigenous practices and modern technology, ensuring that Indigenous communities can thrive in the digital age. Our mission is to cultivate opportunities to advance digital pathways rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, driving positive change for generations.

Vision:

Our vision is for Indigenous peoples to leverage technology to amplify their worldviews, tech equity, and digital sovereignty.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Executive Director is the key management leader of IFA. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors, who establishes the strategic plans and policies of the organization. The Executive Director executes the mission, vision, strategic direction, and theory of change of the organization.

The Executive Director should be comfortable engaging with existing and potential donors, partners, and stakeholders. The Executive Director should be confident and able to express IFA’s mission. Building relationships and supporting the staff at IFA is also an important part of this Executive Director role. It is also very important to have the ability to motivate and encourage company growth within the team. A significant track record in community engagement and fundraising in the Indigenous Community is critical to this role at the IFA.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Works with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community engagement.
• Articulate the nonprofit’s vision, mission, theory of change, statement of need, unique value proposition, and overall strategy and direction of the organization.
• Build alignment across the organization.
• Responsible for the implementation of IFA programs that carry out the organization’s mission.
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that IFA can successfully fulfill its Mission in the future.
• Responsible for the enhancement of IFA’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations.
• Building partnerships with stakeholders, donors, and community members.
• Provides regular operational updates and gives input on key decisions.
• Oversees the creation, implementation, and evaluation of programs aligned with IFA’s mission.

Board Governance and Development

• Works with the board in order to fulfill the organization's mission.
• Responsible for leading IFA in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.

Financial Performance and Viability

• Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.
• Responsible for fundraising and developing other revenues necessary to support IFA’s mission.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of IFA, including submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintains the organization in a positive financial position.

General Administration

• Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.
• Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
• Responsible effective administration of IFA operations.
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
• Educational Leadership and Instruction
• Design and deliver educational programs and workshops that enhance understanding of the organization’s mission and the broader context of its work. This involves crafting content that is accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, including community members, stakeholders, and partners.
• Represent the organization at conferences, seminars, and public forums as the primary spokesperson. Articulate the organization’s goals, initiatives, and impacts eloquently to increase awareness, support, and engagement.

Technical Management and Development

• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in technology that could impact or benefit the organization.
• Ensure that the technology strategy respects and integrates principles of digital equity and accessibility.
• Oversee the design, development, and enhancement of technology systems and platforms that support the organization’s operations.

DUTIES AND TASKS

• Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the organization.
• Supervise, and collaborate with organization staff.
• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Planning and operation of the annual budget.
• Serve as IFA’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media and the general public.
• Attend special events or times that could be outside of the regular business hours required on an as-needed basis.
• Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance IFA’s Mission.
• Engage in fundraising and developing other revenues.
• Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
• Oversee organization Board and committee meetings.
• Establish employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the IFA.
• Review and approve contracts for services.
• Compliance and Best Practices
• Get results while minimizing risk to the nonprofit organization.
• Stay in compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Create systems to monitor all of this. Even beyond legal compliance, ensure your organization is meeting the highest standards possible for your industry and region.
• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A bachelor's degree in program management, business or public administration, technical management, information systems, engineering, finance/accounting, social work, social sciences or related fields is required.
• Alternatively, an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of Indigenous protocols and Indigenous Ways of Knowing is required.

Experience

• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five (5) years in a leadership role in the non-profit sector.
• Proficiency in analyzing training needs/requirements and developing appropriate strategies.
• Previous experience in fundraising and speaking with partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive research for special projects, promptly respond to inquiries, and effectively present written and oral briefings.
• Aptitude for working with attention to detail and managing time-sensitive issues.
• Strong understanding of financial management principles and practices.
• Previous experience in operations management or a similar leadership role is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization or the Indigenous community sector is highly preferred.
• A proven track record of successfully overseeing and managing multiple departments or teams is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated capability in managing and developing staff, providing constructive feedback, and cultivating a positive work culture.
• Previous experience dealing with a Board of Directors.

Skills

• Exceptional leadership skills, capable of inspiring and motivating teams to accomplish organizational goals.
• Proficient problem-solving and decision-making abilities to tackle operational challenges and drive process improvements.
• Aptitude for establishing and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities, funders, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and collaboration skills to foster partnerships and advance organizational objectives.
• (Desirable) Tech-savvy with up-to-date knowledge of various technology concepts such as coding, UX/UI design, AI, cybersecurity, and related areas.
• (Desirable) Proficiency in Theory of Change: The successful candidate should demonstrate a deep understanding and ability to apply the Theory of Change in planning and monitoring projects. They should be adept at developing logical, results-based frameworks to guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives.