General Manager

Job No: 125049
Location: Abbotsford

  • Use your management skills to assist in developing our community while honouring our heritage.
  • Receive a competitive annual salary plus benefits!
  • Don't miss this chance to make a true difference to the vibrant community of the Sumas First Nation.

About the Sumas First Nation

The Semáth people were known as the fierce wolf people and were a part of the larger Stό:lō Nation. Our lands were central to the Coast Salish territory and our families moved freely amongst our villages to gather food and practice ceremony. Our traditional lands include Sumas Mountain, Semáth lake and the drainage of the Stat'lo' (streams) which lead into it. 

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for present and all future generations by promoting our traditional values and providing enhanced services that will improve the quality of life for all.  

For more information please see our website.   

About the Opportunity

Currently, the Sumas First Nation is looking for a General Manager to join our community in Abbotsford on a full-time basis.  

As our new General Manager, you will report directly to Chief & Council and will be responsible for providing leadership and for the overall day-to-day management of multiple programs of work. You will also be responsible for supporting your direct reports who are all responsible for their own respective departments. At the request of Chief & Council, this position may be called upon to ensure various special projects and other duties are carried out. This role will also see you working to ensure that performance objectives are in place and achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

While no two days in this fast-paced role will ever be the same, your more typical responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting the Sumas First Nation vision through effective strategic and operational planning. 
  • Ensuring that in the event of a sudden loss of personnel, programs and services are not jeopardized. 
  • Ensuring that available department resources are effectively organized to meet operational needs. 
  • Ensuring the preparation of long-range plans for all departments. 
  • Maintaining regular communications with Chief & Council to clarify priorities as well as discussing both Sumas First Nation accomplishments and operations. 
  • Giving recommendations on Council meeting agendas and acting as the Chairperson at Chief & Council meetings. 
  • Providing operational updates to Chief & Council on a regular basis at Chief & Council meetings. 
  • Providing operational updates to Chief & Council on a regular basis at Chief & Council meetings. 
  • Attending General Band Meetings as requested by Chief & Council. 
  • Identifying opportunities to improve Sumas First Nation operations as well as addressing issues that may negatively impact Sumas First Nation and making recommendations to Chief & Council. 
  • Providing leadership and making recommendations to department managers on various matters. 
  • Ensuring Annual Reviews are conducted for all Sumas First Nation employees. 
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with registered Sumas First Nation members and community members. 
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with strategic partners including but not limited to other First Nations, consulting firms, government agencies, and financial institutions. 
  • Working on projects with strategic partners in various areas including Capital Projects, developing Memorandums of Understanding, Service Delivery, and Contractual Agreements. 
  • Monitoring compliance with the legal obligation of Sumas First Nation including legislative, regulatory, program, and contractual obligations. 
  • Acting as a signatory on financial documents and ensuring these transactions are in compliance with Sumas First Nation budgets and policies.
  • Acting as a signatory on legal documents on behalf of Sumas First Nation, at the direction of Chief & Council, and ensuring these documents are in the best interest of Sumas First Nation. 
  • Overseeing all capital purchases for Sumas First Nation and ensuring all assets are properly secured. 
  • Reviewing and recommending the consolidated annual budget in preparation for presentation to Chief & Council. 
  • Ensuring organizational and financial risks are mitigated by working in close cooperation with Chief & Council, Sumas First Nation staff, Auditors, and Sumas First Nation Legal Advisors. 
  • Developing proposals for program and capital funding, and ensuring funds are expended appropriately. 
  • Overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures as well as ensuring compliance with these policies and procedures. 

In order to qualify for this role, you will need at least 5 years of experience as a General Manager or a Band Manager within a First Nation community along with 10 years of experience working with First Nation communities. A relevant master's degree is preferred however candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree coupled with experience are also invited to apply for this role. This role will also require you to have a strong understanding of Finance. 

As our ideal candidate, you will have a working knowledge of and respect for Indigenous culture, customs, traditions, and issues. In addition, it is essential that you have strong leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to manage, supervise, and provide support to staff. Your excellent communication skills in both written and verbal form as well as your organizational and timekeeping abilities will ensure your success as you work towards competing deadlines.   

In this high-profile position, you will have strategic and long-range planning skills, coupled with experience in organizational development/governance as well as public affairs. Sound decision-making skills and the ability to motivate your staff will also be crucial to your success in the role. 

Do you want to make a lasting difference to a vibrant First Nation community? Here’s your chance!

About the Benefits

As recognition for all your hard work and determination, you can look forward to a competitive annual salary based on skills and experience. You'll also gain access to all of the following:

  • Full medical and dental benefits. 
  • 3 weeks vacation within the first year along with all statutory holidays and aboriginal day. 
  • Negotiable relocation existence. 
  • A cell phone and laptop provided to you. 
  • The chance to make a long-term strategic impact within a fast-paced and friendly working environment. 

This is your chance to be part of a dynamic and growing community where you will have the opportunity to implement processes and make your mark for the better of all.   

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!

Apply Now

Personal Details * Required field

  1. Digits only or add + for international numbers

  1. (Please click on your profile and copy the URL from your profile page.)

Questions