Executive Director at Sagamok Anishnawbek – Sagamok, Ontario

Koognaasewin Child and Family Well-being

📍 Location: Sagamok Anishnawbek
👤 Reports To: Koognaasewin E-Koowamjigegiig
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time

Sagamok Anishnawbek is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead the Koognaasewin Child and Family Well-being Department.

Reporting to the Koognaasewin E-Koowamjigegiig, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the delivery of child and family well-being services under the Koognaasewin Child Well-being Law. The role oversees both Naadmagewin (prevention-focused services) and Ganawenim (early-intervention and protection services) to ensure children, youth, and families receive culturally grounded, community-centered supports.

The Executive Director plays a key leadership role in strengthening family preservation, cultural continuity, and community-based approaches to child and family well-being while ensuring the organization operates with strong governance, financial accountability, and effective partnerships.

• Provide overall leadership and direction of the organization in alignment with the Koognaasewin Child Well-being Law and the direction of the Koognaasewin E-Koowamjigegiig.
• Serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Board and designated committees.
• Provide high-quality information, analysis, and administrative support to the Board to support governance and strategic planning.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic, operational, and annual plans.
• Advise the Board on governance, strategy, and organizational performance.
• Foster a workplace culture grounded in Koognaasewin’s mission, vision, and values.
• Maintain strong communication with staff, community members, leadership, and partners.

• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of all programs and services.
• Ensure services are high-quality, culturally grounded, and responsive to community needs.
• Monitor program performance and outcomes and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure services align with community expectations and the Koognaasewin Child Well-being Law.
• Support innovation, program development, and service expansion.

• Lead organizational financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Ensure effective financial management, reporting, and accountability.
• Monitor financial performance and proactively address financial pressures.
• Identify and secure sustainable funding sources, including government and partnership funding.
• Align financial resources with strategic priorities and service delivery needs.

• Provide leadership to the Senior Management Team and staff.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and culturally grounded workplace environment.
• Oversee recruitment, retention, performance management, and leadership development.
• Ensure appropriate organizational structures and workforce planning.
• Promote staff wellness, professional development, and succession planning.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations leadership, Elders, and communities.
• Engage effectively with federal and provincial governments, Chief & Council, agencies, and partners.
• Represent the organization in external forums, negotiations, and public settings.
• Promote collaboration across partner organizations and service providers.
• Support meaningful community engagement in program design and decision-making.
• Strengthen partnerships with regional, provincial, and Indigenous service organizations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, funding agreements, and organizational policies.
• Maintain effective governance, reporting, and accountability systems.
• Identify organizational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee audits, evaluations, and reporting to leadership and funding partners.
• Ensure confidentiality, privacy protection, and responsible data governance.

• Ensure all programs and decisions reflect Anishinaabe laws, teachings, and cultural values.
• Promote approaches that prioritize keeping children connected to family, culture, and community.
• Support cultural revitalization through language, land-based learning, and traditional knowledge.
• Respect and uphold the rights of children, families, and community members.
• Engage Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community voices in organizational practices and decision-making.

• Master’s degree in Social Work or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in child welfare and social services.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years at a senior executive level.
• Proven leadership in organizational change, program development, and service delivery.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and governance structures.

• Deep understanding of Indigenous child welfare systems and community-based services.
• Knowledge of the impacts of colonial policies, including residential schools and child welfare systems.
• Strong strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-pressure environments and crisis situations.
• Strong financial, operational, and human resources management experience.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

• Knowledge of Anishinaabe laws, cultural frameworks, and community governance.
• Ability to speak Anishinaabemowin.
• Preference may be given to members of Sagamok Anishnawbek.

✔ Respect for Anishnawbek culture, traditions, and the Seven Grandfather Teachings
✔ Sign and comply with an annual Oath of Confidentiality
✔ Clear Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) valid within six months
✔ Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when required
✔ Ability to travel on short notice
✔ Ability to work with children
✔ Commitment to learning and strengthening Anishinaabemowin

This position is based within the Sagamok Anishnawbek Child and Family Well-being Department, with responsibilities that may extend throughout the community and to external meetings and partnerships.

The role requires strong collaboration with community leadership, staff, partners, and service providers, and may require travel outside the community to support organizational priorities.

The successful candidate will be subject to a six (6) month probation period.

Interested applicants are invited to submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references