Job Summary:

Lac Seul First Nation is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for assigned departments. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief Administrative Officer plays a key role in planning, coordinating, and managing departmental operations while ensuring alignment with the Lac Seul First Nation Strategic Plan.

Moreover, the Chief Administrative Officer will work closely with senior leadership, department directors, and external partners to ensure effective service delivery, strong financial oversight, and collaborative decision-making across the organization.

Location: Lac Seul First Nation
Rate: Wages start at $55.53hour *based on qualifications and experience.
Term: Full-Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing: April 10, 2026 (before 4:30 pm) * late applications will not be accepted.

LSFN offers great competitive wages, vacation, additional time off during Christmas Break and March Break, as well as many other great benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Firstly, provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to department directors to ensure alignment with the First Nation’s strategic priorities.
• Subsequently, work with legal advisors on high-level matters and support Chief and Council by coordinating meetings and providing administrative guidance.
• In addition, review and approve departmental reports, presentations, and operational updates.
• Furthermore, promote open communication and collaboration within the senior leadership team.
• Also, review consultant contracts and provide recommendations where applicable.

Goal Setting & Performance Management

• Collaborate with department directors to establish measurable goals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Subsequently, conduct annual performance evaluations and support professional development planning.

Financial & Resource Oversight

• Work with directors to develop and manage departmental budgets while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• In addition, collaborate with the Director of Finance on budget planning and monitoring.
• Furthermore, attend quarterly budget meetings and assist in implementing cost-control strategies.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Promote collaboration and communication between departments.
• Lead initiatives to improve organizational workflow and problem-solving.
• Additionally, organize biannual Directors’ Meetings to support in-person collaboration and information sharing.

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with community members and external partners.
• Represent the community in negotiations, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives.
• Support cultural initiatives and ensure community values are reflected in organizational operations.

Conflict Resolution

• Act as a key resource for resolving workplace conflicts and facilitating mediation when appropriate.
• Finally, work proactively with leadership to identify and address operational challenges.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
• In addition, a minimum of 3–5 years of senior management experience, preferably within an Indigenous organization or community.
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, strategic planning, and organizational management.

Knowledge

• Understanding of First Nations governance structures, treaties, and cultural practices.
• Knowledge of municipal, provincial, and federal policies impacting First Nations communities.
• Familiarity with funding structures and reporting requirements for Indigenous-led initiatives.
• Familiarity with community planning, economic development, and resource management.
• Knowledge or certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution or mediation is considered an asset.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and sound decision-making abilities.
• Experience in policy and program development and evaluation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and administrative management systems.
• Commitment to community service and advocacy.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel within and outside the community.
• Attendance at evening and weekend meetings or community events may be required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in high-pressure situations.

Conditions of Employment

• Must provide a current Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Valid Social Insurance Number and legally entitled to work in Canada.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter along with a resume, and written permission for LSFN People & Culture Department to contact two employment references (most recent supervisors) must be provided. Applications may be mailed, faxed, emailed, or also delivered in person to:

Lac Seul First Nation
Attention: C/o PC Dept.
P.O. Box 100
Hudson, ON.  P0V 1X0
Fax #: )807) 582-3585
Email: resumes@lacseulfn.org

Lac Seul First Nation requires candidates who receive offers to complete a Criminal Reference Check. We appreciate all applicants; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview.

Note:

Preferential Hiring Policy: Lac Seul First Nation band members will receive first consideration for hiring.
If no suitable LSFN band members apply, we will then consider Indigenous persons who are non-LSFN members. Finally, if no qualified Indigenous applicants are available, we will offer the position to the most suitably qualified non-Indigenous candidate.