Executive Director, National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute

Executive Director, National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute

President’s Office

Regina Campus

5 year term position

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) allows students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. The University continues to uphold its mission of enhancing the quality of life and preserving, protecting, and interpreting First Nations people's history, language, culture, and artistic heritage. FNUniv is a unique learning place specializing in Indigenous knowledge and providing post-secondary education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students within a culturally supportive environment.  

The First Nations University of Canada is a federated college of the University of Regina, and its academic programs are accredited through that institution. 

FNUniv’s values include wisdom, respect, humility, sharing, harmony, beauty, strength, and spirituality. 

The National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute (NIEPI) will positively impact national economic, entrepreneurship, business, policy, and programming across all sectors. The 107 Calls to Economic Prosperity provide a framework for organizations to support Indigenous and societal economic growth, which will support overall wellbeing and parity for Indigenous Peoples. NIEPI will support research, policy and programming development for organizations seeking this kind of growth.

This position reports and has direct accountability to the President. The National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute (NIEPI) Executive Director will advocate and support the implementation of the National Indigenous Economic  Strategy for Canada, enact the Calls to Economic Prosperity #59, 70, 72, and 79, track national organizational implementation, document and articulate impact, and advocate for the advancement of economic reconciliation.

Duties:

• Lead the advocacy, identification, storytelling, and showcasing of exemplars of economic reconciliation.
• Promote, advocate, identify, track, document and communicate progress of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy Calls to Indigenous Prosperity for Canada.
• Manage the NIEPI budget by developing, reviewing and maintaining budgets and expenditures in collaboration with Senior Management.
• Provide leadership through a clear strategic vision and support of that vision through all activities and project plans.
• Manage the National Institute staff through effective recruitment, selection, training, organization of functions, establishment of procedures and standards, monitoring of performance and focusing on staff efforts and university goals including scheduling and prioritizing of staff workloads and developing, mentoring and coaching others.
• Explore, identify, monitor and report on exemplary economic initiatives and programs, economic partnerships, technology initiatives, and operational supports for business growth and retention of Indigenous employees.
• Support research in economic reconciliation, Indigenous business and entrepreneurship, policy and programming development for organizations.
• Continuously seek funding opportunities from external sources and donors to sustainably fund NIEPI operations, promotions, and research activity.
• Create digital infrastructure (website) to serve as the national repository and archival resource of case studies, stories, and examples of work related to the NIEDB’s calls to Indigenous prosperity.
• Support system change by challenging faulty, misinformed belief systems and create practices mutually beneficial for Canadians.
• Create and implement paid Indigenous student mentorship/internship program within NIEPI to expand interest and knowledge of Indigenous economic prosperity and leadership.
• Provide direct oversight to the Director of Research NIEPI, ensure that 8 research projects on each of the 4 NIEB focus areas, finance, infrastructure, people and lands are conducted.
• Collaborate with internal teams and units (e.g., Vice President University Relations, Vice President Academic, Finance) to bring awareness of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada and the work of NIEPI.

Qualifications:

Education

• Applicants must have an Masters or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Economics, Business, Commerce, Social Sciences, Data Science, etc.). Proven experience in leadership, administration, research management, preferably in a related industry.

Management

• At least nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience, including five years in a senior management role, in positions providing exposure to community development, business development, and may include experience in Economic Development, Marketing, or Public Relations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Indigenous economies, business and entrepreneurial histories and current landscape
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Proven proficiency and experience facilitating, liaising, and advocating within an Indigenous organization and / or academic institution.
• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relation skills.
• An understanding of the unique relationship between the First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina.
• Ability to speak a First Nations Language would be an asset.
• Knowledge of First Nations’ cultures, values, and traditions is essential.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online at www.fnuniv.ca.  

Closing Date:  December 13, 2024

We would like to thank you for your interest and to all those that applied; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The First Nations University of Canada relies on section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give preference in employment for this position.  Please indicate your status in your cover letter or resume.

Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed by email at humanresources@firstnationsuniversity.ca We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position.  However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.