Associate Chief of Staff

About the Role:

The Métis Nation of Ontario (“MNO”) is looking for an energetic, passionate individual to serve as Associate to the Chief of Staff for the Provincial Secretaries. The Associate Chief of Staff role involves managing the day-to-day operations for the Chief of Staff, including solving problems around all aspects of the office. In this capacity, the Associate Chief of Staff will work closely with MNO administration, including C-Suite, MNO Directors, and elected leadership, to support the effective and efficient functioning of the Chief of Staff and to streamline operations across the MNO as a whole.

The Associate Chief of Staff will report directly to the Chief of Staff. They will support the Chief of Staff and work to navigate complex issues, support MNO priorities and initiatives, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, and foster increased collaboration across branches. The role will require a high degree of organization and political, including to manage efforts at relationship building and advancing the MNO’s overall self-government, rights, and operational goals and objectives.

The MNO does not anticipate the Associate Chief of Staff having any direct reports, however a high degree of coordination with other internal staff and various departments of the MNO’s administration will be required.

What you will be doing: 

• Oversees the activities and manages the day-to-day needs of the Chief of Staff as part of working to ensure the Provincial Secretaries are able to produce the desired results, based on advancing the MNO’s overall strategy, objectives, and goals in light of performance metrics.
• Attending executive meetings and briefings with the Chief of Staff and/or Provincial Secretaries, including deliver progress reports to Chief of Staff and/or Provincial Secretaries on various key issues and priorities in order to keep them abreast on current MNO activities, climate, and other operational matters.
• Building strong relationships with MNO Directors, staff, and elected officials and act as a liaison between the Chief of Staff, Provincial Secretaries, and MNO administration including assisting by providing oversight of projects of high importance related to the portfolios of Provincial Secretaries.
• Working with MNO Directors and staff to coordinate the preparation of and delivery of reports, presentations, and other materials to support the Chief of Staff and other executives and Provincial Secretaries in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Proactively address complex matters and urgent issues that need immediate attention, ensuring confidentiality and effective resolution in light of MNO’s overall goals, priorities, and policies.
• Other reasonable duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in an similar role or government leadership positions
• Bachelor’s degree or higher certification
• Recent experience interacting with boards or councils at a senior leadership level, including demonstrated ability to build relationships and advance key issues
• Excellent leadership and communication skills needed for creating strategies, leading meetings, and planning new opportunities
• Experience in project management, leading and organizing projects including overseeing the implementation of communications strategy, policy, and operational plans, to a successful outcome
• Excellent communication skill, both written and public speaking skills
• Highly detail-oriented and results-focused
• Excellent levels of problem-solving and analytical skills
• Superior organization skills, project-management, and time/priority-management
• Demonstrated ability to solve conflicts and to manage challenging situations
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong desire to act in the service of Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture (preference will be given to applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws)
• Significant knowledge of Métis rights, governance, and policy issues and principles at a local, regional, and provincial level
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong understanding of Metis governance structures and decision-making processes
• Knowledge and understanding of Métis history, culture, rights, and contemporary legal, governance, and political issues affecting Metis Citizens and the MNO as a Métis Government
• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader indigenous key challenges, and programs and services
• Preference will be given to Métis applicants (pursuant to S.14(1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code) 
• Bilingualism (considered an asset)