Kinoomaadziwin Education Body

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Employment Opportunity: Full-Time Permanent

SUMMARY

The Director of Education reports to the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) Board of Directors.  The Director of Education is responsible to manage and oversee the ongoing development: of Anishinabek programs and services, operations and administration, finance, human resources, communications, and funding development.  Together with the Board of Directors, the Director of Education is also responsible for the strategic planning process; policy development and implementation; and the operation of the Anishinabek Education System (AES).  This position monitors the implementation of the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement and the Master Education Agreement, including their fiscal requirements (together the “Agreements”).  The Director of Education maintains effective relationships with the KEB staff,  Participating First Nations,  provincial representatives and federal representatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Strategic Planning

The Director of Education leads, manages and oversees the delivery of services and initiatives which support the AES’s strategic plan.  The Director of Education, monitors, evaluates, and reports to the KEB Board of Directors on the operation of the AES in accordance with the Agreements and the strategic plan. Further, the Director of Education supports the Board of Directors in developing an annual reporting and accountability plan for the KEB strategic plan.

Informed by the input, needs, and priorities of the Regional Education Councils, the Director of

Education leads the planning and execution of ongoing negotiations with the Governments of Canada and Ontario. This position is also responsible for maintaining effective professional relationships with all AES stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Agreements and the operation of the AES. In conjunction with the Board of Directors, the Director of Education cultivates a positive leadership role among the Participating First Nations and the Regional Education Councils.

Financial Management

The Director of Education oversees the work of the Finance Manager to ensure the financial and narrative reporting requirements of the Agreements and other funding agreements are met in a timely manner.  The Director of Education reviews and provides direction on presentations by the Finance Manager on the regular financial reports to the Board of Directors. The Director of Education is responsible for effective and efficient financial decision-making. The Director of Education works with the Board of Directors to secure adequate funding for the operation of the AES.

Communications 

The Director of Education oversees the Associate Director of Education who works with the Senior Operations Manager in the development and approval of communications plans and policies, including media response and strategies. The Director of Education ensures that communications and media strategies are developed and implemented. The Director of Education will support and approve the release of communications products, as needed.

Advocacy, Policy and Politics

The Director of Education participates in provincial and national advocacy and policy consultations on First Nation education.  Working with the Associate Director of Education, the Director of Education identifies key issues that may affect the AES and recommends strategies to manage the impact of the key issues to the Board of Directors.  As required, the Director of Education implements the Board approved strategies.  This position also must establish positive working collaboration and relationships with the Participating First Nations, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, AES funders, First Nation educators, and supporters.  Through innovation and networking, the Director of Education achieves the vision and strategic goals and priorities of the AES.

Board and Committee Support

The Director of Education is the KEB’s primary contact for the Board of Directors and must foster effective teamwork between the Board, the Director of Education, and the KEB staff. Within this position, the Director of Education provides support and information at scheduled Board meetings, committee meetings, and working group meetings, as required.  In addition to attending and participating in meetings, the following deliverables are required of the Director of Education:

presenting quarterly reports on the implementation progress of the Master Education Agreement;
supporting the preparation of agendas, minutes, meeting materials, as needed;
facilitating discussions and presenting briefing notes;
providing timely and appropriate support to the Board, committees, and working groups to ensure these bodies fulfil their legal and ethical obligations; and identifying, assessing, and informing the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the AES and the KEB.

Education Programs and Services

The Director of Education works closely with the Associate Director of Education to ensure that projects and initiatives undertaken by the KEB are timely, relevant, culturally appropriate, and reflective of the needs and priorities of the Regional Education Councils. The Director of Education oversees the Associate Director of Education to ensure that programs and services within the Multi-Year Action Plan are effectively implemented and evaluated.

Operations, Data, and Information Management

As required, the Director of Education provides support and works collaboratively with the Associate Director of Education in the day-to-day operations of the KEB. The Director of Education supports the Associate Director of Education by providing guidance and advice on matters of data, research, and evaluation.  This includes the implementation of the Data and Information Sharing Agreement and the implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the AES Student Information System.

Human Resources Management

The Director of Education supervises all the KEB staff that report directly to the Director of

Education, and contracted service providers. Together with the Associate Director of Education, the Director of Education ensures that KEB policies and procedures are followed, and that all deadlines and deliverables are met. The Director of Education oversees the implementation of the organizational salary grid, ensures performance evaluation processes are followed, and manages disciplinary matters based on input from the Associate Director of Education.  The Director of Education also works with the KEB HR Committee to support and approve the development of employee incentive, retention, and succession plans, as needed.  Together with the Associate Director of Education, the Director of Education determines staffing and volunteer requirements for organizational management and program delivery and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on ways to meet requirements. The Director of Education is responsible to establish a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation, regulations, and Board approved policies.  This involves coaching and mentoring employees, as appropriate, to improve performance and work plan implementation.

Risk Management 

The Director of Education:

identifies and evaluates the risks to the AES’ people (Anishinabek students, schools, staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, committees), property, finances, goodwill, image and, with the approval of the Board of Directors and the KEB Chiefs Committee, as appropriate, implements measures to control risks;
ensures the KEB carries adequate and appropriate liability insurance coverage;
assists the Board of Directors and KEB employees to familiarize them with the parameters of the insurance coverage; and
oversees the negotiation, development, and application of all legal contracts and agreements involving the KEB.

Other Duties 

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations/societies.  The Director of Education will perform other duties as required by the KEB Board of Directors.

THE REQUIREMENTS

This position requires an individual with the following knowledge, skills, and personal characteristics.

Essential Qualifications

Must be bondable
Knowledge of AES, KEB, First Nation education issues, challenges, and delivery models
Demonstrated presentation skills and well-versed in public speaking
Proven effectiveness in project management
Ability to work in a team environment with others
Ability to work independently and take initiative to meet goals and objectives
Strong communication skills with proficiency in developing written communications and the development and delivery of oral presentations
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Board members, First Nations school representatives, education partners, staff, public and media
Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and human resources management
Excellent organizational and office management skills
Computer literacy (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
Dependability and reliability
Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances
Creativity and innovation
Clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check
Valid driver’s licence, a satisfactory drivers abstract report and a reliable vehicle Must be willing to travel

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of financial software, specifically SAGE
Working knowledge of electronic file transfers and accepted banking processes
Knowledge of performance and change management
Ability to analyze issues and information and make sound conclusions and recommendations
Ability to speak Anishinabemowin or Lenape, or a willingness to learn the language(s)

Experience and Education

Master’s Degree in Education, Public Administration, or Business Administration
Minimum 5 years of education management experience in a director/executive role
Proven leadership experience working with multiple partners/organizations
Please note: A combination or relevant experience and education will be considered

HOURS OF WORK

The hours of employment will typically be Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  The nature of this position is such that some additional work hours will be required and possibly work on weekends or during the evenings.

LOCATION

The position is based out of the head office located on Nipissing First Nation.

SALARY

To commensurate with experience and education.

CLOSING DATE

Applications for this position will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023.

INTERVIEW DATES

Interviews for this position will be held between August 21-25, 2023.

APPLICATIONS

Please submit your resume, covering letter, and three references to:

Andrea Crawford

Senior Operations Manager

Kinoomaadziwin Education Body

Suite 100-132 Osprey Miikan

North Bay, ON P1B 8G5

kebhr@a-e-s.ca

705-845-3634

* Preference will be given to members of the Participating First Nations or those of Indigenous ancestry. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.