Director Of Operations

Position Title: Director of Operations

Department: Senior Leadership

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Inuvik, NT

Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time

Background

The Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) is a federally recognized Indigenous organization based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, representing Gwich’in Participants in the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Established through the 1992 Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, the GTC works to protect and advance Gwich’in rights in land, culture, resources, and governance, while promoting self-determination and economic development. Located above the Arctic Circle, Inuvik offers a unique northern lifestyle with year-round access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling, breathtaking views of the northern lights, and a strong sense of community rooted in Gwich’in culture and tradition.

ROLE

The Director of Operations supports the Chief Operating Officer in the coordination and execution of organizational operations. This role is responsible for overseeing departmental activities as assigned, ensuring that programs and services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational priorities.

The Director of Operations focuses on implementation, coordination, and operational consistency across departments, while supporting managers and staff in achieving established goals. This position does not set organizational strategy but plays a key role in executing direction established by the COO and senior leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Provides oversight to assigned departments at the direction of the COO, ensuring day-to-day operations are effective and aligned with organizational priorities

·        Implements operational direction and priorities established by the COO and senior leadership

·        Supports departmental managers in planning, coordinating, and delivering programs and services

·        Monitors departmental activities to ensure timelines, deliverables, and service standards are met

·        Facilitates communication and coordination across departments to promote alignment and collaboration

·        Acts as a central point of contact for operational matters and escalates issues to the COO as required

·        Provides guidance and support to managers and supervisors, assisting with problem-solving and workload management

·        Oversees assigned projects and initiatives, ensuring successful execution and completion

·        Identifies operational gaps and supports the development of improved processes and practices

·        Supports adherence to approved budgets and works with Finance and managers to monitor expenditures

·        Tracks and reports on departmental performance, providing regular updates to the COO

·        Ensures compliance with organizational policies, funding agreements, and applicable legislation

·        Promotes a respectful, collaborative, and culturally aligned work environment across teams

QUALIFICATIONS

·        Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Public Administration, Indigenous Governance, or a related field is preferred

·        An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience may be considered

·        Demonstrated experience in operations, program coordination, or departmental oversight, with progressive leadership responsibility

·        Experience supporting multiple teams or departments, preferably within a First Nations, public sector, or non-profit environment

·        Strong understanding of operational processes, including program delivery, budgeting support, and organizational systems

·        Proven ability to support implementation of organizational priorities and translate direction into effective operational plans

·        Experience working collaboratively with leadership teams, including providing support to senior roles such as a Chief Operating Officer or equivalent

·        Knowledge of Indigenous governance structures, cultural values, and community-based service delivery is considered a strong asset

·        Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support, guide, and build relationships with managers and staff

·        Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to provide clear direction and reporting

·        Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

·        Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, solutions-focused approach to operational challenges

·        Proficiency with administrative and financial systems (e.g., payroll systems such as Payworks, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite)

APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter combined into a single PDF file via email to jobs@gwichintribal.ca with the subject line Director of Operations Application. Kindly indicate if you are a Gwich’in Participant or Indigenous applicant requesting priority consideration or if you require any accessibility accommodations.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.