Chief Executive Officer

About Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society

Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society (NTVS) is a not-for-profit organization that delivers programs and services on behalf of Nisga’a Lisims Government to approximately 2,000 Nisga’a citizens living in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island. Incorporated in 2000, the Society works to enhance the social, economic, physical, cultural, and spiritual well-being of Nisga’a citizens in the region. NTVS delivers programs and services across education, youth, Elders, language, culture, health, economic development, and community protective services.

NTVS provides an important link between Nisga’a citizens living away from their home communities and the broader Nisga’a Nation, maintaining relationships with Nisga’a Lisims Government, other Nisga’a locals, and Village Governments. The Society’s vision is to nurture a vibrant and prosperous community that is an integral part of a unified Nisga’a Nation. Through community-driven programs, wellness initiatives, cultural activities, educational recognition, and family-focused experiences, NTVS creates opportunities for belonging, participation, and growth, guided by the values of community, respect, integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, culture, wellness, and service. For a more detailed overview of NTVS, including its history, mandate, programs, and services, please visit the Society’s official overview page official overview page.

Please click here to view the full Position Profile: Position Profile- NTVS- CEO.pdf

Position Overview

The Chief Executive Officer is NTVS’s senior management leader and is accountable to the Board of Directors for the Society’s overall leadership, management, and performance. The CEO provides strategic, operational, financial, and people leadership, ensuring that programs, services, and resources align with the Board’s direction.

A key priority for the incoming CEO will be to lead organizational transformation that strengthens service to Nisga’a citizens and creates a positive path forward for the Society. This includes rebuilding citizens’ trust, strengthening accountability and organizational effectiveness, and fostering a healthy, respectful, and supportive workplace where employees can contribute and succeed. Through a visible presence among Nisga’a citizens, community members, and Elders, the CEO will ensure community perspectives and cultural connections inform the Society’s direction and decisions.

The CEO will advance economic and community development opportunities while strengthening relationships with the Board, community partners, and the Nisga’a economic development corporation. Success requires strong governance and business acumen and a genuine commitment to cultural connection, community engagement, and service to Nisga’a citizens.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum five years of senior-level management experience, preferably within a First Nations, Indigenous, not-for-profit, or community-based environment.
• University degree in business administration, economic development, not-for-profit management, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education, leadership experience, and community-based experience will be considered.
• High-integrity, ethical leader with demonstrated experience leading organizational transformation, rebuilding trust, strengthening accountability, and managing change.
• Strong strategic planning, critical thinking, decision-making, project management, and risk management capabilities, with the ability to identify organizational challenges and opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with a Board of Directors, including governance, strategic planning, policy development, reporting, and supporting informed decision-making.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous communities, cultures, governance, and community-based organizations, with the ability to build trusted relationships with citizens, Elders, community members, governments, funders, and external partners.
• Cultural humility and a willingness to learn from Nisga’a citizens and Elders about the traditions, ceremonies, and cultural expectations that guide community life.
• Experience in economic development, partnership development, grant writing, funding applications, administration, compliance, and reporting, with the ability to identify and advance opportunities that support community and organizational priorities.
• Strong financial and operational management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit processes, organizational development, and continuous improvement.
• Experience overseeing human resources and people leadership, including employee relations, performance management, workplace health and safety, staff development, and organizational culture; HR certification or related training is considered an asset.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with a visible, community-focused leadership style and a genuine commitment to engaging directly with citizens and participating in community and cultural activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as general computer and internet applications.

Additional Requirements

• Valid British Columbia driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract and access to a personal vehicle.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required and to work outside regular business hours, including occasional evenings and weekends for community and cultural events.
• Criminal record check and professional references are required upon request.

Working Environment and Application Information

This position will appeal to a senior leader who values variety, community connection, and the opportunity to create meaningful impact. Working closely with the Board, Nisga’a citizens, Elders, staff, and external partners, the CEO will balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational and community engagement. The role spans governance support, organizational transformation, financial and grant oversight, staff leadership, partnership development, and direct engagement with citizens.

This is a permanent, full-time, hybrid position based at 100-525 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver. Regular office hours are generally Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend work and travel required. The CEO is expected to participate in community and cultural events and maintain strong relationships with citizens, Elders, the Nisga’a economic development corporation, and other partners.

Please submit your application through MNP’s official application process online. To ensure a fair and consistent search process, candidates are asked not to contact Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society or its staff directly regarding this opportunity. Individuals wishing to learn more about the position are encouraged to contact Kam Ketler at [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected to move forward will be contacted.

In accordance with Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to qualified Nisga’a citizens and other Indigenous candidates. However, all qualified candidates with the required leadership experience and community orientation are encouraged to apply.

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