Executive Assistant

Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikiwahp (CKAM) Child and Family Services Program of Driftpile Cree Nation. We are committed to nurturing strong, resilient families through holistic, culturally grounded services that empower children, youth, and families.

“Family is at the heart of Driftpile Cree Nation. We embrace and endorse our journey to implementing Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin and asserting our inherent rights respecting our children, youth, and families in a profound way.”
— Chief Dwayne Laboucan, Driftpile Cree Nation .

CKAM is committed to:

• Keeping families together through culturally grounded family preservation services
• Supporting young adults as they transition to independence
• Advocating for children’s rights and protecting their well-being
• Asserting jurisdiction over child and family services in alignment with our traditions and laws

Why should you work with CKAM?

• Our organization is routed in culture, community and family and we value our employees.
• We offer a competitive wage and benefit package with a substantial Wellness Incentive Fund.
• Advance your career and grow professionally.
• Benefit from generous paid time off and scheduled holiday closures.
• Opportunities to engage in cultural, community, and family activities such as Traditional cooking classes, cultural crafting, Holiday events throughout the year.

DEPARTMENTS

Family and Community Support: Supports or identify supports within Edmonton and Southern Alberta for children, youth, and families to build capacity within the family unit. Through programming at CKAM office, other community agencies and Driftpile Cree Nation cultural practices. The incumbent works closely with the FCSW to establish or enhance existing relationships and partnerships with community resources and/or CKAM staff in Driftpile, in order to provide services to children and their families.

Family Preservation: Community and culturally led supports to children, youth, and families. Within this program, the Family Preservation team and families develop and manages case plans through circle process. Also assist with coordinating supportive services within community with the aim to preserve family units, with Elders, family, culture and community services. With a collaborative focus on building capacity and help develop new service options to improve outcomes.

Intensive Services: Assists in ensuring safety and well-being for children and youth, enhancing parental capacity, family functioning, and wellness. They will assess if intervention is needed based on Strength and Needs Assessment; however, work with the Preservation department to ensure proactive measures are in place to maintain the family unit.

Job Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Executive Assistant provides administrative and program support for CKAM. The role coordinates office activities and communications, manages the filing of confidential documents, and serves as the first point of contact for incoming communications, directing them as appropriate. The Executive Assistant also conducts research and prepares reports and charts on program performance for presentation at Board meetings. This role requires working within the Driftpile main office as well as the Edmonton sub office and can be based out of either location.

Responsibilities

• Oversee incoming and outgoing communications for the Executive Director, including email and phone calls, and coordinate the flow of reports and internal correspondence.
• Maintain calendar events, meetings, and appointments.
• Assist in the planning and organizing of events that take place externally, such as fundraisers and other events.
• Prepare and format various documents and correspondence, as directed.
• Draft, review, and communicate on behalf of the Executive Director, as needed.
• Coordinate meeting logistics and support meetings as needed (e.g., creating agendas, recording minutes, room set-up).
• Compile and record Program data, as directed.
• Draft reports and charts pertaining to CKAM performance and initiatives.
• Identify emerging issues and bring them to the Executive Director’s attention.
• Maintain program contact lists, and complete updates as directed.
• In accordance with applicable legislation and/or policy, assist in maintaining all program records.
• Conduct business with other colleagues or external vendors on behalf of the Executive team.
• Maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Support the Executive team and Board of Directors with other projects/tasks as needed.
• Travel between the main office in Driftpile and the sub-office in Edmonton will be necessary from time to time.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and database applications; proficiency in email, Teams, and video conferencing for communication and collaboration.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact with program stakeholders.
• Strong networking skills to develop, expand, and maintain connections with stakeholders and shareholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning administrative and employee files, while ensuring accuracy and safekeeping of records.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines and work without direct supervision.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate options, develop creative solutions, and establish strategies for completing tasks, including making decisions when last-minute issues arise.
• Strategic planning skills to assist with project planning and execution.
• Knowledge of CKAM programs and services.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving techniques to investigate and resolve administrative issues.
• Interact with clients, colleagues, and community members with respect, empathy, and sensitivity, and demonstrate ethical behavior in these relationships.
• Know and adhere to the code of conduct and ethics of the organization.
• Demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and creativity in responding to opportunities, challenges, and change.
• Demonstrate personal responsibility and accountability for decisions made and actions taken within one's role.
• Evaluate and take initiative in enhancing professional effectiveness within one's role.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education related to Business Administration.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an Executive Assistant.
• Experience related to Child & Family Services and Driftpile First Nation would be considered an asset.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks accordingly.
• Excellent business acumen is required.
• Strong computer literacy, writing, and communication skills.
• Criminal Record and Child Intervention Record checks.
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office software, emails, databases, excel.
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nation culture and communities.
• Cree Language is an asset.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• The role involves extended periods of sitting and using computers and other office equipment. These activities may involve muscle strain. Occasional lifting of supplies may also be required.

Environment Conditions

• The work environment may be busy and noisy, with frequent interruptions and several projects underway at the same time. Requests from the Executive Director may frequently disrupt planned work and shift priorities. Strong organizational, time-management, and stress-management skills are needed to complete assigned tasks in this environment.

Sensory Demands

• Reading and computer use are visual demands of the role and may contribute to eye strain and occasional headaches. Noisy, busy situations and programming activities may also make sustained concentration difficult.

Mental Demands

• The role requires managing several requests, projects, tasks, and responsibilities concurrently. The Executive Assistant must be prepared to respond to emergencies and other stressful situations as they arise, while addressing problems and conflicts that occur in the course of the work.