Executive Director

The Organization

Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) was established February 21, 1990. As one of the leading non-profit organizations supporting Indigenous people and communities and a national leader in Indigenous justice and advocacy, ALS has over 70 employees, 13 offices, and serves over 2,500 clients each year.

Mission Statement: To strengthen the capacity of the Indigenous community and its citizens to deal with justice issues and to provide Indigenous-controlled and culturally-based justice alternatives.

Vision Statement

• A community which deals with justice issues in an assertive, constructive, and respectful way.
• A community which provides support and guidance to its citizens when they need to interact with the justice system.
• A community involved in developing and implementing justice initiatives and alternatives which are culturally-based and community-controlled.
• A community where our youth have the opportunities and abilities to deal with justice issues affecting them.
• A community where its citizens have minimum exposure to the legal system and are less vulnerable to acts of aggression, racism, and ignorance of who we are.
• A community which resolves its conflicts internally with minimal need for outside involvement.
• A community which promotes a positive environment related to justice issues - an environment based on mutual understandings with non-Indigenous groups/services such as schools, police, and other enforcement agencies.
• A community where its agencies work together to ensure justice and related services and issues are provided in a holistic and integrated way.
• A community where its citizens have the confidence and self-esteem to deal with issues in a constructive way.

Vision and Beliefs: Indigenous individuals require equitable treatment in the justice system, access to legal and other related resources within the justice system, as well an understanding of the system and their options.

To learn more about Aboriginal Legal Services, please click here

The Opportunity - Executive Director

Aboriginal Legal Services is seeking a collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization towards continued growth while embodying their mission, vision, and values.

As the Executive Director, you will develop an overarching strategic and operational plan in collaboration with the Senior Management Team and Board of Directors to meet the organization’s strategic objectives. This will include: organization branding, fundraising, labour relations, stakeholder-management, change-management, partnership development, risk management, financial management and oversight, etc. You will also be a strong carrier of Indigenous cultural values and be responsible for ensuring that ALS is grounded organizationally in Indigenous values and behaviours.

Reporting to the Board via the Board President, you will develop a strong partnership with the Board of Directors and liaise with Board-level committee chairs to ensure strong continuous communication and accountability on strategic issues and projects. This will include implementing and testing best-practices in non-profit governance.

You will maintain human resources oversight, including: the development of the organization’s team (including talent acquisition and succession planning) and ensuring HR and Health and Safety compliance. In addition, you will be responsible for implementing ALS’ first Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is expected to be in place upon commencement of the role. You will also lead the Management Team in negotiating subsequent/future collective agreements. You will also work with the finance department to maintain the financial health of the organization by ensuring sound financial management practices, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, and reporting.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities 

Core Competencies and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or relevant lived experience
• A strong understanding of Canadian Indigenous issues and challenges, specifically how they relate to various touchpoints within the Canadian justice system
• Knowledge of human resources principles and regulations, with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all legislation and regulations
• Experience managing stakeholder relationships with a proven ability to collaborate and build partnerships
• Demonstrated financial acumen and experience being accountable for the financial stability of an organization
• Prior experience either reporting to or participating in a governance board, with a strong respect for and appreciation of governance functions
• Experience as a manager in a unionized environment is an asset, in addition to any experience with the collective bargaining process from either position
• Demonstrated success in operationalizing the mission, vision, and values of an organization to captivate, engage, and motivate to action, employees, stakeholders, and clients
• A legal background is an asset, but is not a requirement for this position
• Strong cultural knowledge, experience, and ability to manage within an Indigenous environment

To Apply: For more details, or to further explore this important executive leadership opportunity, please contact:

Laurie Sterritt • Partner Leaders International Telephone: 778-838-4569 laurie@leadersinternational.com

Katy Gottfriedson-Jasper • Senior Consultant Leaders International Telephone: 250-318-6788 katy@leadersinternational.com

To apply, please submit a Cover Letter and Resume directly to Leaders International via emails above, outlining your interest, qualifications, and experience.

Leaders International specializes in the recruitment of Board of Directors, leadership succession and executive level positions. Our global network, Penrhyn International, is a world leader in the executive recruitment industry, with more than 47 offices in over 25 countries on 5 continents.