General Manager

Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages
General Manager

The Organization
In 2019, in direct response to Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and following extensive engagement and consultations, the Government of Canada enacted the Indigenous Languages Act. An important element in the implementation of this Act and the Calls to Action is the establishment of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (the Commission).

The historic appointment of the Commission’s first Commissioner and three Directors took effect on July 12, 2021. As full-time Governor-in-Council appointees, the Commissioner – who is also the Chief Executive Officer – and Directors have dual roles within the organization, both in providing strategic oversight as part of the governing board and in the operations of the Commission and implementation of its mandate.

With its headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, the newly established Commission has a unique and unprecedented mandate to, among other things:

• Support the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen, and maintain their languages;
• Promote Indigenous languages and public awareness of the richness and diversity of Indigenous languages;
• Undertake research or studies in respect of the provision of funding to support Indigenous languages and the use of Indigenous languages in Canada; and,
• Provide specific services – notably mediation or other culturally appropriate services to facilitate the resolution of disputes.

The Commission is independent of governments and political and other organizations. This independence applies to the Commission’s establishment, implementation of its legislated mandate, and ongoing operations.

Vision Statement
All Indigenous languages in Canada are safe, vibrant, and thriving.

Mission Statement
The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages promotes and champions all Indigenous languages in Canada and supports Indigenous Peoples in the reclamation, revitalization, strengthening, and maintenance of their languages so that no language is left behind.

Part of the Commission’s legislated requirements is to report annually on the use and vitality of Indigenous languages in Canada and the adequacy of funding provided by the Government of Canada for initiatives related to Indigenous languages.

To understand more about the Commissioner, Directors, and Commission, please visit the Commission’s website at: https://commissionforindigenouslanguages.ca/

The Opportunity - General Manager
Based full-time at the Commission's Head Office in Ottawa, Ontario, and reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Commission seeks a motivated General Manager (GM) who possesses significant operational experience to help implement the Commission’s legislated mandate. The new GM will actively drive and promote its organizational vision and operational strategy. Ensuring that operational systems, processes, and standards are well established and implemented in support of achieving the financial and operational goals of the Commission, the GM will create a respectful work environment which includes leading and supporting three direct reports—the Information Management Supervisor, Human Resources Officer, and Finance Supervisor—and their respective teams.

The Role
Strategic and Operational Planning and Performance:

• Provide input and strong implementation support for the Commission’s business strategies, policies, plans, and procedures.
• Implement and track the progress of long-term operational and financial plans.
• Develop effective goals and performance measures (including a system to collect, analyze, and report progress) for the Finance, HR, and IM business lines.

Operational Oversight and Leadership Finance:

• Oversee the Commission’s financial activities to ensure the finance department is operating efficiently and that the Commission’s strategic objectives and legislative obligations are met.
• Report financial results and provide advice and impacts on the Commission’s current and future business decisions.
• Monitor financial performance and internal financial controls to ensure adherence with established budgets and take corrective action, as required.
• Ensure there is an effective system for accurate, reliable, and timely financial reporting.
• Provide timely, accurate, and complete reports to all stakeholders and ensure all legislative reporting requirements are met.

Human Resources:

• Oversee the Commission’s HR policies and practices, providing leadership and guidance on HR matters.
• Provide leadership to the HR officer in HR program management, including cohesive and high performing teams, collective results delivery, and contribution to the vision and mandate of the Commission.
• Provide leadership into the development and implementation of a progressive workforce/talent strategy which ensures high-quality staff are recruited, performance is enabled and managed, and workplace safety is maintained.
• Develop effective and measurable goals for the performance of the Human Resources business line.

Information Management:

• Oversee and provide direction to the Information Management business line including leadership, guidance, and knowledge in records, archival and retention systems.
• Monitor the information management processes and ensure procedures are adequate and efficiently organized.
• Provide oversight on the maintenance of records.

Working Relationships:

• Provide leadership guidance and coaching to direct reports and others within the Commission.
• Build and foster strong internal relationships, proactive communications, and collaboration to maximize operational performance.
• Oversee effective and appropriate communication and sharing of information, knowledge, and expertise within the Commission.
• Support the Commission in building and maintaining strong working relationships amongst the management team by promoting cross-functional collaboration with the Dispute Resolution & Complaints manager, the manager of Research & Policy, and the manager of Communications.

Requirements
Education and Experience:

• A university degree in public administration, public policy, law, or related discipline (graduate degree preferred) or an equivalent combination of lived experience, education, training, and work experience.
• Considerable experience in planning, research, and evaluation as well as experience in policy development and the formulation and implementation of operational strategies.
• Significant (5-10 years) experience in building and leading diverse teams; and in building relationships and partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups and organizations.
• Experience in developing and implementing operational, business, and planning processes (finance, HR, and information management).
• Significant experience in financial budgeting, planning, and reporting on the organization’s performance.
• Experience providing strategic advice, support, and leadership within an organization and to senior staff and/or elected officials on all operational activities (finance, HR and information management).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples, histories, and cultures.
• Knowledge of business processes and functions (finance, HR, procurement, operations, etc.)
• Considerable knowledge of and demonstrated skills in developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and plans.
• Ability to interpret financial, HR, and information management data as needed to provide the COO with relevant and timely information for decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external parties.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Good negotiation skills.
• Ability to motivate and lead effective teams.

To Apply
The Commission is committed to growing and maintaining a work force that represents the diversity of Canada and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Preference will be given to applicants who are Indigenous.

To apply, please submit a C.V. or Resume and application letter to Vancouver@leadersinternational.com. Your application letter should demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position as outlined.

A first review of applications will occur May 19, 2023.

For more information and to explore this leadership opportunity, please contact:

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

Saxon Miller • Consultant
Leaders International
Telephone: 204-299-7054
saxonm@leadersinternational.com