Job Title: Executive Director

Location: Norman Wells, NT
This position is not a remote position.

Reporting Staff Positions:
Sahtu Sprouts Coordinator,
Sahtu Sprouts support staff

Reports To:
Board of Directors

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for the establishment of Łegóhlį Early Learning Society (LELS) funded programming including the eventual day-to-day operations of the society, always ensuring the safety of employees and children, liaising with member families and external organizations, and providing support to the volunteer Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the effective leadership and management of the LELS according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

The Executive Director will direct and be accountable for overall operations, funding, budgets, policy development and overall programming for LELS. Working with the board and staff the Executive Director plans, develops and implements policies, programs, strategic activities, and research to further develop LELS.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and/or designates to:

  • develop a strategic plan for the Society;

  • foster effective teamwork between staff and the board;

  • facilitate decision-making by providing information on all aspects of the organization’s activities and issues within the early learning and childcare sector;

  • act as a spokesperson for the organization;

  • promote a workplace culture that values respect, cooperation, cultural safety, and collaboration; and

  • proactively represent the interests of both the organization and the sector to appropriate government bodies, regulatory agencies, and others.

• Execute the strategic plan for the Society.

• Act with professionalism, maintaining confidentiality and respect for children and families.

• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization.

• Report at monthly board meetings and general meetings.

• Remain up to date on issues relevant to the Society through ongoing education and community involvement.

Financial Planning and Management

• In partnership with the Board of Directors:

  • Ensure appropriate annual operating budgets.

  • Assist with fundraising activities.

  • Implement policies and directives regarding financial management.

• Provide regular reports to the board on the Society’s financial status.

• Ensure compliance with financial obligations set out in applicable legislation, with generally accepted accounting principles and with financial policies as set out by the board.

• Advise the board and committees on the Society’s financial management, financial priorities, and budget matters.

Facilities

• Secure leases, insurance, and security.

• Oversee maintenance, renovations, and new construction projects.

• Work with contractors and partners to ensure building systems are functional.

• Ensure building maintenance is documented and compliant with regulations.

Early Childhood Education Programs and Policy

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Society’s programs, and services.

• Develop and implement appropriate program and service policies that contribute to quality service and program delivery.

• Identify new program opportunities for Board of Director consideration.

• Work collaboratively with families to ensure programs are implemented to meet their needs.

• Ensure quality service and program delivery, including when partnering with other organizations to implement programs.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations, including the NWT Child Daycare Act and Regulation.

• Provide a positive, culturally safe and nurturing early childhood development centre that uses emergent curriculum that respects the cultural diversity and individual needs of the children and families.

• Spend an appropriate amount of time working directly with the children on a regular basis as an opportunity for maintaining a positive rapport with the children and model positive childcare practices for staff.

• When required, act as a daycare worker and look after children in LELS programs.

Operational Planning and Management

• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the Society.

• Ensure the operation of the Society meets the expectations of families, the Board of Directors, and funders.

• Oversee maintenance of children and family files to ensure accuracy.

Human Resources

• Ensure the development and implementation of human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for all staff.

• Complete all recruitment, hiring, development, discipline, and termination of staff, other than the Executive Director, in line with human resources policies.

• Coordinate coverage for staff who take personal or other leave.

• Ensure human resources documentation, staff files, and other information is properly maintained.

• Establish, maintain, and oversee effective staff relations strategies including ongoing evaluation of staff performance and development.

• Conduct regular staff meetings.

• Report on human resources issues to the Board of Directors.

Community Relations/Advocacy

• Promote the Society’s services and programs within the community.

• Develop and maintain strong working relations with local, regional, and territorial groups or committees.

• Maintain a positive ongoing relationship with the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE).

• Build and maintain a positive relationship with Indigenous governments.

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the Society.

• Bring a knowledge of the early childhood education sector, including emerging trends, to the organization and ensure this knowledge informs organizational decision making.

Minimum Requirements

• A background in early childhood education, education, caregiving, or related human services.

• Either:

  • A degree or diploma in non-profit management, business administration, public administration, education, social work, or a related field.

  • At least 5 years of experience leading or coordinating programs targeted to children under 5 years old in a community, non-profit, or Indigenous-led setting.

• A strong ability to build relationships with families, Elders, staff, partners, and government.

• Willingness to create and support budgets, funding applications, and reporting.

• Proof of immunization and tuberculosis screening that aligns with current public health regulations.

• An annual clear criminal records check and vulnerable sector check.

Additional Qualifications (Not Required)

• A background in early childhood education, education, caregiving, or related human services.

• Experience creating and supporting budgets, funding applications, and reporting, with care and accountability for community resources.

• Ability to support day-to-day operations, staffing, and regulatory requirements for multiple projects in a growing organization, or the capacity to learn.

• Knowledgeable about Jordan’s Principle.

About Us

The Łegóhlį Early Learning Society is a new registered Society in the Northwest Territories (NT) working to develop early childhood educational opportunities and daycare for children and families in Norman Wells, NT.

We’re looking to hire an Executive Director to support the opening of Sahtú Sprouts (our bush preschool) and to support the eventual construction and establishment of a daycare facility in Norman Wells.

About Our Ideal Candidate

We encourage you to apply if you:

• Are passionate about progressive, Indigenous-informed early childhood education.

• Have experience in a leadership role within a non-profit or community organization.

• Excel in a fast-paced, independent role.

• Are excited about the possibility of living and working in a remote, rural community in Northern Canada.

About the Role

• We’re seeking an Executive Director to work full-time, at 37.5 hours per week.

• This role is based in Norman Wells, NT. We are not open to remote candidates.

• Our Executive Director reports to a volunteer Board of Directors and has access to a supportive network of contractors and partners.

• Successful candidates can expect a salary range of between $79,462.50 and $90,187.50, plus Northern Living Allowance and potential for housing stipend.

  • Candidates with a recognized certificate, diploma, or degree related to early childhood development are eligible for a salary top-up between $487.50 and $9,750 per year, depending on the level of education.

To Apply

• Review the job description.

  • We encourage you to apply if you've met the minimum qualifications, even if you haven't met any additional qualifications.

• Prepare a single PDF submission of a cover letter and resume and send it to director@legohliearlylearningsociety.com

• Applications should confirm that you are either:

  • currently living in Norman Wells, NT; or

  • prepared to move to Norman Wells, NT prior to your first day of work if you are successful in your application.
    
    

Application Deadline

This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.