Director – Human Resources & Administration

Who We Are

The Ojibways of Batchewana First Nation (BFN) are a progressive and vibrant Indigenous community situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Superior adjacent to the City of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The First Nation Is comprised of four land bases: Rankin, Goulais Bay, Obadjiwon, and Whitefish Island.
Batchewana First Nation has the charm of small-town life with access to urban areas and proximity to the international bridge. As part of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians and signatories to the Robinson Huron Treaty, Batchewana First Nation assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and expressions of nationhood through a multitude of approaches each and everyday.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the CEO or designate, the Director – Human Resources & Administration leads departments that provide support services to the organization and/or Community, including Human Resources, Communications, IT and Reception, overseeing systems, operations and programs to ensure alignment with the vision of Chief and Council as well as operational strategies and objectives. This position supports and guides the Human Resources and organizational aspects of BFN operations and is a member of the senior management team. While providing direction to a variety of areas, there is a significant focus on Human Resources and the incumbent provides technical support in this area in particular. The role requires depth of understanding of all Human Resources functions and ability to oversee other technical experts in areas such as IT and Communications, bringing connection and continuity within support services to foster a positive workplace culture that reflects the unique aspects of BFN, through a collaborative approach that builds engagement, teamwork and collective success.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

•Collaborates with leadership, department Managers and staff to support and guide development and implementation of resource plans, programs and services to meet operational needs. Accomplishes this through keeping abreast of best practices, engaging with leaders and stakeholders, and creating awareness of and alignment with operational plans and requirements.
•Partners with Managers and other leaders in navigating and resolving workplace and employee issues. Accomplishes this through duties such as maintaining expertise in investigations, advising on policy and legislation and seeking expertise in order to safeguard fairness, accountability and positive morale while minimizing risks and impacts.
•Ensures practices comply with legislation such as the Canada Labour Code, Human Rights and other Employment regulations so that BFN is protected from risk, financial and operational impacts. Accomplishes this through duties that include maintaining awareness of changes, building awareness with other leaders, identifying and addressing gaps and enforcing/communicating policy review cycles.
•Leads development of total compensation strategies and programs that reflect internal equity and market competitiveness. Accomplishes this through duties that include leading and participating in processes for job classification, conducting market comparisons, analysing systemic gaps and recommending adjustments in collaboration with Finance and senior leadership in order to enable attraction and retention of employees.
•Establishes, guides and integrates performance management tools and processes across the organization that are aligned with BFN culture and values. Drives proficiency with this process in order to ensure employees are provided with professional development opportunities, engagement, guidance and so that collective efforts create progress in line with operational objectives. Accomplishes this through duties such as engagement with leaders, communication of cycles and provision of support/process guidance.
•Ensures processes and policies to support recruitment and retention efforts are aligned with BFN objectives and culture by performing duties that include regular policy reviews, researching, recommending and implementing strategies and mechanisms to build access to talent and capacity.
•Oversees, supports and reports on progress for HR and Administration related projects such as HRIS implementation, technology upgrades, policy and procedure revisions. Accomplishes this through utilization of project management concepts and tools and ensuring regular communication with project leaders, senior management and Council.
•Ensures with the Canada Labour Code Part 2 legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act in order to protect employees and create a safe and healthy workplace. Duties include working with operational leads to ensure procedures are in place, facilitating establishment of the OH&S committee, providing technical support and providing advocacy for any matters that require the attention of senior leadership or Council.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

•University Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field
•8-10 years of experience in a comparable role with 5 of these years at a senior management level including supervision of multiple direct reports, preferably within a First Nations environment
•CHRL or equivalent level of experience/education in Human Resources
•Experience includes oversight of related Administrative or support service functions
•Experience working in political environments, municipalities or with other governance structures is an asset

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
•Demonstrated alignment with Anishnaabe values and understanding, appreciation and respect for our culture and history
•Strong technical knowledge of HR functions including compensation, performance management and employee relations
•Excellent interpersonal skills
•Effective negotiation and mediation, conflict resolution, advisory, facilitation and consultation
•Demonstrated ability to work as a team and promote teamwork
•Strong collaborator and communicator – written, oral, presentations
•Ability to demonstrate integrity, empathy, trust, respect, humility and a high degree of professionalism
•Strong analytical abilities
•Excellent understanding and knowledge of HRMS and reporting
•Highly effective organizational skills
•Able to work with complex agreements and contracts
•Strong critical thinking, problem solving and computer skills
•Able to manage multiple tasks, projects and assignments
•Upholds confidentiality, privacy and safeguards sensitive information
•Excellent decision-making ability

Batchewana First Nation offers a competitive total compensation package including generous pension plan, benefits and actively promotes employee work life balance through our 4-day work week!

How to Apply & Deadline: Please forward your cover letter and resume to email:

[email protected]
Subject Line: Director – HR & Administration

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY Friday, March 21, 2025, AT 12:00 PM (Noon).

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.