Education Director Full Time

Join Our Team
Batchewana First Nation (BFN) is seeking passionate individuals to support the diverse needs of our evolving Nation. With over 250 employees and growing we welcome applicants from both sides of the Treaty, including band members and the general public to join our growing team. BFN values diverse perspectives that align with our priorities and seeks like-minded individuals committed to serving our membership and Nation with integrity and respect. Batchewana First Nation (BFN) is an ambitious, entrepreneurial community committed to developing strong partnerships while honoring Indigenous culture and its long-standing responsibilities. Guided by the 7 Grandfather Teachings, BFN seeks driven individuals who support the self-determination of the Anishinaabe Peoples. With respect for our Elders’ wisdom and our youth’s future, we encourage employees to help build a strong, healthy Nation rooted in respect for all creation.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Education Director is responsible for planning (program and financial), directing/supervising, and monitoring the operations of the Education Department and staff for ensuring that the department operates according to established policies and within budget. Based on the results of the program monitoring, the Education Director is responsible for formulating and recommending changes to educational and general policy, procedures, and standards governing the department.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
•Accomplish department objectives by managing employees as outlined in the personnel policy; planning and evaluating department activities.
•Oversee short- and long-term planning, development, and delivery of educational programs, regional approaches, and related proposals for all ages from early childhood to adult with particular focus on Indigenous culture, values, beliefs, and traditions.
•Communicate and collaborate effectively with pertinent formal and informal educators, community partners, and those in the community who can positively impact the development and delivery of and participation in BFN educational programs.
•Negotiate and ensure compliance of the Tuition Agreement(s) and Education Service Contract(s) and communicates with various school board personnel regarding the delivery of a suitable, culturally appropriate in-school programming and related payments for the services.
•Remain up to date with current trends in environmental education, provincial, and federal K-12 standards and continuing education requirements, educational theory, and pedagogy as well as environmental issues and policy.
•Develop a liaison with First Nations and other local, provincial and federal agencies in order to maintain a mutual awareness of cultural and academic needs, problems and policies.
•Advocate on behalf of the First Nation members with government or other agencies via attendance at meetings and/or participating on relevant committees or boards.
•Stay up to date on government programs, funding and grants and other initiatives relating to Indigenous people and generates funding proposals to enhance the education program.
•Responsible for completion of the annual reports submitted to ISC.
•Accomplish financial objectives by forecasting requirements, preparing the annual budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
•Administer policies governing the supervision of all personnel, buildings, department, and programs in collaboration with Finance and Human Resource Departments.
•Develop, review, and implement administrative procedures supporting school staff, councils and communities, including the delineation and interpretation of guidelines for student progress, placement and discipline, school lock downs, bullying, harassment, threat risk assessment, and tragic response.
•Develop, actualize, and articulate the education department’s policies, priorities, decisions and procedures.
•Promote positive partnerships with agencies, school community councils, and community groups in pursuit of positive educational outcomes for students.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• University Degree in Education, Business Administration or related field
• 5 years of experience with progressively related responsible management experience preferably within a First Nation or Indigenous organization

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
•Knowledge of financial processes including planning, monitoring and administering budgets, financial reporting and financial management.
•Knowledgeable of the human resources policies and processes, and how to best support employees on personnel related matters.
•Knowledge of the culture and traditions of BFN.
•Knowledgeable of federal and provincial legislation, regulations and programs as they relate to First Nation Education operations and First Nations education.
•Knowledgeable of and experience in the delivery of educational program and service requirements for First Nations students.
•Knowledgeable of relevant Tuition Agreements and experience working with provincial education authorities.
•Knowledge of relevant school board systems.
•Developed interpersonal skills to effectively work with management, employees and community members.
•Ability to coach, mentor, and pioneer change.
•Ability to demonstrate strategic insight and operate proactively in response to the dynamic demands of First Nations.
•Ability to develop and analyze risk(s) and/or benefit(s) of business plans.
•Ability to effectively plan, organize, and implement strategic objectives.

What We Offer
•4 Day Work Week and support for work/life balance
•Group benefits and generous pension plan
•Extensive leave provisions
•Unique opportunity to contribute to advancing the rights of our Nation

Who We Are
The Ojibways of Batchewana First Nation (BFN) are a dynamic Indigenous community on the northeastern shore of Lake Superior, near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Comprising four land bases—Rankin, Goulais Bay, Obadjiwon, and Whitefish Island—BFN blends community charm with urban accessibility. As signatories of the Robinson Huron Treaty and members of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, BFN asserts its sovereignty and nationhood through daily governance and cultural expression.

How to Apply & Deadline: Please forward your cover letter and resume to email:
[email protected] Subject Line: Education Director

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY Friday May 2, 2025, AT 12:00 PM (Noon).

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information on our Nation please visit the website: www.batchewana.ca