Associate Executive Director

Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of Millbrook First Nation

Statement of Intention
We deeply value the diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our team and community. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, particularly those who identify as Mi’kmaq and/or are members of Millbrook First Nation.

We also warmly welcome applications from all equity-deserving individuals, including those who identify as African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, a person with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or newcomers to Canada. If you’re comfortable, please share this information and your pronouns in your application.

To ensure a thoughtful and inclusive process, we’ve partnered with the P4G search team, who are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment. They’re here to listen and help accommodate your needs, ensuring your experience throughout this process is intentional, inclusive, and respectful.

About Millbrook First Nation
Millbrook First Nation is a Mi’kmaq community located within the town of Millbrook, Nova Scotia, near Truro, with additional reserve lands in Beaver Dam, Sheet Harbour, Dartmouth, and Cole Harbour. Known for its strong leadership and forward-thinking economic development, Millbrook is home to thriving ventures such as the Millbrook Power Centre, a gaming centre in Cole Harbour, and a wharf in Sheet Harbour.

At its core, Millbrook is a place of deep connection, where Mi’kmaw values guide everyday life and where the well-being of all generations is a shared priority. The community is deeply committed to supporting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness of its members through collaboration, transparency, and the continuous strengthening of its governance systems and community services.

 

This Moment, This Position
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Associate Executive Director is responsible for the effective oversight of Millbrook First Nation’s day-to-day administration, programs, and services.

While the Executive Director focuses on long-term strategic initiatives and Council mandates, the AED ensures that those priorities are implemented through sound management, operational alignment, and responsive leadership. The role provides direction to directors, managers, and supervisors, ensuring that decisions are made ethically, efficiently, and in accordance with the bylaws, legislation, and policies that guide Millbrook First Nation.

The AED leads a broad portfolio of departments, including:

Health Services, Governance, Community Engagement, Education, Employment and Training, Culture and Heritage, Parks and Recreation, Lands, and Communications.

Working closely with the Executive Director, CFO, and Chief and Council, the AED translates Council directives into operational plans and ensures that staff have the tools, guidance, and support they need to serve the community effectively. The AED also plays a visible role within the community—fostering strong relationships, ensuring open communication, and helping advance Millbrook’s strategic priorities in a way that reflects cultural values and community trust.

This is a full-time, non-Council position. The individual holding this role is ineligible to run for or hold a seat on Millbrook Council.

How You’ll Contribute
Community Relations

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships between the administration and community members.
• Act as a visible and approachable liaison, listening to community needs and ensuring timely, respectful responsiveness.
• Attend community meetings and events to share updates, gather feedback, and strengthen connection.
• Ensure community members are informed and engaged in strategic and community plans, including implementing communication initiatives.
• Promote programs and services that reflect Millbrook First Nation’s values and priorities.

Management of Administrative Operations

• Ensure all administrative operations comply with applicable legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to monitor administrative activities and address emerging issues.
• Support management and staff to ensure programs and services operate efficiently and effectively.
• Provide guidance to directors, managers, and supervisors to promote teamwork, communication, and accountability.
• Monitor departmental performance against established goals and objectives.
  Partner with senior management to develop and implement Council-approved policies and bylaws.
• Oversee Millbrook’s Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) program and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date record-keeping, filing, and information systems.
• Ensure all contracts and agreements are properly managed and fulfilled.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation, including the Indian Act, bylaws, Labour Standards, and Health and Safety regulations.
• Oversee departmental and organizational reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual submissions.
• Lead administrative projects, management systems, and Council or community matters with professionalism and discretion.

Human Resources

• Collaborate on recruitment, employment agreements, professional development, and conflict resolution.
• Support adherence to personnel policies and collective procedures approved by Council.
• Clarify performance expectations for management and staff, ensuring annual evaluations are completed.
• Work with HR to develop and implement a succession plan for Millbrook’s administrative operations.
• Promote a positive, fair, and supportive workplace culture grounded in respect and cultural safety.

Financial Leadership

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and CFO to develop and manage operational and capital budgets.
• Support financial oversight, including funding agreements, audits, and quarterly budget reviews.
• Ensure compliance with contribution agreements and related reporting requirements.
• Work with directors and managers to secure funding and complete required financial reporting.

Planning and Governance

• In partnership with the Executive Director, CFO, and management, strengthen organizational structure and culture.
• Support the implementation of Millbrook’s strategic plan and related operational initiatives.
• Ensure that appropriate policies, tools, and procedures support effective management and administration.
• Participate in OH&S and Emergency Management (EMO) committees.
• Assist in the development of bylaws and ensure Council-approved decisions are implemented effectively.

Communications and Council Support

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement a communications plan that ensures consistent, effective communication between Chief and Council, the management team, employees, and the wider Millbrook community.
• Prepare and submit required reports to government and community partners.
  Build and maintain strong relationships with employees, community members, and government representatives.
• Coordinate and oversee regular administrative meetings, including monthly management meetings, annual staff gatherings, and community updates.
• Meet regularly with the Executive Director and participate in committee and Band Council meetings as needed.
• Support the implementation of Council decisions affecting administrative operations.
• Develop and manage reporting processes to ensure departments and programs provide regular updates to Council.

 

What You’ll Bring
Education and Experience

• Post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in a management role, with at least 3 years in operations, administration, or program delivery.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing departments and multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Proven ability to manage complex organizations, including budgeting, staffing, reporting, and interdepartmental coordination.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or organizations, with deep respect for Mi’kmaw culture and governance.
• Knowledge of First Nations administration, legislation, and community engagement processes.
• Project management experience is considered an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, bylaws, and funding requirements.
• Knowledge of corporate and government operations, strategic planning, and policy development.
• Competency in financial principles including budgeting, accounting, and auditing.
• Advanced computer literacy and adaptability to new technology systems.
• Exceptional communication and report writing skills.
• Strong leadership, conflict management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Cultural awareness, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate sensitive issues with discretion.
• Commitment to continuous learning, community engagement, and respectful leadership.

Other Requirements

• Must clear a Criminal Record Check.
• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to Millbrook’s personnel policies.
• Willingness to act as a positive community role model and uphold the values and integrity of Millbrook First Nation.

 

The Package
Salary: $120,000 – $140,000. Compensation is based on education, skills and experience.

Benefits & Perks: Health and Dental coverage, Pension Plan, paid Vacation and Medical days, 2-week paid Holiday Shutdown, observance of Federal and Provincial Holidays, 4 additional Indigenous Holidays, and Summer Fridays.

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 32-hour compressed work week, with some evening or weekend commitments as needed.

Location: On-site at Millbrook First Nation Administration Offices, Millbrook, NS.

 

What to Expect
At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. Our goal is to ensure candidates feel respected, informed, and supported throughout the process.

• All applications are carefully reviewed, and every cover letter is read.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to connect with a Lead Placemaker from P4G for an initial conversation.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with P4G and representatives from Millbrook First Nation.
• Finalists may be invited to participate in a second-round interview or skills activity.
• P4G will support reference checks and assist in final offer presentation.

 

Application Details
Ready to take the next step? Click “Apply” to be redirected to our website, where you’ll find the opportunity brief and application link.

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 pm AT (noon) on December 1, 2025.

Please be sure to include a cover letter that speaks to your experience, but we also want to get a glimpse of your personality.

Wela’lioq!