Director, Strategic Development, Kaska Language

JO B DESCRIPTION . : DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC DEVLOPMENT: KASKA LANGUAGE POSITION CONTEXT LAWS asserts that language and culture are inseparable, and that cultural restoration and preservation necessarily includes the restoration and preservation of the Kaska language. Contextually, the restoration and preservation of language and culture aligns with the UNDRIP, the TRC Calls to Action and the larger social and political movement toward reconciliation. The strategic opportunities afforded by current trends are further enhanced by the strategic advantages offered by the LAWS organization – its long-standing reputation; broad-based community engagement; expertise in training land-based learning; and considerable partnerships, POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the LAWS Executive Director, the position of Director Strategic Development: Kaska Language is dedicated to restoring and preserving Kaska language and culture by providing strategic planning and funding acquisition, the development and delivery of programs, services and events, and by providing management and administrative supports. Location: This position is centrally located in Watson Lake, Yukon with periodic travel to engage in strategic and lan d - based activities. Term: Full Time Permanent: This is a continuing position. Director Strategic Development Kaska Language Page 1 of 5 Note to Applicants : The following employment opportunity will remain open until filled. . RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES The Director Strategic Development: Kaska Language role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities and duties: STRATEGIC PLANNING AND FUNDING ACQUISITION Provides direction and the means toward restoring and preserving Kaska language and culture by: ·Researching allied initiatives and trends in the restoration and preservation of indigenous languages and cultures ·Developing a long-term strategic plan for restoring and preserving Kaska language and culture, in consultation with Elders, Society Board Members and Kaska community stakeholders, and including among other considerations, on-the-land programing with the Tu Cho Institute for Arts and Culture. ·Researching and identifying funding sources relevant to the expressed interests of the long-term strategic plan ·Networking, proposing, negotiating and acquiring funding relevant to the expressed interests of the long-term strategic plan DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVEFRY OF PROGRAMS , SERVCIES AND EVENTS Develops, and delivers programs, services and events supporting the restoration and preservation of Kaska language and culture by: ·Developing detailed workplans based on strategic priorities and including goals and objectives, timelines, resources and responsibilities ·Directing, overseeing, coordinating and engaging in the development and delivery of programs, services and events in accordance with workplans ·Promoting, monitoring and evaluating programs, services and events MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Provides administrative and management support for programs, services and events contributing to the restoration and preservation of Kaska language and culture by: ·Acquiring, overseeing, supervising and supporting staff and contractors as required and approved ·Ensuring appropriate financial management of programs, services and events ·Ensuring that contracts and contribution agreements are formed, administered, and completed in accordance with their commitments and with best practices ·Preparing and monitoring budgets and work plans ·Recording and analyzing statistical data and ensuring that data systems are maintained ·Reporting as required internally and as required by funding agreements Director Strategic Development Kaska Language Page 2 of 5 ·Fostering a cooperative and collaborative working environment through team activities and personal leadership, including the management and resolution of challenges as they arise ·Developing and maintaining significant partnerships with Kaska Elders, knowledge keepers, education providers, youth, and other key stakeholders DECISION MAKING This position reports to and is responsible to the Society’s Executive Director. The incumbent works independently and takes initiative within established policies, procedures, objectives, and priorities. Routine decision-making is required in the ongoing operations of language programming and services, in developing or revising any required procedures, setting work priorities, and ensuring financial accountability, Decision-making is also required in long-term planning, and in communicating with colleagues, and the Executive Director. The incumbent is responsible for routinely managing and directing operations to implement of language strategies, and operational work plans, goals and activities. IMPACT/ACCOUNTABILITY This position is accountable for: strategic planning; compliance with the Society’s policies and procedures, establishing and meeting goals and work plans; and for ensuring expenditures adhere to the terms and conditions of funding agreements and do not exceed budget and revenues; WORKING CONDITIONS Conditions of employment follow those laid out through Yukon Labor Standards and other relevant laws and legislation. The LAWS organization provides a variety of community service programming with peak periods of endeavor and frequent drop-in activity in a busy office environment. Under these conditions, disruptions in the flow of work are to be expected and adherence to strict confidentiality is essential. Confidentiality is also essential in working with individuals, agencies and community groups due to sensitivities around personal issues. The position is required to read, understand and follow the Society’s policies and procedures respecting ethics and confidentiality. The position requires interaction with various individuals and groups including society staff and contractors, community members, and various community, government and non-governmental agencies. A flexible communication style and well-developed interpersonal skills are required. Duties and responsibilities in project-based and developmental work settings are impacted by compressed timelines and by unexpected challenges inherent in offering new programming and services in a community Director Strategic Development Kaska Language Page 3 of 5 setting. This requires adaptive management strategies and flexibility, while also maintaining progressives development and attending to key deadlines. Given the mandate and values of the Society, the position is required to model an alcohol and drug free lifestyle, while demonstrating a consistent commitment to personal wellness. Due to the responsibilities related to events, a flexible working schedule is required from time to time. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS The Director of Strategic Development: Kaska Language will have the following skills, experience, and attributes: EDUCATION ·Minimum Master’s degree in linguistics or linguistic anthropology (or similar) focusing on Indigenous language revitalization from a recognized post-secondary institution. EXPERIENCE ·Minimum three years’ senior management experience in a First Nation setting ·Experience in policy and programming in a First Nations organization, preferably a Yukon First Nation. ·Experience working with Dene languages and cultures. ·Experience with successful writing and managing funding applications, creating and managing budgets, and reporting to funders. ·Experience with community-based research and strong commitment to employing decolonizing and Dene / Indigenous research methodologies and practices. ·Experience with Indigenous language documentation and language material development KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS ·Proven strategic planning and project management skills ·In-depth knowledge and skills in the provision of linguistics and teaching First Nation language ·Proven presentation and facilitation skills ·Excellent written and oral communication skills, including a proven track record of successful proposal writing, evident report writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences ·Strong financial management and supervisory skills. ·Advanced working knowledge of computer software such as MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and internet. ·Familiarity with Territorial, Provincial, and Federal funding streams for Indigenous language work. ·Familiarity with Territorial, Provincial, and Federal language policies and legislation ·Knowledge of Kaska First Nation history, culture, traditional territory, and demographics. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS ·Proven interpersonal and relationship- building skills ·Ability to work competently with senior levels of First Nations, Provincial/Territorial and Federal governments to effectively support and advance First Nation interests. Director Strategic Development Kaska Language Page 4 of 5 ·Ability to work pleasantly and professionally with a wide range of people of different ages and cultures, in potentially challenging situations. ·Ability to work respectfully with others in a cross-cultural environment. ·Tact, intuition and diplomacy, strong work ethics, sound judgment and the ability to work well in a team environment OTHER ·Ability to work in and navigate high pressure/crisis situations ·Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills ·Strong organization and time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines ·Motivated/driven and able to work both independently and collaboratively in group and team settings ·Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed ·Willingness to participate in related events and training #J-18808-Ljbffr