On behalf of our client, Musqueam Indian Band, we are actively seeking a Chief Administrative Officer to join their team! The Musqueam people are traditional speakers of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and constitute a robust and growing community, boasting over 1,300 members. Their community is situated on a small portion of their ancestral lands, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located to the south of Marine Drive near the Fraser River's mouth. Today, their lands and waters continue to serve as the bedrock of their cultural and economic practices, carrying within them the repository of knowledge and memory, intricately intertwined with their teachings and laws. To delve deeper into the rich heritage and culture of Musqueam, we invite you to visit their official website at
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a key executive leader responsible for the overall management of Financial, Human Resources, and Administrative Services for the Musqueam Indian Band (MIB). This position is instrumental in supporting Musqueam’s ongoing transition to Self-Government by fostering capacity-building initiatives, advancing community priorities, and aligning operational functions with the Band’s cultural, values and traditions. The CAO works in partnership with the Chief and Council to ensure organizational efficiency, financial stewardship, and alignment with Musqueam’s strategic objectives, building a foundation for sustainable growth and self-determination.
Working with the Chief and Council, the CAO is responsible for the overall direction and reshaping of MIB Administration to renew and help rebuild a state-of-the-art administration for a First Nation operating under the Indian Act.
Promotes Musqueam culture and language and creates the first Musqueam Public Service under Self-Government.
Works with the Senior Management Team to set clear goals and objectives for MIB, and subsequently for all staff, in achieving the strategic and operational goals and objectives of MIB.
Under the direction of the Chief and Council, continually evolves the multi-year Strategic Plan for the Musqueam Indian Band. Supports and provides advice on implementation of the strategic plan.
Working with the CFO and the Governance Advisor to implement the Zero-based budgeting exercise and all budgeting matters relating to the 2022-23 budget exercise.
Monitors expenditures, initiates change as appropriate to ensure that MIB’s resources are prudently managed in accordance with approved budgets and regulations, safeguards and optimizes the assets of MIB, and ensures the integrity of MIB’s internal control and management systems. Responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over financial reporting through appropriate policies and procedures.
Identifies principal risks and recommends systems to manage these risks.
The CAO is accountable for all staff in accordance with authorized policies and the direction of the Chief and Council.
Develops and recommends to the Chief and Council the overall corporate organizational structure, especially moving towards Self Government.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with all of Council, community members and staff.
Oversees the activities of the Chief and Council’s support/administrative staff.
Works with the Council and staff to set medium and short-term agendas, coordinate meetings, record Resolutions, meeting minutes, decisions, regulations, policies and proceedings.
Designs and implements a process for recording and monitoring the Resolutions of Council.
Manages, along with the Council, a short-term administrative agenda as well as a medium-term multi-year agenda.
Works closely with the Chief and Council in the coordination and release of community and public information.
Moving the Musqueam Indian Band Administration towards Self Government:
Responsible for reviewing all policies, procedures and processes to align with the responsibilities of Self-Government.
Works closely with the Chief and Council and the teams that will be appointed for the various phases, to ensure a smooth implementation to a self-governing body.
or a combination of education, training and experience.
Experience working on or with one or more Chairs and Boards of Directors of non-profit, governmental, or non-governmental organizations is an asset.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and management skills, including directing and motivating staff, planning, organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling tasks in accordance with strategic and work plans; and the ability to leada planning process.
Excellent administrative and human resource skills.
Creative thinker with highly developed problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in written communications, including the ability to write clearly and succinctly for a variety of purposes and audiences, and to optimize interaction with the Chief and Council, staff and consultants of the Musqueam Indian Band.
Knowledge of federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous governments.
Knowledge of Indigenous title and rights and the legal landscape affecting this area.
Extensive and thorough knowledge demonstrated leadership, organization, and management skills, including directing and motivating staff, planning, organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling tasks in accordance with strategic and work plans, and the ability to lead a planning process with a senior team.
Ability to manage a variety of overlapping projects.
Knowledge of financial management practices, including the ability to seek funding, prepare proposals, manage budgets, financial reporting, capital funding, contracts, and partnerships.
Superb interpersonal skills, a strong network of contacts, and proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Demonstrated success in building relationships and negotiating favourable outcomes.
Advanced knowledge of computer programs such as Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, email, wireless communications, etc.
Join the Musqueam team and become an integral part of their community-focused First Nations Government, deeply rooted in the wisdom of their heritage. This role is based out of Musqueam’s Administrative Office, which maintains a drug and alcohol-free environment, fosters a welcoming business casual culture, and grants access to a community fitness center and gym. Additionally, employees will enjoy the advantages of a comprehensive group benefits plan and a pension plan.