• Lead the next phase of administrative leadership for Curve Lake First Nation
• Step into a senior executive role offering a competitive $120,000 to $140,000 annual salary negotiable dependent on experience, plus excellent benefits!
• Make a meaningful contribution through calm, accountable, community-centred leadership

About Curve Lake First Nation

Curve Lake First Nation is an Anishinaabe community with deep roots in this territory, grounded in relationships to land, water, and each other as Curve Lakers. Known historically as Mud Lake, Curve Lake continues as a living, resilient Nation of almost 3,000 members. As part of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg and signatories to the Williams Treaties, the community carries forward its responsibilities, teachings, and governance systems.  Curve Lake is a place of strong kinship, cultural continuity, and collective responsibility, where each member contributes to the wellbeing of the Nation.  Our community is located just north of the City of Peterborough, Ontario. 

Home to trailblazers like Elsie Knott, Canada's first Anishinaabe Kwe O'gimaa, and renowned artisans, our community blends rich history with vibrant culture. More than an employer, we're a community of choice. Join us in preserving traditions, fostering diversity, and contributing to a future where old ways merge seamlessly with progress. Shape the legacy of Curve Lake—a place where heritage meets opportunity.

To learn more about us, please visit: curvelakefirstnation.ca

About the Opportunity

Curve Lake First Nation has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Executive Director, based in Curve Lake, Ontario. This role joins the organization at a key point of organizational strengthening and leadership transition.

Reporting to Chief and Council, you will play a pivotal role as the senior administrative leader of the Nation, accountable for the overall performance, integrity, and sustainability of Curve Lake First Nation’s administration while supporting effective governance and decision-making.

Where We Are Now 

Curve Lake First Nation is currently in a period of organizational strengthening and leadership transition. The Nation is moving from a co-Executive Director model to a single Executive Director, supported by a clearer governance framework and a refined leadership structure with seven Directors reporting into the role. This work is already underway, with leadership-endorsed plans focused on improving stability, accountability, and long-term effectiveness across the organization.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for providing executive leadership and strategic oversight across all administrative functions of the Nation, supporting Directors in delivering effective programs and services while ensuring alignment with community priorities, governance direction, and legislative requirements.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role over the first 12 to 24 months will be reflected in a stable and cohesive leadership team, strengthened systems and controls, and a healthy, respectful workplace culture. The Executive Director will be a trusted presence for staff, leadership, and community, capable of providing clear, honest advice to Chief and Council, navigating complexity with sound judgment, and supporting transparent communication that builds confidence in how the organization operates and serves its members.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing executive leadership and oversight across all departments, supporting Directors to deliver programs and services effectively
• Serving as the senior administrative advisor to Chief and Council, supporting governance processes while respecting political and administrative boundaries
• Leading organizational planning, policy development, and performance oversight to ensure alignment with community priorities and strategic direction
• Overseeing financial stewardship, funding agreements, audits, and internal controls to support long-term sustainability and compliance
• Fostering a healthy, respectful workplace culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and people-centred leadership
• Representing the Nation in relationships with community members, government partners, and external stakeholders
• Providing executive oversight of major initiatives, capital planning, and infrastructure priorities

 Due to the role's significance, refer to the Executive Director document for a comprehensive overview beyond the listed duties.

More About You

To qualify, you will need a post-secondary degree or diploma in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, 7+ years of senior leadership or executive management experience within a complex organization. Strong preference for previous experience working within a First Nation organization or in a related field.

The following are required:

• Ability to undergo a criminal background check and vulnerable sector check
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

The following skills and experience will be strong assets:

• Senior leadership experience within a First Nation government or similarly complex governance environment
• Strong understanding of governance structures, political–administrative boundaries, and Council support
• Demonstrated experience providing executive oversight across multiple departments or portfolios
• Proven financial stewardship, including funding agreements, audits, and internal controls
• Experience leading organizational planning, policy development, and performance accountability
• Background working with community members, government partners, and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements relevant to Indigenous organizations
•  A master’s degree (asset)

As our ideal candidate, you bring a calm, principled leadership presence and the ability to build trust across staff, leadership, and community. You are comfortable providing clear, honest advice to senior decision-makers, including truth-to-power when required, and you lead in a way that fosters respect, safety, and accountability. You demonstrate cultural awareness and humility, with an understanding of, or a genuine willingness to learn about, First Nation governance, Anishinaabe identity, and the distinct history and pride of Curve Lake First Nation. 

This is a senior leadership role for an experienced executive who is ready to steward a large and evolving organization through its next phase of stability and effectiveness, while supporting strong governance and long-term outcomes for Curve Lake First Nation. Success in this position calls for sound judgment, an open mind, and a commitment to learning, listening, and engaging meaningfully with the community you serve.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nation or Indigenous ancestry. 

About the Benefits

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary of $120,000 to $140,000 negotiable dependent on experience, along with a great host of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan: extended health care, dental, vision, life and long-term disability, etc.
• Competitive Pension Plan with up to 7.5% employer matching 
• 40 paid hours for Special/Personal Leave Bereavement Leave
• Paid time off for 17 designated days, including National Indigenous Day, Christmas Day, etc.
• Generous vacation accrual
• Paid sick days
• Regular community events such as Pow Wows, Harvesters' Gatherings, Christmas Craft Shows, and more! 

Take on a senior leadership role that supports strong governance, organizational stability, and meaningful outcomes for the Curve Lake First Nation community. Apply now!