Chief Executive Officer
Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO)
Location: Winnipeg
Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO)
Location: Winnipeg
An executive search is underway to identify a Chief Executive Officer for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), a respected First Nations political organization representing 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations across southern Manitoba.
About The Organization
Mandated by its member Nations, SCO works to advance and protect First Nations inherent and Treaty rights while delivering a broad and expanding portfolio of programs and services. Guided by the Grand Chief and Chiefs-in-Assembly, SCO plays a critical leadership role in advancing the priorities of its Nations across sectors including health, child and family services, justice, economic development, and cultural revitalization.
Mandated by its member Nations, SCO works to advance and protect First Nations inherent and Treaty rights while delivering a broad and expanding portfolio of programs and services. Guided by the Grand Chief and Chiefs-in-Assembly, SCO plays a critical leadership role in advancing the priorities of its Nations across sectors including health, child and family services, justice, economic development, and cultural revitalization.
The Role
The CEO serves as the senior administrative leader of SCO. The CEO is responsible for executing the strategic direction established by political leadership and ensuring the effective, accountable, and culturally grounded operation of the organization.
The CEO serves as the senior administrative leader of SCO. The CEO is responsible for executing the strategic direction established by political leadership and ensuring the effective, accountable, and culturally grounded operation of the organization.
This role requires a leader capable of operating at the intersection of governance, public administration, and First Nations political leadership, balancing strategic advisory responsibilities with oversight of a complex and growing organization.
Key Accountabilities
- Executive Leadership & Operations, provide overall leadership and direction for SCO’s operations, programs and services. Ensuring the day-to-day organizational stability and continuity;
- Governance Relations, ensuring strong governance, accountability and reporting to SCO member Nations. Implementing resolutions and directives within established authority;
- Financial Oversight, over see financial management in collaboration with the CFO;
- Legal and Compliance Oversight, ensure compliance with applicable legislation and funding agreements and policies.
- External Relations, represent SCO professionally with governments, partners and stakeholders as required or directed.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive with significant leadership experience in a First Nations, public sector, or similarly complex environment. They will bring a deep understanding of First Nations governance, Treaty relationships, and the broader policy landscape.
The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive with significant leadership experience in a First Nations, public sector, or similarly complex environment. They will bring a deep understanding of First Nations governance, Treaty relationships, and the broader policy landscape.
Key qualifications include:
- Demonstrated success leading large, multi-functional organizations or portfolios
- Experience working with or advising elected leadership or Boards in a First Nation governance context
- Strong financial and operational management expertise
- Proven ability to navigate multi-stakeholder, politically informed environments
- Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills
A strong understanding of the priorities and context of SCO member Nations, along with lived experience and/or meaningful connection to First Nations communities, will be considered a significant asset.
Qualifications
· Degree in Political Sciences, Indigenous Governance, Public Administration or a related field and/or equivalent experience;
· Minimum 10 years experience in a senior political, strategic advisory or Inidgenous governance role;
· In-Depth knowledge of Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in Southern Manitoba and associated political structures;
Leadership Profile
The CEO will be a strategic, steady, and culturally grounded leader who leads with integrity, humility, and accountability. They will demonstrate sound judgment, political acuity, and a commitment to advancing the self-determination and well-being of First Nations.
The CEO will be a strategic, steady, and culturally grounded leader who leads with integrity, humility, and accountability. They will demonstrate sound judgment, political acuity, and a commitment to advancing the self-determination and well-being of First Nations.
Compensation
A competitive executive compensation package will be provided, commensurate with the scope of the role and the successful candidate’s experience.
A competitive executive compensation package will be provided, commensurate with the scope of the role and the successful candidate’s experience.
Expression of Interest
If this position interests you please contact the recruiter at [email protected] . Deadline for submissions is Wednesday May 27th, 2026, at 4:30PM.
If this position interests you please contact the recruiter at [email protected] . Deadline for submissions is Wednesday May 27th, 2026, at 4:30PM.
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