Associate Director of Family Reunification
Location: Edmonton, AB
Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidate is Found
Position Status: Full-time (40 hours/week) Permanent
Reporting to the Director of Children and Family Services, and working closely with the Associate Director of Children and Family Services, the Associate Director of Family Reunification will lead the operations and continued development of the Otipemisiwak Metis Government’s Family Reunification Program in alignment with the Government’s mandates, principles, and values. This dynamic leadership position will be responsible for the development and oversight of service delivery, administration, and financial management within the Family Reunification Program. Currently, this program operates in Edmonton, Alberta, with plans to expand the program across Alberta. A second site has newly opened in Bonnyville, Alberta. The Associate Director will be required to oversee and ensure seamless operations of all Family Reunification Program sites. Additionally, the Associate Director will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with government, funders, external agencies, internal and external partners, and the larger Métis community. The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting Métis families and culture, have strong experience in program development, project and/or clinical management, and have exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight for the Family Reunification Programs, ensuring alignment with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Children and Family Services mandates, ethical standards, and best practices that support the wellbeing of Métis families.
- Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Family Reunification programming, translating departmental priorities into effective and culturally grounded service delivery.
- Oversee workforce development, including onboarding, training, and accreditation-aligned learning frameworks for Family Reunification Support Workers.
- Manage program budgets, policies, procedures, and operational frameworks to support effective delivery, compliance, and sustainability.
- Support grant development and funding management in collaboration with senior leadership, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and reporting obligations.
- Ensure financial accountability by preparing and contributing to financial and narrative reports for leadership and funders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments, affiliates, service providers, and community partners to support coordinated services.
- Provide leadership oversight during critical incidents and emergency responses, including on-call and escalation processes.
- Oversee day-to-day program operations, ensuring performance, risk management, and service quality standards are met.
- Lead staffing and supervision functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance oversight, and workforce planning.
- Mentor and support staff through coaching, feedback, and formal performance development to build a strong and accountable team.
- Demonstrate political awareness, cultural humility, professionalism, and confidentiality in all internal and external engagements.
- Other duties as required or assigned.
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge and understanding of Métis culture, values, history, and contemporary community contexts.
- Ability to lead complex teams and programs, with a demonstrated capacity to guide, support, and hold teams accountable in community-based service environments.
- Strategic and operational program oversight, including planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of family-centred services.
- Financial and grant management expertise, including budget stewardship, funding compliance, and contribution to financial and narrative reporting.
- Workforce leadership and development, including supervision, mentorship, performance development, and succession planning.
- Strong relationship and partnership leadership, supporting collaboration with internal departments, affiliates, service providers, and community partners.
- Cultural leadership and political acuity, grounded in respect for Métis governance, values, and community priorities.
- Sound judgment and ethical practice, including the handling of confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
- Clear and effective communication, including briefing senior leadership and translating strategic direction into operational action.
- Crisis and risk leadership, including oversight during critical incidents and emergency responses.
- Adaptability and resilience, supporting effective leadership in dynamic and evolving environments.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary degree in Social Work, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, or related field is preferred; however, equivalent experiences will be considered.
- Minimum of three to five (3-5) years’ experience in a similar role is a requirement.
- Five (5) years of progressive experience in a leadership role, leading a team of direct reports.
- Experience with work plans, budgets, financial and activity reporting, and drafting processes, policies, and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of family reunification, child and family wellbeing, and culturally grounded service models supporting Indigenous families.
- CPR and First Aid certifications are an asset.
- Indigenous Awareness Training is an asset.
Other Requirements
- This position is based in Edmonton and works primarily Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with flexibility required to meet operational needs.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends, as required, in support of a 24/7 service environment and multiple sites.
- Ability to travel within Alberta on a regular basis for program oversight, community engagement, and meetings; occasional out-of-province travel may also be required with notice.
- Reliable transportation and a valid Class 5 driver’s license.
- Acceptable attainment and annual maintenance of a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check is required.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to work for the newly ratified Otipemisiwak Métis Government and be a part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada.
- An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, languages, and art.
- Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.
- Generous time off policies.
Métis applicants are encouraged to apply.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest. We are committed to a fully human-led recruitment process and do not use artificial intelligence to review candidate applications. We take a deliberate and thoughtful approach to selecting candidates, ensuring integrity and equity at every stage.
As a Métis government, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is committed to the recruitment, retention, mentorship, and advancement of Métis Citizens and other Indigenous Peoples while maintaining a fair and equitable hiring practices to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and we value the lived experiences and cultural knowledge of all candidates.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that candidates who have been selected to move forward to the next stage of the recruitment process will receive an email to complete a short online video submission. Our team receives a large volume of applications and will reach out only as applicable.
If you experience barriers to applying or require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please contact [email protected]. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience.
