Director of Strategy and Partnerships

THE ORGANIZATION The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is a network of more than 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs), each committed to fostering economic growth and self-reliance for Indigenous people and communities nationwide. IFIs are autonomous, Indigenous-controlled, community-based organizations that provide developmental lending, business financing, and support services to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs and businesses in all provinces and territories. NACCA enhances the capacity of IFIs through advocacy, training, research, and the delivery of programs such as the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Programs. NACCA also publishes national and regional results to highlight the network’s impact. THE OPPORTUNITY NACCA is seeking an experienced Director of Strategy and Partnerships for a 14-month maternity leave contract in Ottawa, Ontario. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the position will provide strategic and operational leadership across strategic planning, risk management, partnership development, people leadership, and program oversight. The Director will work with senior leadership and stakeholders to translate long-term priorities into operational plans, build relationships that advance organizational objectives, and assess program outcomes. The position also provides leadership to teams responsible for Indigenous women and youth entrepreneurship initiatives and the ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub. YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND PARTNERSHIPS Strategic Planning and Organizational Execution - Support the Board of Directors and senior leadership to develop and implement NACCA’s Strategic Plan. - Align operational work plans with strategic objectives, establishing clear priorities, accountability, timelines and resource allocations. - Monitor progress against strategic goals and recommend adjustments as needed. Risk Management and Organizational Accountability - Develop a structured approach to identifying, assessing and prioritizing organizational risks. - Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies. - Ensure departments understand their responsibilities in managing risks. Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement - Identify prospective partners among community organizations, government agencies and corporate entities. - Build and maintain relationships through engagement, communication and joint initiatives. - Develop and manage strategic partnerships that support program reach and impact. - Evaluate partnership effectiveness and adjust approaches as needed. - Develop communication approaches that promote stakeholder understanding, transparency and trust. Indigenous Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Programs - Provide strategic oversight and hands-on people leadership for Indigenous Women and Youth Entrepreneurship (IWYE) programs, coaching and empowering employees to deliver program objectives. - Review proposals, contribution agreements and funding applications for alignment with program guidelines. - Manage the National Indigenous Youth Business Advisory Council and support youth engagement and advocacy. ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub - Direct Hub operations, providing leadership and support to employees while ensuring appropriate staffing and resources. - Build awareness of the Hub as an Indigenous entrepreneurship support agency in Ottawa. - Lead fundraising efforts for Hub programs and initiatives. - Oversee operational and financial administration, programming, partnerships and communications. - Provide oversight for the Wejibàbandan Indigenous Business Incubator. Performance Measurement, Policy and Research - Develop qualitative and quantitative program evaluation frameworks. - Oversee program data collection and impact measurement. - Support preparation of NACCA’s annual report in collaboration with communications. - Research NACCA’s operating environment and support policy development in areas such as procurement, trade and gender. - Communicate NACCA policy positions and research to government departments and other stakeholders as appropriate. - Support collaboration across departments and handle sensitive information with discretion. Requirements YOUR EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE Education and Certifications - Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Public Relations, Economics or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, certifications and experience. - Master’s degree in Business Administration or another relevant advanced degree considered an asset. Skills and Experience - Minimum 10 years of progressive experience, including demonstrated experience managing and leading teams. - Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous organizations and communities, with knowledge of Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development. - Proven ability to lead, coach and empower teams while maintaining accountability and supporting independent decision-making. - Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with experience managing competing priorities, timelines and resources. - Experience overseeing programs, budgets and operational activities, balancing strategic priorities with hands-on execution. - In-depth understanding of bureaucratic processes and organizational dynamics. - Demonstrated ability to develop strategic partnerships, negotiate agreements and navigate relevant regulatory and compliance requirements. - Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement and presentations, supported by sound judgment and proactive problem-solving. Leadership Profile - You bring Indigenous respect and dignity to your work. You approach relationships and decisions with respect for Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs, partners and the purpose of NACCA’s work. - You connect strategy to execution. You can translate organizational priorities into clear plans, measurable results and coordinated action. - You build credible partnerships. You establish trust across governments, communities and organizational partners through communication, judgment and follow-through. - You lead with sound judgment and integrity. You assess risks, work with sensitive information responsibly and make considered decisions in complex environments. - You use evidence to improve outcomes. You bring analytical capability, data literacy and business acumen to program assessment and organizational planning. POSITION DETAILS - Employment Term: 14-month maternity leave contract - Location: Ottawa, Ontario - Work Arrangement: Hybrid, generally three days in office and two days remote Benefits TOTAL REWARDS - Base Salary: $142,501 - $152,646 annually, based on skill set and experience - Extended Health Benefits