Executive Director - Leaders International

Executive Director

First Nations Housing Professionals Association 1

The OrganizationFirst Nations Housing Professionals Association (FNHPA) was incorporated January 1, 2019. The organization was established to provide leadership in housing management activities by developing and promoting quality standards, practices, certification, and professional development to expand capacity for members and First Nations organizations. A national professional non-profit organization, FNHPA is governed by a Board consisting of First Nations housing professionals and education specialists.

VisionFNHPA is the centre for professional standards, certification and other services for existing and future

First Nations housing managers across Canada.

MissionFNHPA supports housing professionals in serving their communities by:

Providing national standards.Delivering education and certification programs.

Facilitating communication and knowledge-sharing.

As a national organization, FNHPA is committed to raising the profile and capacity of the housing professional in the community and nationally. By providing practical tools and resources, FNHPA is a source of information and standards and together with its members, FNHPA contributes to strengthening the housing management capabilities of First Nations organizations across Canada. Learn about membership here.

https://fnhpa.ca/become-a-member.html

The Organization (cont.)


Organizational Goals• To develop a capacity for housing professionals in First Nations through standard-setting, certification,

and training.• To attract members to FNHPA who have a desire to obtain and maintain a professional designation.• To engage, promote, and communicate while enhancing credibility.• To support First Nations with timely and relevant products and services to enhance housing capacity.• To obtain government*, business and political support and develop partnerships with like-minded

organizations.• To pursue the vision and mission in an innovative, effective, and financially responsible manner.

*Government includes but is not limited to: First Nations, Municipal (Regional/Local), Provincial/Territorial,Federal

Setting the Standard: FNHPA Certification

FNHPA’s new certification program was successfully launched in September 2020. Learn more about the program here.

Certified members of FNHPA (those with “FNHP” behind their names) are highly skilled professionals committed to personal career development, standards of ethical conduct, and housing management. FNHPs are specialists who contribute with their:• Insight into the most advanced and up-to-date housing management practices and issues facing First

Nations organizations;• Understanding and advisory capacity within housing management and services.• Ability to improve the decision-making process by developing strategy and delivering housing business

plans and services.• Understanding of the impact of technologies that promote administrative efficiencies.

https://fnhpa.ca/paths-to-becoming-certified.html

• Provide leadership in the development of the organization’s Strategic Plan and Annual Operating Plan.• Work in partnership with the Board and committees to develop policies and plans consistent with the organization’s mandate and member expectations.• Identify issues, opportunities, and priorities for the Board’s consideration.• Develop and maintain an effective staff organization which delivers services, programs and information of value to the members.• Advocate on behalf of the organization as per the adopted policy positions.• Maintain the necessary contacts to keep abreast of emerging issues for the housing sector and the association management profession.• Serve as ambassador and spokesperson for the organization.• Ensure compliance with legal and financial requirements and protect the assets of the organization.• Support the succession planning for the organization.• Establish advisory committees as needed to obtain opinion and expertise required.


The Role The Executive Director is accountable for the efficient and effective business operations of the First Nations Housing Professionals Association (FNHPA) and for developing, recommending, and implementing, upon Board approval, strategies and business plans for the organization.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Business Orientation• Develops and implements programs and services to provide maximum value to members.• Maintains accountability, responsibility and control for the FNHPA's fiscal goals.• Demonstrates visible action and support of strategic priorities.

2. Leadership• Motivates and inspires others to achieve desired outcomes.• Takes decisive action and appropriate risk when required.• Engages members, Directors and staff to build trust and generate excitement and enthusiasm for FNHPA.

3. Planning and Organizing• Sets priorities to achieve short and long-term goals.• Ensures that plans are realistic and achieve FNHPA strategic outcomes.• Allocates capital and expense budgets according to needed priorities.• Thinks outside the "box" and is not bound by rigid plans.

4. Communication• Uses group facilitation techniques effectively to foster trust and maximize engagement.• Encourages open dialogue through active listening.• Communicates in a thorough, clear, and timely manner both verbally and in writing to achieve the goals of

FNHPA.


Core Competencies

5. Forward Thinking• Monitors and analyzes social, political, and economic trends which could impact FNHPA and its members.• Thinks both strategically and tactically to achieve short-term and long-term objectives.

6. Conceptual Thinking• Effectively communicates abstract concepts.• Thinks beyond current mental models to shift organizational thinking.• Conceptualizes what is not current practice and clearly articulates future directions.

7. Conflict Resolution• Facilitates appropriate and timely solutions to conflicts and probes to understand underlying issues and

concerns.• Exercises good judgment in recommending solutions.• Negotiates mutually agreeable terms and follows-up as required.

8. Relationship Building and Collaboration• Builds positive relationships both internally and externally to achieve goals.• Is energized by bringing people together to lead and achieve.• Influences individuals in the desired direction and handles conflict effectively.• Invests time and energy in promoting individual and personal growth.• Shares resources and information with colleagues and partners.

9. Results Oriented• Manages and leads to achieve and exceed identified goals.• Establishes an annual plan with clear measures and benchmarks for success to support the overall mission

and strategic plan.• Creates a monitoring system to ensure results are achieved and exceeded.• Solicits feedback from members, Directors, and partners on the achievement of results.

10. Self-Management• Works independently and can discern the relevance of issues and communicate them effectively.• Is disciplined in setting priorities and achieving outcomes.• Accomplishes critical tasks despite organizational obstacles, time pressures, role ambiguity, or limited

resources.• Identifies and assesses difficult situations and seeks guidance from others when appropriate.• Copes with the stress effectively.• Understands personal shortcomings and has a strategy for managing and improving them.


Core Competencies (cont.)


AccountabilityThe Executive Director is directly accountable to the Board of Directors for:

• Administration/Members’ Services: the effective and efficient administration and operation of the FNHPAand the development and provision of services to members.

• Human Resources: the direct supervision of all FNHPA staff, including hiring, evaluation, discipline, andtermination.

• Financial and Material: approving and recommending to the Board the FNHPA's annual budget requirementsand revenues. Accountable for the overall administration and control of the FNHPA's annual approvedbudget, including approval of expenditures as determined by FNHPA policy.

ContactsTo provide leadership and direction and to obtain input and guidance, the Executive Director will maintain regular contact with:

• The Board of Directors• FNHPA staff• FNHPA members as required

The Executive Director will represent the FNHPA to a wide range of organizations to share expertise, negotiate contracts and services and discuss policies and direction. These organizations include:

• Chapters and or Networks, where applicable• Indigenous Services Canada• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation• Assembly of First Nations• Other related agencies and associations

Qualifcations• Business Degree or Diploma and working on the First Nations Housing Professional Designation or holding

another related professional designation.• Preferably First Nations or an individual with experience working with Indigenous organizations.• A minimum of five years’ experience in a management role, preferably with an Indigenous organization or

an association.• Experience working with boards and committees and multiple stakeholders.• Experience in developing and delivering services of an educational nature.

Further assets include: bilingual capacity, association experience with certification programs and post-secondary institutions, standards development, conferences and seminars, publications, facilitating people and projects, and working with volunteer boards and technology projects.



Location Ottawa, Ontario Standing on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg Nation, and surrounding Huron-Wendat, and Anishinabewaki Nations, the City of Ottawa is located just four hours west of Toronto and approximately just two hours east of Montreal.

Canada’s capital has been rated as one of the top 20 cities in the world for quality of living and the best place to live in Canada, according to Mercer and Money Sense. The city hosts an international airport as well as two VIA rail stations, both of which are accessible by public transportation and by car. With a population of just under 1 million people, Ottawa is one of the largest cities in the country. About 37% of the Ottawa population is bilingual which makes it the largest city in Canada with co-official languages (English and French).

Ottawa is the hub of political activity, education, Canadian history, and national Indigenous organizations; Indigenous Services Canada, First Nations National Building Officers Association, First Nations Health Managers, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Besides its stunning views of Parliament Hill and Ottawa River, the Canadian Museum of History holds over 15,000 years of history, 1,500 artifacts, and the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles. With the state-of-the-art, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of Nature, Omega Park, and cultural events, Canada’s capital offers fascinating stories about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. Annual must-attend, culture-based events include the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (June) and the Odawa Pow Wow (May).

To connect during winter, the City also boasts the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which spans 7.8-kilometres and runs through the heart of downtown Ottawa. Across the bridge and fifteen minutes away is also one of Canada’s largest conservation parks, Gatineau Park, featuring unique plants and wildlife, beautiful heritage sites, and an array of trails and facilities for hiking and other outdoor activities.


To Apply

This is an exciting leadership role that offers the exceptional opportunity to lead change in First Nations housing and support the First Nations Housing Professional Association grow their operations for further future success. For more details, please contact:

Laurie Sterritt • PartnerLeaders International880-609 Granville StreetVancouver, British ColumbiaV7Y1G5Telephone: 778-838-4569 [email protected]

Leaders International specializes in the recruitment of Board of Directors, leadership succession and executive level positions. Our global network, Penrhyn International, is a world leader in the executive recruitment industry, with more than 47 offices in over 25 countries on 5 continents.

Mike Eagar • Consultant Leaders InternationalSuite 700 1 Rideau St.Ottawa, OntarioK1N 8S7Telephone: [email protected]

To apply, please submit a Cover Letter and Resume directly to Leaders International outlining your interest, qualifications and experience by the application deadline of October 27, 2020

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Executive Director - Leaders International