Director of Lands and Resources

Position Title: Director of Lands and Resources

Department: Lands and Resources

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Inuvik Head Office

Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent

PURPOSE

The Director Lands & Resources is responsible for the strategic leadership governance direction and oversight of the Lands & Resources Department. The Director ensures that all departmental activities align with the GTCs mandate the Gwichin Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) the Gwichin Land Use Plan and the vision of Gwichin Land Culture and Economy for a Better Future. The Directors primary role is to guide the strategic development of the department planning of new programs and services. The Director will oversee the Senior Manager coordinate high-level intergovernmental relations support GTC Leadership in decision-making and ensure alignment with Gwichin priorities including and environmental stewardship values.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development of a five-year strategic plan ensuring alignment with Gwichin priorities governance commitments and resource management objectives.
• Establish and implement the departments policy framework collaborating with the Grand Chief and CEO.
• Provide expertise on land water and resource management policies affecting the Gwichin Settlement Region (GSR) and Gwichin Settlement Area (GSA).
• Develop and execute annual operational plans and budgets to ensure organizational goals are met effectively.
• Supervise and mentor Senior Managers ensuring clear work plans resource allocation and community engagement efforts.
• Oversee financial management ensuring departmental expenditures align with budgets and strategic goals.
• Develop metrics to track the effectiveness of programs and ensure continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to GTC policies and the GCLCA framework in all departmental activities.
• Facilitate dialogue with DGO Presidents Gwichin Councils and Renewable Resource Councils (RRCs) on strategic land and resource matters.
• Develop and implement land use policies climate change strategies and GTC Land Control Guidelines to support sustainable development.
• Oversee legal interpretations related to agreements ensuring alignment with Gwichin rights.
• Lead discussions and negotiations that impact the GSR ensuring Gwichin interests are prioritized.
• Prepare comprehensive briefings for the Grand Chief Board of Directors and CEO to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Approve reports briefing notes and presentations that contribute to regulatory oversight and governance transparency.
• Ensure accurate documentation for legal and operational continuity.
• Conduct structured evaluations of departmental operations adjusting strategies accordingly.
• Guide the strategic communication of GTCs positions in external regulatory bodies (e.g. GLWB GRRB MVEIRB).
• Ensure appointed representatives receive clear directives to uphold Gwichin rights and interests.
• Adherence to all local national and international regulations governing operations including data protection privacy laws and sector-specific requirements.
• Implementation of structured legal review mechanisms to assess contracts policies and practices for compliance with current legislation.
• Proactive identification and mitigation of legal and regulatory risks through audits reporting and expert consultation.
• Maintenance of accurate records to demonstrate compliance and support regulatory inquiries.
• Engagement with regulatory bodies legal counsel and other key stakeholders to stay informed of evolving requirements and ensure transparency in compliance efforts.
• Support the establishment and expansion of the Gwichin Guardian Program fostering community leadership in land and resource stewardship.
• Oversee the creation of new stewardship initiatives integrating traditional knowledge and scientific research to sustain Gwichin lands waters and resources.
• Strengthening collaboration with Gwichin communities through consultations and outreach programs.
• Building partnerships with environmental organizations and government agencies to support land and resource initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of research programs focused on land conservation sustainable resource management and ecological protection.
• Ensure strategic alignment between stewardship programs and broader environmental policies affecting the Gwichin Settlement Region.
• Support local capacity-building enabling community members
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A post-secondary and/or university degree in a related discipline such as law public policy business administration environmental management/science social sciences. A Graduate Degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Ten to fifteen (10-15) years of relevant experience working within lands resources management or regulatory agencies including in senior leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of environmental and regulatory processes in the NWT and Canada.
• Knowledge of traditional land use and Gwichin cultural values is a strong asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including report writing and public speaking.
• Proficiency in GIS data management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid Class 5 drivers license.
• Willingness to travel within the
• Gwichin Settlement Region and occasionally beyond.
• Additional duties as assigned.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwichin Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.