About this role
Director of Children and Families - Competition 2026-079
FNFAO
Full-Time Permanent
(1) Position Available
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Executive Director, the Director of Children and Families will provide advocacy, public education, and navigation services for First Nations children and families involved with the child welfare system in Manitoba. The Director of Children and Families will be responsible for overseeing the First Nations Family Advocate Office (FNFAO) including, advocacy, processes, and management in accordance with the Bringing Our Children Home mandate established by the AMC. The incumbent will lead the work of the AMC – Canada Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on child welfare to support the restoration of First Nations jurisdiction to support capacity enhancement for First Nations. The incumbent will also work closely with the AMC Women’s Council in the strategic planning for the FNFAO.
Key Responsibilities
• Direct the mission, vision, and mandate of the FNFAO by monitoring and guiding all aspects of service delivery to work towards bringing our children home.
• Oversee and provide direction as it relates to the AMC – Canada MOU on Child Welfare to support First Nations restoring jurisdiction in the area of families and children including the implementation of five Nation/language group template laws: Anishinaabeg, Anishininiwak, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, and Nehethowuk/Ininewak.
• Provide guidance and oversight to support the overall operations of FNFAO including the implementation of policies and practices that ensure effective service delivery.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead discussions with funding partners in collaboration with the Executive Director and Grand Chiefs Office.
• Oversee the development of strategic planning activities including annual work plans, budgets, and reporting requirements to fulfill the mandate of the FNFAO.
• Collaborate with research partners to gather statistical information that relates to First Nations children and families.
• Examine existing child welfare legislation, jurisdictions, policies, and laws to challenge systemic barriers that impact First Nations children and families.
• Provide a summary and analysis of ongoing research and policy developments to inform recommendations for First Nations leadership.
• Represent the AMC on regional and national child welfare initiatives and processes as directed.
• Provide verbal and written reports on FNFAO and MOU activities and outcomes achieved for the Grand Chief, AMC Women’s Council, First Nations leadership, and applicable working groups/committees.
• Establish direction through lobbying to resolve child welfare issues and development of draft resolutions for political consideration and ensure proper follow-up.
• Liaise with Child and Family Services Authorities, Agencies, and Directors to enhance a respectful and mutual working relationship to better support First Nations children and families.
• Assist with communication materials to support the Grand Chiefs Office as it relates to child welfare.
• Other duties as directed.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
• A university degree in a related field of Social Sciences (Social Work, Justice, Political Science, etc.) or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education with extensive experience in direct service provision to children and families is required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience with executive management.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working with First Nation families involved with the child welfare system.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of government structures, child welfare policies, laws and regulations, standards, and recent legal and regulatory developments that impact First Nations.
• Experience working with and a comprehensive understanding of Frist Nations child welfare reform strategies, and the mandate and role of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
• Knowledge of community development, community outreach, consultation processes, and community-based and non-government organizations.
• Extensive experience in conducting investigations, and systemic and policy analysis related to the provision of services for children and families in Manitoba.
• Knowledge of traditional practices and roles and responsibilities to ensure the respectful treatment of children and families.
• Knowledge of applying trauma-informed practices and approaches within the work environment.
• Expertise in negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving in a fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; and public speaking and public relations skills are required.
• Position involves extensive travel and flexibility of work hours.
Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position title and quote competition number applying for, qualifications, and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (include a most recent employer reference) to:
Human Resources
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3
Quote Competition # 2026-079 in your application.
For best results submit your application to BambooHR
https://manitobachiefs.com/about/job-opportunities/
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.
Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to provide verification of citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com