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.