Managing Director - Indigenous

Role Description:  

The Managing Director is the primary leadership figure at Archipel, responsible for guiding the organization’s overall strategy, operations, and growth. This role is central to the development and execution of Archipel's business strategy, driving initiatives aimed at scaling the organization, expanding its reach, and ensuring long-term sustainability. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, the Managing Director is responsible for shaping the organization’s strategic direction, business development, and financial planning. By monitoring financial projections and performance, the Managing Director ensures alignment with Archipel’s mission of bridging worlds of knowledge and advancing its vision for growth and impact.  This is a newly created position, designated for an Indigenous applicant.  

Job Responsibilities

General Responsibilities:

1. Executive Governance:
   • Lead and facilitate meetings in alignment with the goals and objectives set by the Executive Team, ensuring that meetings are productive and that all relevant information is communicated efficiently.
   • Communicate effectively with the Executive Team, providing timely and accurate information necessary for informed decision-making and the smooth functioning of the organization.
   • Serve as a primary liaison between the Executive Team and other internal and external stakeholders, ensuring seamless information flow and promoting transparency in decision-making processes.
2. Financial Performance and Viability:
   • Develop and maintain the financial health of Archipel by ensuring sufficient resources are available for operational sustainability and growth.
   • Lead business development efforts, identifying and cultivating new revenue streams to support the organization’s financial goals.
   • Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fiscal responsibility.
   • Provide monthly financial progress reports to the Executive Team, reflecting the organization's financial condition and advising on corrective actions when necessary.
   • Ensure fiscal integrity by anticipating expenditures, maintaining positive financial positioning, and optimizing resource utilization.
3. Organization Mission and Strategy:
   • Collaborate with the Executive Team and Research Manager to ensure alignment between organizational strategy and mission.
   • Enhance Archipel’s external visibility by fostering partnerships and collaborations with a wide range of professional, civic, and private organizations on a global scale.
   • Safeguard brand integrity across all organizational touchpoints, including marketing, communications, partnerships, client interactions, and project execution.
   • Develop and execute strategies to drive business growth, particularly in U.S. markets, expanding Archipel’s footprint and identifying new opportunities for expansion.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Report directly to and collaborate closely with the Executive Team and Managers on policy decisions, business development strategies, and enhancing the organization's visibility in the industry.
• Lead strategic planning efforts, ensuring the effective operationalization of plans to meet the organization's goals and long-term objectives.
• Take responsibility for planning and managing the annual budget, ensuring effective use of resources to support both current operations and future growth.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy that aligns with Archipel’s strategic vision and financial objectives.
• Act as Archipel’s primary spokesperson to external stakeholders, including constituents, the media, and the general public, ensuring consistent and effective messaging.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with various organizations, leveraging these connections to increase the organization’s impact and visibility.
• Oversee the development and execution of marketing and communications strategies that promote Archipel’s mission and strengthen its position within the industry.
• Facilitate and oversee Executive Team meetings, ensuring alignment on key decisions and organizational priorities.
• Establish and enforce employment and administrative policies, ensuring that all functions and day-to-day operations are governed effectively and in compliance with relevant laws and best practices.
• Review and approve contracts for services to ensure that they align with organizational needs and strategic goals.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Executive Team to support the successful functioning of the organization.

Professional Qualifications 

General Leadership and Business Building 

• Master’s Business Administration (MBA preferred) and/or combination of appropriate education and work experience. 

• Transparent and high integrity leadership 

• High level strategic thinking and planning. 

• Seven or more years senior level experience, ideally in an executive position within an organization committed to growth 

• A track record of building revenue and profit through identifying business opportunities and translating these into actionable priorities. 

•  A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results. 

Communication and People Management 

• Comfortable working in a collaborative management setting.  

• Superior communication skills as evidenced by the ability to embody and communicate the organization’s strategic vision in a variety of internal settings: to the staff, Executive Team, consultants.  

• Demonstrated ability and comfort effectively communicating the organization’s mission to constituents, donors, volunteers and the overall community. 

• A dynamic and effective presenter; comfortable with public speaking for different audiences. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage staff, through an established performance management system and providing ongoing feedback.  

Business Development 

• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence. 

• Proven track record of identifying and building additional revenue/funding streams 

• Excellent written communicator with experience in writing proposals and/or grants 

• Ideally has experience in building ongoing relationships with multiple, repeat customers/clients 

Financial Acumen 

• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting. 

• Demonstrated experience in budget forecasting 

• A proven track record of expense management including identifying more cost effective methods of managing operations 

Other 

• Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas and around the Globe. 

• Strong written and oral communication skills. 

• Comfortable with regular travel.  

• Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy. 
• Second language (French, Spanish, or an Indigenous language) considered an asset.

What We Offer 

• Archipel operational hours are:  

• Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm EST 

• Friday 8:30 to 2:00 pm EST  
  

• Paid vacation  

• Annual paid holiday closure: December 23 to January 1. 

• 21 paid public and employer designated holidays  

• Employee Insurance Health Benefits 

• 12 Paid Health and Wellness days (sick days)  

• Cultural leave 

Compensation$95,000-$125,000 CAD (based on knowledge, experience, and competencies) plus bonuses