Project Director

About Endacho Healing Society
Imagine helping to create a place where Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories can find healing in an environment that brings together Indigenous and western ways of knowing. That is the vision driving Endacho Healing Society (EHS).EHS is an Indigenous-led non-profit breaking new ground in trauma healing. We are developing a culturally grounded healing program and working to build a first-of-its-kind bed-based Trauma Healing Lodge in the NWT. The Trauma Healing Lodge will bring Indigenous knowledge and land-based approaches together with Western therapeutic practices to respond to a profound gap in services for people living with the impacts of residential schools and other colonial trauma. We refer to those we serve as relatives, reflecting the respect and connection at the heart of our approach.We are small by design, ambitious in purpose and building the partnerships, resources and organizational foundations to make this vision real. As we work toward the Lodge’s anticipated opening in 2029, we need someone who is excited by the opportunity to help blaze the trail.The Opportunity: Position Summary and Purpose
This is not a conventional director role. As Project Director, you will be a central force in moving EHS from vision to readiness to operate its Trauma Healing Lodge. You will work directly with the Board of Directors, Indigenous governments and communities, funders, professional advisors and the construction manager, helping to make the strategic choices and practical decisions that turn a bold idea into a functioning healing lodge.One day you might advise the Board on a funding strategy, negotiate with government partners or help resolve a complex project issue. The next, you might draft a grant application, organize Board papers, create a meeting agenda, arrange travel or ensure a financial filing is completed. Both kinds of work matter here. Apart from the construction manager, this is EHS’s only staff position: there is no administrative assistant or internal team to take care of the details. You will have access to external professional services and contractors where appropriate, but must be comfortable doing your own organizational and administrative work.The role offers unusual latitude to lead, solve problems, build relationships and create practical systems that suit a lean, innovative organization. It calls for initiative, sound judgement, cultural humility and the ability to move easily between big-picture thinking and hands-on delivery.The role is for a two-year term focused on preparing EHS for the Lodge’s anticipated opening in 2029. Once the Lodge is ready to operate, EHS will need a different mix of operational leadership skills. For the right person, there may be an opportunity to transition into that next phase;
however, that is not a commitment or guarantee of continued employment.What You Will Lead and Deliver
Strategy, Partnerships and Project Delivery
Translate Board priorities into a practical workplan;
track progress, risks, decisions and milestones, and recommend solutions when plans need to change.Serve as a key point of contact with Indigenous governments and communities, territorial and federal governments, funders and other partners;
build relationships grounded in trust and respect.Provide clear strategic, operational and financial advice to the Board;
prepare briefings, presentations, correspondence and progress updates.Coordinate external consultants and contractors, monitor deliverables and help keep the many pieces of the project moving together.Help advance healing pilots, curriculum development, service partnerships, referral pathways and operational readiness in collaboration with cultural and clinical leaders.Work alongside the construction manager on organizational and funding matters connected to the Lodge development.Funding and Financial Stewardship
Identify funding opportunities and prepare compelling proposals, applications and budgets.Manage contribution agreements, reporting requirements, payment requests and relationships with funders.Track budgets, spending and cash flow;
identify emerging gaps and bring forward practical options.Coordinate invoices, payments, expense claims and financial records in accordance with EHS approval processes.Work with external bookkeeping and accounting professionals on financial reporting, year-end statements, audits and funder reviews.Board Governance and Hands-on Administration
Carry out the Society’s corporate secretary functions, including planning Board and annual general meetings, preparing agendas and materials, recording minutes and resolutions, and following up on decisions.Maintain governance records, work with legal advisors on required filings and support compliance with applicable obligations.Develop and maintain useful, right-sized policies, procedures, records, contracts and the EHS Operations Manual.Handle everyday administrative work including scheduling, document management, correspondence, travel logistics and service arrangements as needed.Build straightforward systems that allow a small organization to operate reliably, transparently and efficiently.Who Will Thrive in This Role
We are interested in capable people from different career paths, not just applicants who match a conventional executive resume. You might bring a degree in Indigenous Studies, Community Development or Business, together with several years of relevant experience. You might have built your career in northern government, non-profit leadership, project management or Indigenous organizations. Or you might be a recently retired professional who wants to put substantial experience toward one more meaningful challenge.We are looking for someone with some or all of the following strengths and experience:Demonstrated experience working respectfully with Indigenous governments, organizations or communities, ideally in the North, and an understanding of colonial impacts, cultural safety and trauma-informed practice.Several years of relevant experience leading complex initiatives, building partnerships, managing projects, administering organizations or developing programs.Strong judgement, excellent writing and communication skills, and the confidence to engage senior decision-makers while staying grounded in practical work.Experience with budgets, funding proposals, contribution agreements and accountability to funders, or the ability to demonstrate closely related strengths.Comfort working independently, setting priorities, managing competing demands and being personally accountable for getting things done.Good digital and administrative skills, including documents, spreadsheets, shared files and virtual meetings.Relevant post-secondary education or an equivalent combination of learning, professional experience and demonstrated accomplishment.Experience in Board support, northern funding programs, charitable or non-profit administration, capital projects, or Indigenous-led health and healing initiatives would be an asset. Project management certification is welcome but not essential.Working Arrangements
This is a full-time, two-year term position with considerable independence and direct accountability to the Board of Directors. Yellowknife-based candidates are preferred, but EHS will consider strong remote or hybrid applicants. The successful candidate must provide a suitable workspace and be able to work effectively with a geographically dispersed team of Board members and partners.Travel within the NWT, occasional travel elsewhere, and some evening or weekend meetings or community events will be required. The work involves confidential information, changing priorities and sensitive discussions about trauma and healing.Why Join EHS?
Few roles offer the chance to help shape an organization at such a defining moment. You will have real responsibility, room to innovate and the satisfaction of seeing your work contribute directly to a lasting resource for northern communities. If you are equally willing to lead the conversation and roll up your sleeves afterward, we would like to hear from you.
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