Chief Executive Officer

Located in the heart of Northwest British Columbia, the Gitxsan Nation is a proud and resilient people whose history, culture, and stewardship of their traditional Lax'Yip territory stretches back countless generations. Guided by the Gitxsan Ayookw (traditional laws), the Nation has maintained a deep connection to its lands, waters, and communities while continuing to build a strong vision for the future. It spans the basin and watersheds of the upper Skeena River, including the Kispiox, Bulkley, and Babine rivers, centering around the Hazelton, Terrace, and Smithers. Today, the Gitxsan are creating new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity while remaining firmly grounded in their cultural values, governance traditions, and responsibilities to future generations.

Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) plays a central role in realizing that vision. Established to advance economic opportunities on behalf of the Gitxsan Nation, GDC is more than a collection of businesses. It is a vehicle for economic self-determination, community prosperity, and long-term nation building. Guided by the principle of being "a stitch in the blanket towards the Gitxsan Nation's economic independence," GDC works to create meaningful employment, develop local talent, generate sustainable revenues, and build business partnerships that create lasting benefits for Gitxsan members and communities.

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the organization continues to advance a diverse range of initiatives designed to create economic benefits, employment opportunities, and long‑term value for the community while remaining grounded in Indigenous values, culture, and community priorities.

PURPOSE

To achieve long‑term economic independence, prosperity, and self‑determination for the Gitxsan Nation through sustainable business development, strategic partnerships, and opportunities that honour Gitxsan laws, values, and stewardship of the land.

OUR COMMITMNENTS

The corporation is dedicated to:

• Economic independence for the Gitxsan Nation
• Sustainable economic growth and prosperity
• Job creation and training opportunities for Gitxsan people
• Balancing economic opportunity with stewardship of Gitxsan Lax Yip (traditional territory)
• Operating in accordance with Gitxsan Ayookw (traditional laws and governance principles)
• Building prosperity for current and future generations

GUIDING PRINCIPALS

Community Prosperity – Commitment to creating economic opportunities that support the long‑term well‑being and prosperity of Gitxsan Nation Members.

Sustainability – Focus on responsible development that balances economic success with environmental stewardship and respect for future generations.

Partnership & Collaboration – Building strong relationships with community members, governments, industry partners, neighbouring First Nations, and stakeholders to achieve shared success.

Innovation & Growth – Pursuing new business opportunities, creative solutions, and continuous improvement to strengthen economic self‑sufficiency and community resilience.

Respect for Culture and Values – Ensuring all economic development initiatives honour and reflect the culture, traditions, and aspirations of the Gitxsan Nation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for providing the strategic, operational, financial, and cultural leadership required to guide GDC through its next stage of growth, opportunity, and long‑term community impact.

The CEO will work closely with the Board, Gitxsan leadership, subsidiary managers, staff, community members, partners, and external stakeholders to execute strategic priorities, evaluate and advance new business opportunities, strengthen existing operations, and ensure the organization remains accountable to its mandate, governance framework, and community objectives.

As the senior leader of the organization, the CEO will be responsible for fostering a strong, transparent, and productive relationship with the Board of Directors. This includes providing regular and meaningful updates on organizational performance, financial results, strategic initiatives, risks, and emerging opportunities, while ensuring the Board is equipped with the information required to make informed decisions. Success in the role will require disciplined governance practices, clear communication, sound judgement, and a commitment to accountability and transparency.

The CEO will oversee a diverse portfolio of business interests and subsidiaries, ensuring strong financial stewardship, operational performance, risk management, and alignment with GDC's long‑term strategic vision.

The CEO will support the Board in advancing sustainable economic development opportunities that create lasting value for the Gitxsan Nation while building and maintaining strong relationships with Hereditary Chiefs, community leaders, government agencies, Indigenous partners, industry stakeholders, and prospective business partners.

While the position offers flexibility through a hybrid work arrangement, the CEO will be expected to maintain a meaningful presence within the community and across the territory to foster trust, strengthen relationships, and remain connected to the priorities and aspirations of the Gitxsan Nation.

This role requires an individual who can balance strategic vision with practical execution and who possesses the experience and leadership capability to guide a growing organization through increasing complexity and opportunity. Beyond delivering business results, the CEO will be expected to champion workforce development, support the growth of Gitxsan talent, mentor future leaders, and help ensure that economic opportunities translate into meaningful, long‑term benefits for current and future generations of Gitxsan people.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the organization's strategic plan and annual business objectives
• Identify, evaluate, and advance new economic development opportunities, partnerships, investments, and business ventures
• Ensure organizational priorities align with the long‑term vision, values, and objectives established by the Board
• Provide recommendations to the Board regarding growth opportunities, investments, and strategic initiatives
• Advance opportunities that create sustainable economic benefits, employment, and long‑term prosperity for the Gitxsan Nation

Governance & Board Relations

• Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors
• Provide timely and accurate reporting on organizational performance, key initiatives, opportunities, and risks
• Support informed decision‑making by preparing board materials, business cases, recommendations, and strategic updates
• Serve as the primary link between the Board and the organization, ensuring open, transparent, and proactive communication on strategic, operational, and financial matters
• Ensure a clear distinction between governance responsibilities and operational management

Operational Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for day‑to‑day operations
• Develop organizational systems, processes, and performance standards that support efficiency, accountability, and long‑term sustainability
• Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism, continuous improvement, and service excellence
• Ensure organizational activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and governance requirements
• Oversee organizational budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
• Ensure effective stewardship and management of organizational resources
• Monitor organizational performance against approved budgets and business plans
• Support sustainable financial growth through sound risk management and strategic decision‑making

Relationship Building & Community Engagement

• Act as the primary ambassador for the organization
• Build productive relationships with Indigenous communities, governments, funding agencies, business leaders, and industry stakeholders
• Maintain a strong and visible presence within the community
• Navigate the intersection of business priorities, governance, culture, and community expectations in a respectful and collaborative manner
• Communicate organizational goals, achievements, and opportunities to community members and stakeholders
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain a high‑performing team
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and mutual respect
• Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives
• Champion the development of Gitxsan talent and future leaders while fostering opportunities for workforce participation and capacity building
• Create an organizational environment that empowers staff to succeed

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and respected leader who combines business acumen with strong relationship‑building skills and a genuine commitment to Indigenous community development.

Operate as the strategic thinker who can maximise current economic opportunities and effectively identify prospects while maintaining focus on operational excellence and organizational performance. Be comfortable working with Boards and governance structures and have demonstrated success leading organizations through growth and change.

Demonstrating credibility, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills will be essential to building trust among community members, staff, leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education and Professional Background

• A university degree in business administration, commerce, finance, public administration, economic development, or a related discipline is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and senior leadership experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of five years of progressive managerial or senior leadership experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role, particularly in a dynamic, growth‑oriented, community‑accountable, or Indigenous governance environment.

Required Experience and Capabilities

• Advanced knowledge of First Nation governance, administration, and Indigenous economic development.
• Proven success in Indigenous economic development, business development, community economic development, or related sectors, with the ability to balance economic, social, cultural, and environmental objectives
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, Chief and Council, or comparable governance structure.
• Able to distinguish between governance and operational management and to support effective decision‑making at both levels.
• Senior leadership experience, including leadership, coaching, team development, succession planning, and organizational growth
• Experience leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of organizational policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, investment analysis, risk management, and corporate governance.
• Experience developing, negotiating, and managing joint ventures, partnerships, or other complex strategic relationships.