Director, Human Resources

Who We Are

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) has lived on the ancestral lands of the Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta since time immemorial. The lives of our members are linked to the land and to a close understanding of traditions, history and a natural way of life. Many of our members live in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, and our traditional lands range over a large portion of Athabasca oil sands deposits.

Who You Are

MCFN is currently seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Human Resources to provide leadership and oversight of the Nation's human resources function.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Human Resources provides strategic HR leadership while ensuring the effective delivery of human resources programs, services, policies and systems across the organization. The Director works closely with senior leadership and managers to strengthen organizational capacity, support effective people management, and ensure HR practices are responsive to the operational needs, culture and values of Mikisew Cree First Nation.

The successful candidate will bring strong senior-level HR experience, sound judgement, and the ability to operate effectively within a complex, relationship-based environment while balancing organizational requirements, employee needs and the priorities of the Nation.

This position will operate on a hybrid rotational basis, primarily based in Edmonton, Alberta, with approximately one week per month working in Fort Chipewyan and the remaining three weeks based in Edmonton. Additional travel may be required based on organizational needs.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Human Resources department and HR service delivery across the organization
• Lead, support and develop the HR team, establishing clear accountabilities, priorities and service standards
• Advise the CEO, senior leadership and managers on complex human resources matters, organizational risk and workforce considerations
• Develop and implement HR strategies, programs and initiatives aligned with organizational priorities and the needs and values of Mikisew Cree First Nation
• Provide leadership and oversight for employee relations matters, including complex workplace concerns, investigations, performance matters, and conflict resolution
• Oversee recruitment and workforce planning activities to support effective and timely staffing across the organization
• Provide strategic oversight of compensation, benefits, employee leave and other HR programs
• Lead the development, implementation, interpretation and ongoing review of human resources policies, procedures and practices
• Support organizational design, succession planning, leadership development and workforce capacity planning
• Provide guidance to managers regarding performance management, attendance, accommodation and other employee-related matters
• Oversee HR systems, records and reporting to support effective decision-making, organizational compliance and operational efficiency
• Identify workforce trends, organizational risks and emerging HR issues and provide recommendations to senior leadership
• Develop and monitor HR metrics and reporting to evaluate workforce trends and the effectiveness of HR programs and services
• Support organizational change initiatives and provide HR leadership during periods of transition
• build effective relationships with employees, managers, senior leadership, community members, and other stakeholders
• Promote HR practices that support fairness, consistency, accountability, and positive employee experiences
• Ensure HR practices comply with applicable employment legislation, organizational policies and contractual requirements
• Support culturally responsive HR practices that respect the traditions, values and community context of MCFN
• Prepare and manage the HR departmental budget
• Provide regular reports and strategic recommendations to the CEO and, where required, Chief and Council
• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise a high level of discretion in managing sensitive organizational and employee matters
• All other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Organizational Development, or a related field (equivalent experience may be considered)
• CPHR designation is strongly preferred
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive human resources experience, including significant experience in a senior HR leadership role
• Demonstrated experience leading an HR function and providing strategic advice to executives and senior leaders
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and contemporary human resources practices
• Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations, investigations, performance management and workplace matters
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies, programs, systems, and organizational initiatives
• Experience with workforce planning, recruitment, compensation, organizational development and change management
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex environments involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• experience working within an Indigenous organization, First Nation government, public-sector environment, or similarly complex governance structure is considered a strong asset
• Strong Microsoft computer skills (MSWord, Excel, and Outlook)

Other Requirements

• Possess a valid Class 5 AB driver’s license and own or access to a vehicle.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly between Edmonton and Fort Chipewyan including approximately one-week per month in Fort Chipewyan, AB on a rotational basis.
• Willingness and ability to travel elsewhere as required by organizational needs
• Willingness to submit to an Oath of Confidentiality.
• Willing to work flexible schedule.
• Must provide and possess a clear criminal record vulnerable sector check.

MCFN Standard Closing Statement

In accordance with MCFN hiring practices, this position will be posted internally for a minimum of fourteen (14) days to provide qualified MCFN Members and internal candidates with the opportunity to apply. The MCFN Member priority period will end on August 27, 2026. Following the conclusion of the member priority period, the posting will remain open until filled, and external candidates may be considered. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete security screening, which includes a criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check.

Kinanâskomitin (Thank you) for your interest.