Bring your leadership skills and contribute to sustaining healthy, thriving economies for Shareholder First Nations along the BC Coast.
Established in 2021, Coastal Nations Fisheries (CNF) is a transformative fishing company on BC’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii, collaboratively owned by eight First Nations Gitga’at, Gitxaała, Haida, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Metlakatla, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv - and resulting from the 2021 Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA).
After years of negotiations between Coastal First Nations and the federal government to revitalize fisheries on the North Pacific Coast, the creation of Coastal Nations Fisheries is a critical step in ensuring marine resources sustain coastal communities into the future, just as they have for thousands of years.
As a 100% Indigenous-owned commercial fishing business, CNF supports its shareholder Nations in revitalizing and stewarding community-based fisheries and developing a boat-to-table, Indigenous-owned and sustainably operated commercial fishing company.
Reporting to a board consisting of Directors appointed by each of the shareholder Nations, the CNF CEO will drive the operational duties tied to the strategic priorities set by the board following existing agreements and the needs of the nations.
The CEO will build relationships by promoting the linkages between CNF and its Board, the nation members, the Coastal Nations Fisheries Trust (the Trust), the Nations’ Seafood companies, and the development of the Coastal Nations Commercial Fisheries (CNCF). The CEO will also support the social enterprises operated by each Nation under the Community-Based Fisheries (CBF).
For more information on CNF, please visit their site at https://www.coastnationsfisheries.ca/.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive forward the operational plans from the Strategic Plan and priorities related to CBF, CNCF, governance and ESG, the Trust, administration and capacity, and stewardship. Report on progress and ensure board members are well informed for board meetings and communication back to their respective nations.
- Champion enhanced relationship building through regular communication that fosters collaborative contribution and decision-making.
- Track and monitor assets and liabilities held within CNF and report out the holdings for each of the Limited Partners/Nations.
- Support the Haida Gwaii, Central Coast, and North Coast Commercial Fishing Enterprises with the implementation of their strategic and annual business plans. Support implementation of the CNCF strategic and annual business plans.
- Implement a comprehensive vessel/gear grant and loan program that supports the fishers/members in the communities and the CNCF, including potential arrangements with third-party agencies.
- Develop transparent processes and methods for distributing the acquired access of commercial fishing licenses and quotas amongst the CFEs or the Nations and the CNCF. Work with each of the CFEs, as well as the Nations and the CNCF board, to develop agreements for the annual access to CBF licenses, quotas, vessels, and gear.
- Work with the CFO and the Audit & Finance Committee to develop budgets. Oversee spending allocation and ensure proper tax planning and reporting.
- Bring your leadership skills to ensure the right people with the right skills are in their respective roles and feel supported with proper incentive plans.
- Assess and manage risks and opportunities based on the company’s values. Support collaborative governance by working in partnership with the Coastal Nations and DFO on policy changes.
- Work with Coastal First Nations and Great Bear Society, as well as legal counsel, to manage the FRRA-related agreements and achieve the intended outcomes. Refine the legal mechanisms for holding and managing the licenses and quota on behalf of each Nation’s CBFs and the CNCF.
- Promote the work of CNF, ensuring proper seafood certifications are obtained and promoted. Share the success stories with linkage to the work of CNF, CBF, and CNCF.
- Collaborate with the CNF Trust board and the Investment Manager to deploy FRRA capital. Ensure CBF and CNCF can get the funding they need from the Trust for fishing vessel/gears, license and quota access.
- As chair of the CNCF board and in partnership with the board, lead recruitment for the inaugural COO/GM, support the implementation of the CNCF multi-year strategic plan and work with the VP of Partnerships & Acquisitions plus the Acquisition team to acquire commercial fishing licenses, quota, vessels and gear from the open market in accordance with annual business plans.
- Support the CBF Manager and the Board to advance the program.
Key Qualification and Skillsets
To succeed in the role, the CNF Board is looking for a seasoned operational leader who, at the core, understands that the work CNF does is to support the efforts of the nations to develop successful community-based fisheries and support the development of the CNCF subsidiary as a profitable boat to table, Indigenous-owned, sustainable commercial seafood leader. In terms of key qualifications:
- A seasoned and respected business leader comfortable in creating collaborative partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders from governments to industry to First Nation communities.
- Experienced in presenting to and working with a seasoned board, including chairing all types of meetings, presenting well-thought-out reports, and providing documentation that enables the board to make informed decisions.
- A natural team builder seasoned in creating positive work cultures where skilled internal team members feel motivated and empowered to deliver on their responsibilities while working together collaboratively in service of their client base and organizational mandate.
- Embody cultural sensitivity with a strong understanding of the First Nations’ political environment and sensitivities. Ideally, a history of positive working relationships with First Nations businesses, governments, and economic organizations.
- Excellent financial management skills, including experience in managing budgets with proper reporting on spending. Comfortable in analyzing financial statements and working with a Trust.
- Systematic thinker. Able to understand how each piece of the puzzle works together.
- Strong organizational skills. Able to juggle multiple projects at the same time with clear direction and path forward.
- A track record of developing and successfully implementing policies and agreements that advance the economic interests of an organization.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with staff, contractors, the Board, as well as various levels of government, top-level industry players, and First Nation entities.
- A strong business or economic development background with an interest in understanding the fishing industry and its ties back to Nations. Experience in the fishing industry is an asset but not a requirement.
- The ideal competencies for this position are an undergraduate degree (in business, economics, commerce, finance, accounting, law or equivalent) with possibly a master’s degree in a related field. Ideally, the education is complemented with a minimum of 10 years of related work experience.
- Proficiency with modern office practices, procedures, systems and equipment, including the full Microsoft Office Suite.
Compensation
Competitive salary ranging from $210k-$250k, based on experience, with the addition of a performance-based bonus and 4 weeks’ vacation. CNF’s competitive benefits package is offered through Canada Life.
Just as rewarding, you will be part of a collaborative team and board that is committed to building a healthy and sustainable economy for all the nation’s members while also making a significant change in the fishing and seafood industry.
CNF offers flexible work hours with a hybrid model consisting of ideally 3 days in the downtown (Gastown) office and 2 days from home unless work circumstances require more time at the office or in the community. You also need to be comfortable to travel by plane to remote communities.
Interested?
Coastal Nations Fisheries has partnered with KasaHR Consulting to fulfill this important hire. To be considered for this role, please apply by sending your resume and cover letter through this site. For a more detailed job profile or additional information, feel free to contact us.
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