Chief Operating Officer

About the role

The BC First Nations Justice Council is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to provide executive leadership for operations, implementation, people leadership, and service delivery. Reporting to the Justice Council and the CEO, the COO will translate strategic direction into effective action across the organization, including Indigenous Justice Centres.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high‑level oversight of operations and service delivery across Indigenous Justice Centres.
• Ensure services align with organizational standards, Indigenous justice principles, and the BC First Nations Justice Strategy.
• Lead workforce planning, staffing, and continuous improvement of operational performance.
• Drive implementation of Justice Council priorities and foster a culturally safe workplace.
• Oversee operational budgets, financial controls, and resource allocation in partnership with finance leadership.
• Manage compliance, risk, and internal controls, supporting audit and reporting processes.
• Partner closely with the CEO to connect strategic direction with operational execution.

Required profile

• Senior operational leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site organization (≈150+ employees).
• Master’s or undergraduate degree in business, public administration, law, operations leadership, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated knowledge of BC First Nations governance, Indigenous laws, and protocols.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, operational planning, and organizational growth.
• Strong conflict‑resolution and crisis‑management skills with a restorative approach.
• Collaborative, mentoring leadership style with a focus on culturally safe, trauma‑informed environments.

Required skills

• Budgeting and financial planning.
• Operational performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Workforce planning and staffing management.
• Risk identification and mitigation.
• Implementation of Indigenous justice principles.