Chief Executive Officer

The Organization

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada’s national voice for Aboriginal sport, physical activity, and recreation bringing together the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Established in 1995, the ASC was created through a national consensus-building process, in response to the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal peoples. This mandate has expanded to include physical activity. Now, in 2019, there are perceived new opportunities to expand advocacy and program areas again, to include health, nutrition, physical education, wellness, etc.

As a member-based organization, each regional association carries the mandate to represent the grassroots interests of the Aboriginal peoples in their jurisdiction. It is their collective regional voice that guides the direction of the ASC and establishes its national priorities. The ASC partners with Aboriginal and mainstream organizations to bring expertise in athlete and coaching development, physical literacy, and physical activity programs, to Aboriginal communities throughout Canada. The ASC is also the franchise holder for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), and annually hosts the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), in addition to effecting policy change at the highest levels of government.

Since 1995, the ASC has made significant contributions to the development of sport, physical activity, and recreation in Canada. A summary overview of the contributions can be found here.

Mission

The ASC is a member-based, not-for-profit organization that exists to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples and communities through participation in sport, physical activity, and recreation. Specifically,

the ASC,

1. Provides a national voice for Aboriginal sport, physical activity, and recreation;
2. Builds capacity at the national, provincial, and territorial levels in the design, delivery, and evaluation of sport, physical activity, and recreation programs that are culturally appropriate for Aboriginal peoples;
3. Ensures national policies and frameworks pertaining to sport, physical activity, and recreation respond to the needs of Aboriginal peoples and communities;
4. Facilitates the development and training of individuals to be effective leaders for Aboriginal participants in sport, physical activity, and recreation;
5. Recognizes and promotes best practices in sport, physical activity, and recreation for Aboriginal peoples;
6. Oversees the development and delivery of national and international programs that enhance

the participation of Aboriginal peoples in sport, physical activity, and recreation.

This work is accomplished directly with ASC member organizations and through strategic partnerships.

Vision

The ASC strives for:

• Healthier, more active Aboriginal peoples in vibrant communities that are fully engaged in sport, recreation, and physical activity;
• National systems that systemically include Aboriginal peoples and organizations in strategies, initiatives, programs and services;
• Provincial/territorial and local capacity development that serves the unique needs of Aboriginal peoples at community levels;
• Adequately resourced sport, physical activity and recreation systems that are culturally appropriate and enable Aboriginal peoples to achieve success from the playground to the podium;
• Finally, these outcomes have a positive impact on broader sector agendas including, but not limited to, economic development, health, mental health, environment, and justice for all

Governance

The current 7-member Board of Directors brings decades of knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal sport, physical activity, and recreation priorities and issues in urban, rural, and on-reserve contexts across the country, as well as extensive experience in Indigenous research and policy development and evaluation at the local, regional, and national levels.

The Opportunity

The ASC is seeking an engaging leader to serve as their Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and chart a new path forward for the organization. The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and is joining at the start of a new strategic planning cycle. Responsible for facilitating and implementing the strategic plan for the organization to thrive, this timing will allow the CEO to accelerate their transition into the organization while understanding the trends, opportunities, external factors, and relationships that are key to organizational growth and development.

This opportunity will appeal to a highly engaged and motivated leader, who is an experienced administrator and enthusiastic about embracing new initiatives and leading change. The CEO will have superior communication and interpersonal skills, be strategically oriented, and a resourceful thinker. This will allow them to represent the mission of ASC and be successful in leading advocacy while developing and creating partnerships and attracting new sources of funding. Strong skills in prioritization and project management will allow the CEO to carry out their work-plans while devoting energy to strengthening the internal supports and the external programming for ASC. This includes expanding the ASC team. The successful candidate will have strong financial acumen and familiarity with non-profit management practices and governance.

The CEO will believe in collaborative engagement (both internally and externally) and will undertake this with the goal of best representing and supporting the member organisations. The CEO must have an understanding and appreciation for diversity and building intercultural relationships. They will have a deep passion for engaging with grassroots communities, likeminded organizations, government, as well as the ASC’s regional membership. They will lead the dialogue for Aboriginal sports nationally and expand inclusion areas outside of sport.

If you are looking for a rare opportunity to lead social change in multiple overlapping sectors nationally and to help Aboriginal peoples and communities work towards their vision for a healthier tomorrow through sport, physical activity, and recreation – this is the position for you. The ASC is seeking a leader with integrity, an innovative and flexible approach, and passion and enthusiasm about the ASC’s mandate and vision.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years directly related experience with demonstrated leadership experience;
• Post-secondary degree in business, public administration, or another related discipline;
• Demonstrate excellent management and administrative skills including strategic planning, human resource management, financial management, program management, and policy development;
• Experience reporting to a Board of Directors and funding partners;
• Demonstrated success in developing, managing and growing strategic partnerships with Aboriginal organizations, communities, as well as the private, not-for-profit, and Government sectors;
• Accomplished track-record of working effectively with Aboriginal peoples, communities, and a thorough understanding of Aboriginal sport and physical activity issues in Canada;
• Knowledge and respect for Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing;
• Demonstrated professionalism, judgment, diplomacy, tact, and sound decision-making abilities.

To Apply

The Aboriginal Sport Circle is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Aboriginal ancestry.

To further explore this exciting national executive leadership opportunity, please call or submit your application in complete confidence, including covering letter and resume, to Nicole Perry at nicole@leadersinternational.com or call: 613-788-8253 ext. 105.