Director, Capacity Development

Position Title:

Director, Capacity Development

Supervisor:
Executive Director

Location:

Membertou Office

Employment Term:
Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date:
November 13th 2026

The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) Capacity Development department supports our five member First Nations, Membertou, Eskasoni, Potlotek, Wagmatcook and We’koqma’q, in strengthening governance and program capacity. Our work includes governance, planning, infrastructure, emergency management, community development and data governance.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Capacity Development leads the department’s strategy, people and performance. The Director supervises program managers, sets direction within approved priorities, and represents the department with member communities, funders and partners within delegated authority. The Director will play a central role in building a strong, stable team.

• Lead the department’s priorities, annual workplans and service improvements in line with UNSM’s strategic plan, member community direction and approved resources;
• Build strong working relationships with member community leadership, administrators and technical staff, making sure programs respond to community priorities;
• Represent the department with member communities, funders and government, and advise the Executive Director on strategy, risks and significant decisions;
• Oversee performance and continuity across all department programs, and resolve cross-program issues;
• Supervise and coach program managers, set clear objectives, conduct performance reviews and build accountability throughout the department;
• Lead staffing, succession and recruitment planning with Human Resources;
• Lead departmental budgeting and resource planning with the Chief Financial Officer and Finance, monitor spending and sustainability, and assess proposed new or expanded services for community fit, staffing capacity and full cost before commitments are made;
• Work with the Manager, Funding Development & Compliance on renewals, applications and funder reporting, making sure program teams provide accurate narratives and outcomes on time;
• Ensure the department follows UNSM’s HR, finance, procurement, records and privacy policies, including Indigenous data governance principles; and
• Provide regular updates to the Executive Director on service delivery, staffing, finances and decisions requiring approval.

• University degree in management, public administration, community development or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered;
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience, including supervising managers and leading multidisciplinary programs;
• Experience managing budgets, government-funded programs and partnerships, including Indigenous Services Canada funding;
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaw communities, governance and protocols, and experience working with First Nations at the regional and/or community level, is strongly preferred;
• Proven ability to build trust and lead a team through change, with strong judgment, coaching, communication and conflict-resolution skills;
• Ability to handle sensitive information with care, discretion, and integrity;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and able to learn new organizational systems;
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle, with ability to travel provincially, regionally and nationally, including regular travel to member communities; and
• Ability to understand, speak and translate Mi’kmaq into English is an asset.

The Director is accountable for departmental strategy, leadership…