1. JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Director - Office of the Council of Chiefs
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Grand Chief - on behalf of the Council of
Chiefs
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR: Executive Director
DATE: July 11, 2001
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
Under the general direction of Chief and Council, ensures that the Office of the Council
of Chiefs (OCC) coordinates, organizes, structures and implements MCK politically
oriented activities with the Federal, Provincial and other governments. Supports Chief
and Council in establishing working relationships with a wide range of Federal and
Provincial institutions, First Nations political organizations, special interest groups and
professional expertise. Facilitates the development and implementation of political
policies and protocols as identified by Chief and Council. The incumbent acts as the lead
political advisor to Chief and Council and represents the MCK, as directed, in
discussions, and/or negotiations. Promotes and advocates the political positions of the
Mohawk Nation at Kahnawake as determined by Chief and Council and the people of
Kahnawake.
Provides overall guidance and direction to all OCC staff & advisors. Directs and controls
the day-to-day activities of the OCC and is responsible for the overall management of the
Office. Ensures that the OCC provides political and legal advise as well as
administrative and communication / public relation support to Chief and Council. Ensures
that the Office prepares analysis, work plans, operational structures, research,
correspondence, position papers, briefing materials, press communiqués and other
documentation as required by Chief and Council.
Ensures that the Executive Director is kept abreast of political activities and positions and
advises on policy formulation and implementation of such activities into the operations.
Consults and coordinates with the Executive Director on administrative and operational
matters. Collaborates with the Executive Director regarding new initiatives and
participates in the Operations Team, working groups and committees as required.
2. As a direct component of the MCK Directorate, is responsible for the constant quality
assurance for the organization. provides direction and leadership toward the
achievement of the organizations philosophy, mission, strategy and its annual goals and
objectives.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
The position requires a thorough understanding of the issues facing the community and
the community’s present and future needs. A sound knowledge of Council and
Community policies and directives as well as an understanding and respect for Mohawk
Traditional structures, philosophies, concepts and principals as embodied in the Great
Law is necessary. The position must be familiar with external government structures,
policies and positions as well as with First Nations organizations and institutions.
Political analysis, negotiation skills, supervisory skills, team management, operational
and financial management, along with excellent written and oral communication are
prerequisites for this position. The ability to converse in the Mohawk and French
languages is an asset and the willingness to learn the Mohawk Language is a requirement.
SUPERVISION:
This position has direct supervision over all managerial and advisory positions as well as
indirect supervision over the technical / administrative personnel within the Office of the
Council of Chiefs.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To Direct, Coordinate, Organize And Structure Mohawk Council Of
Kahnawake Activities, Positions And Strategies In Its Relation With External
Governments And Other Institutions.
Undertakes situational assessment and makes recommendations to Chief and Council
on means and ways to approach and resolve political and jurisdictional matters of
concerns between the MCK and other governments.
As lead political advisor to Chief and Council, attends and participates in weekly
Council meetings and other strategy and working group meetings with Council.
Meets on a regular basis with the Grand Chief to discuss and plan activities.
Ensures that position papers, briefing materials, communiqués, legal analysis and
opinions as well as proposals for Chief and Council are prepared and presented for
consideration.
Attends and / or ensures that technical personnel is provided to assist and accompany
Council members with meetings with other government officials.
Assists Chief and Council in establishing government-to-government agreements and
ensures proper orientation is provided for smooth implementation.
Develops structural work plans and strategies to meet political objectives.
Negotiates or appoints technicians to negotiate various political positions as required
3. by Chief and Council.
Establishes budgetary submissions and proposals for external government
consideration.
Consults with various organizations and institutions in the community in the
development and implementation of proposals. Develops internal and external
communication mechanisms.
Initiates and coordinates meetings as necessary to review situations, prepare strategies
and clarify positions. Coordinates working groups or task forces as may be required
to achieve objectives.
Ensures that all administrative / secretariat needs of Chief and Council are met in the
area of meeting coordination, administrative support services and executive services.
Ensures communication and public relation is well coordinated.
Ensure that the highest level of legal services is provided to Chief and Council as well
as to the MCK operations.
Accepts and performs special assignments of an urgent or critical nature.
2. To Plan And Direct The Professional And Efficient Functioning Of The Office
Of The Council Of Chiefs In The Areas Of Intergovernmental Relations, Legal
Services Communications & Public Relations As Well As The Secretariat /
Administrative Support For Chief and Council.
Establishes the general direction, objectives and sets priorities for the components
within the OCC in accordance with the MCK mission and Chief and Council
direction.
Conducts needs analysis, identifies and proposes office modification and upgrading
requirements, including the development of new systems, programs and resources.
Advises and guides OCC staff in approach and management of files and assignments.
Coordinates the activities and assignments of the OCC staff.
Establishes & coordinates OCC working groups, ad hoc committees etc.. as may be
required.
Ensures the development of clear communication links and inter-Office relations are
established amongst the components of the OCC.
Maintains an awareness and control of ongoing Office projects and activities to
ensure schedules and objectives are met in an efficient and effective manner.
Resolves disputes and maintains harmony consistent with the traditions of the
Mohawk people within the OCC ensuring a well-coordinated approach is taken to
address and manage files and activities.
Actively negotiates and pursues OCC funding requirements with government
agencies.
Ensures OCC budgets are carefully monitors and mitigate cost overruns and
adjustments are made within he authoritative levels.
Ensures operational procedures and policies are implemented, well understood and
followed within the OCC.
Evaluates on an ongoing basis the overall performance of the Office.
4. Sets standards for the delivery of services provided by the OCC to Chief and Council.
Directs and supervises on a senior level the OCC management.
3. As A Director Within The MCK, Participates On The MCK Operations Team
To Ensure An Effective Communications Network Exists Amongst All
Components Within The MCK And To Ensure A Collaborative Effort Is Made
In The Areas Of Planning, Policy Development And Resource Management.
Maintains a strong link with the Executive Director to ensure that the political
direction and initiatives are well coordinated and integrated into the MCK operations.
In conjunction with the Executive Director and other directors, ensures that a good
transition plan, impact assessment and implementation plan is prepared to facilitate
the operational and administrative results of the political activity.
Consults on a regular basis with the Executive Director on Administrative and
operational related matters. Seeks approval as required.
Establishes liaisons with various components, committees and authorities within the
MCK.
Keeps the Operations Team abreast of political activities and positions that may
impact on the other units’ operations.
In concert with the other Directors, develops annual global operational plans for
Chief and council approval.
Addresses operational issues and co-develops MCK operational policy and
procedures for Chief and Council approval.
Participates in strategic plenary session with operations Team & Council.
Assists in the development & management of the organizational global budgetary
requirements.
Provides and assists the Executive Director and other directors with presentations to
Chief and Council as required.
CONTACTS:
GRAND CHIEF: To obtain guidance, feedback, direction and assignments. To provide
information on the status of the OCC and political files.
CHIEF AND COUNCIL: To obtain general direction on political files and to provide
technical and advisory services.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: To obtain guidance and direction on administrative
matters. To provide information on OCC activities and to receive information concerning
operational and administrative matters.
OPERATIONS TEAM: To provide advice on politically related matters specifically to
coordinate efforts with regards to intergovernmental matters with the operational
directors. To participate on the Operations Team as an active member.
5. OCC MANAGEMENT & STAFF: To provide guidance and direction on day-to-day
activities and assignments. To establish operational policies and procedures within the
OCC unit as may be required. Is responsible for the immediate supervision of the
directors and managers and advisors within the OCC.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: To participate in and ensure that all
intergovernmental meetings, negotiations and interactions are well organized and
coordinated on behalf of chief and Council. Represents the Mohawk Council of
Kahnawake as required by Chief and Council. To advance Kahnawake’s position in
politically related matters on national, regional and local policies.
COMMUNITY MEMEBERS: To assist Chief and Council with the provision of
information and updates on politically related matters to the community. To be aware of
the Community issues & concerns and to assist Council with maintaining the public
agenda.
DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY:
1. Decides on short and long term priorities and objectives for the OCC .
2. Decides on strategy and approach on handling and addressing politically related
activities and files.
3. Decides on adequacy of reports, studies, agreements, analyses and recommendations
for submission to Chief and Council.
4. Decides on appropriate standards for performance, working conditions and service
delivery for the OCC.
5. Determines Office resources capacity and capabilities; workload management and
distribution of assignments.
COMMITTEES:
The position is required to participate as a member of the following committees:
CKR & QKR: Represents Chief and Council as a key negotiator for Kahnawake.
MCK Working Groups: participates in MCK working groups on politically related
issues and subjects.
Operations Team: Actively participates as a member of the MCK Operations Team.
Ad Hoc Committees: Participation as directed by the Grand Chief or Council. The role
of the position is to provide expertise and experience to allow for better decision-making.
6. WORKING CONDITIONS:
Normal & Virtual Office environment. Minimum 40-hour workweek. Flexibility in work
schedule required to meet deadlines and to attend politically related urgent matters.
Considerable stress and productivity pressure associated with attending to council needs.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Graduate Degree in Public Administration or Political Science with (3) years relevant
experience;
OR
Undergraduate Degree in Public Administration with Political Science background and
five (5) years relevant experience;
OR
High School Diploma plus ten (10) years relevant experience.
__________________________ _____________________________
Incumbent Date
__________________________ ______________________________
Grand Chief Date
__________________________ ______________________________
Executive Director Date