The Position:
Summit Search Group has been retained by Kivalliq Inuit Association on the recruitment of their Chief Operating Officer. The Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) is a designated Inuit organization representing the interests of all Inuit living in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Through its mandate, KIA works democratically to support the development, protection, administration and advancement of Inuit rights and benefits, and to promote the economic, social, political and cultural well-being of Inuit present and future generations. Operating from its base in Rankin Inlet, KIA engages in programs spanning land-use consultation, cultural preservation, economic development, education and community wellness.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as the senior executive responsible for translating KIA’s strategic vision into operational reality. Working collaboratively with their team, the COO will lead the day-to-day management of KIA’s programs, services, operational systems, and administrative functions. They will ensure that KIA’s operations are aligned with Inuit priorities, deliver high-quality outcomes in the Kivalliq Region, and support sustainable growth of the organization’s capacity, culture and impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee day-to-day operations across 8–10 departments—ensuring alignment with KIA’s mission, strategic plan, and the direction of the President/CEO and Board.
- Lead, mentor, and manage senior leaders (Assistant COOs, CFO, Directors, and General Managers), ensuring strong delegation, performance accountability, and a healthy, stable organizational culture.
- Translate Board and Executive Committee direction into actionable operational plans, systems, and workflows that guide organizational execution.
- Lead the annual operational planning cycle, including the development of performance measures, departmental priorities, and organizational dashboards.
- Oversee design, delivery, and evaluation of all programs and services, ensuring they reflect Inuit priorities, KIA values, and strategic goals.
- Serve as the primary operational advisor to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, providing timely reporting, analysis, recommendations, and follow-up.
- Lead financial oversight in partnership with the CFO, including budgeting, forecasting, funding compliance, and resource allocation to support organizational stability and growth.
- Represent KIA with government partners, Inuit organizations, industry, and the seven Kivalliq communities—ensuring respectful, transparent, and consistent communication.
Qualifications:
- Post-Secondary education in business administration, public administration, indigenous governance, or a related field.
- 8+ years of senior leadership experience in non-profit, indigenous public sector or community-based organizations; experience working in northern or Inuit-serving contexts is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of Inuit governance, the Nunavut land-claims framework, and cultural-community dynamics in the Canadian Arctic.
- Proven strategic thinker, able to translate high-level goals into operational plans and drive execution in challenging environments.
For more information, or to submit your resume, please reach out to Matt Erhard at Summit Search Group, matt.erhard@summitsearchgroup.com
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