Manager of Programs

Job Description

AANISCHAAUKAMIKW (CREE CULTURAL INSTITUTE)

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Manager of Programs

 

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director

SUPERVISES:

Department of Programs,
Collections and Exhibits,
Archaeology,
Guest Services

KEY COLLABORATIONS:

Collections & Exhibits Staff,
Coordinator, Facility Management
Cultural Coordinators of the Cree Nation
Cree School Board

Aanischaaukamikw is the cultural center for the nine Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee in Northern Quebec. This major facility, designed by celebrated architect Douglas Cardinal, in collaboration with Rubin and Rotman associates, is located in Ouje-Bougoumou, QC, a community of 1000 persons. Aanischaaukamikw is a multi-purpose cultural entity, bringing together regional cultural programming for the Cree Nation for all to share on-site and throughout the communities. This 30,150 square foot building has a 3,000 square foot long term and temporary exhibition spaces, visible storage, a documentation and resource center, a state-of-the-art collection storage (including archeology) and workspace for some 40 employees, as well as for the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA) and Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association (CNACA).

Aanischaaukamikw finds its foundation in the concept of aanischaa which refers to a bridging or continuity, to ensure that Cree traditions, knowledge and values are passed on from generation to generation. Aanischaaukamikw is both a place of healing and a place in which to celebrate, protect and enhance Cree language and culture. Working closely with the Cree Nation Government and the nine communities, it supports local and cultural activities and further develop regional programs.

Aanischaaukamikw as a regional Cree entity, works with the Cree Nation Government and with the James Bay Cree Cultural Education Centre to consolidate existing cultural programs and activities. With the involvement of Elders in all aspects of Cree culture, it supports healing and traditional gatherings, promotes Cree artists, produces, collects archival historical materials for the documentation center’s library and archives, and does research for the establishment of a Cree Language Commission. In recent years, extensive research has been carried out on Eeyou Istchee traditions relating to the land, especially place names, stories, and legends, historic sites and archaeology. Aanischaaukamikw also provides technical support for the preservation and proper management of historical and archeological documentation of the Cree Nation and develops new programs in collaboration with the regional and local partners of the Cree Nation.

GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Aanischaaukamikw is a charitable, not-for-profit institution that is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors which is composed of nine Cultural Coordinators and two Elders, as well as the  resident, Vice-President and Secretary. The annual operating budget is approximately $3 million dollars. The Manager of Programs reports to the Executive Director and is a key member
of the Programs department.

PROGRAMS

Aanischaaukamikw’s goal is to preserve and pass on Cree traditions to its growing communities as a living museum/Cree cultural center. Our program provides a community network on-site and through the Internet to learn about the Cree Culture. The contribution of the Elder’s knowledge and wisdom is shared with younger generations using state-of-the-art and traditional means. This includes oral history, exploration, and acquisition of artifacts of Cree traditional culture through identification, preservation, research, permanent and traveling exhibitions, granting programs, and professional development.

Aanischaaukamikw does not only attract Crees, but other First Nations from Canada, and tourists and visitors from across Canada and Europe. It is of interest to note that 93,000 tourists visited the Baie James tourism region in 2016.

CONTEXT AND NEED

The Manager of Programs is a full-time, permanent position that reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for establishing the strategic direction and profile of Aanischaaukamikw’s museum Cree culture, education, and language programs including communications & gatherings. Programs may be conceived either as direct support and animation of the exhibitions and collections and/or independent of these.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Programs is responsible for the strategic development of the policies, purpose, and content of Aanischaaukamikw’s programs, as well as overseeing the organization, presentation and partnering for programs and activities in education, language, outreach through electronic technology, storytelling and performing arts. They will  also be responsible for defining the requirements for the hiring, training and supervision of the staff that will deliver these programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the Executive Director and with the support of the Administrative Technician, Finance, develop and establish programs and activities for the museum in accordance with Aanischaaukamikw’s mandate.
• Participate in establishing, organizing, and promoting Aanischaaukamikw’s museum cultural, educational, language programs through electronic technology, storytelling and performing arts.
• Provide advice and support the strategic direction on all programs and activities delegated by the Executive Director.
• Participate in the organization’s strategic, financial and human resources planning.
• In collaboration with program staff, define research plans and proposals for programs and activities.
• Provide oversight and management support for the Resource Centre and Gatherings sections as well as for all Communications functions.
• Work with appropriate staff, define the strategic direction and its implementation for the Resource Centre, Gatherings and Communications.
• Define and develop the human and financial resources required to carry out these directions; ensure their implementation; evaluate, monitor, and adjust as required.
• Oversee and coordinate supporting teams (Archeologist, Guest Services Associate, Collections and Exhibits staff) to ensure that all programs and activities are managed according to Aanischaaukamikw’s agreements, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluates programming and activities and plans for adjustments or changes in order to continually improve stakeholder and client experience and engagement.
• Evaluate the performance of, and provide training, support, and development opportunities for overseen staff.
• Manage teaching resources, including online resources, as well as ensuring accessibility of Aanischaaukamikw as a research hub.
• Work with Guest Services to implement workshops and school programs.
• Sit on the Acquisitions Committee and on the Loan Committee and are part of the Emergency Preparedness Planning Working Group (EPPWG).
• Represent Aanischaaukamikw in negotiations with potential partners related to the organization and presentation of programs and activities.
• Negotiates on behalf of Aanischaaukamikw with respect to financial aspects of Aanischaaukamikw programming.
• Explore regional, provincial, and federal funding opportunities as they relate to programming and collections development and research.
• Ensure compliance with financial agreements, policies and procedures. Ensure that all programs and activities are managed according to Aanishcaaukamikw’s agreements.
• Manage, coordinate, and supervise summer interns (or students) to support and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the institute.
• Attend meetings and make presentations to the appropriate Board and community committees.
• Keep detailed inventories of collections, furnishings, and supplies.
• Promote and raise the profile of ACCI.
• Perform other duties related to the portfolio as requested from time to time

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•  Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to cultural development, education and/or history, or any equivalent combination of education and experience in program development and
  delivery.
• Master’s degree is considered an asset.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in a position responsible for cultural program development, management and delivery, ideally within a Cree entity
• Experience with Cree entities and their culture-related programs is considered a major asset

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Strong skills in managing and supporting staff in a complex environment.
• Proven success in maintaining strong communications, including the ability to facilitate a team effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as good public speaking abilities.
• Knowledge and experience in the development of strategic communications initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Quebec curriculum.
• Strong knowledge of the Cree culture.
• Knowledge and experience with Cree entities and their culture-related programs is considered a major asset.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to details and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proven ability to demonstrate sound judgement in complex situations.
• Proven ability to problem-solve, think strategically, and take initiative.

LANGUAGES

• Fluent in English, written and oral.
• Fluency in Cree and /or in French is an important asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Start Date: December 4th, 2023
• This position is on-site, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday with the occasional evenings and weekends
• Salary: $84, 845.00 – $106, 057.00. (Salary structures are currently under review.
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required
• Eligible for Northern living allowances
• Assistance with housing for applicants from outside the community
• Competitive benefits package including paid vacation and a pension plan
• Holidays closure (two weeks)
• The selected candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.

The ACCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please send your cover letter and resume, as one document, by November 1st, 2023 at

17:00 PM to the following contact:

Kathy Shecapio

Executive Director

kshecapio@creeculture.ca