Human Resources Director

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

Department: Administration / Human Resources
Term: Full-Time 1-Year Term (Ending July 29, 2027)
Hours of Work: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: Potlotek First Nation

Closing Date: July 6 2026

POSITION OVERVIEW

Potlotek First Nation is seeking a Human Resources Director to support organizational operations, employee relations, and workplace culture across all departments. Reporting directly to the COO, this position is responsible for coordinating and supporting human resource services and programs for Potlotek First Nation.

The successful candidate will work closely with Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and staff to support recruitment, employee relations, policy development, performance management, training, and overall HR operations. This role is important in promoting a respectful, healthy, and culturally safe workplace while ensuring compliance with legislation, organizational policies, and best practices.

Potlotek First Nation values an Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) approach, recognizing the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. The Human Resources Director will support practices that honour Mi’kmaq values, culture, relationships, and ways of knowing while also supporting effective human resource management and organizational accountability.

This position serves as a strategic support to leadership in areas such as workforce planning, labour relations, employee wellness, compensation and benefits administration, and organizational development. The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, cultural awareness, and the ability to build positive working relationships throughout the organization and community.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Support all aspects of human resource operations and processes in collaboration with the COO and leadership team.
• Lead organizational human resource planning and workforce development initiatives.
• Develop, review, implement, and administer Human Resource policies, procedures, and programs.
• Provide strategic HR advice and recommendations to the COO, Directors, Managers, and Supervisors.
• Coordinate and collaborate on recruitment and selection processes, including posting positions, screening applications, interview coordination, onboarding, and orientation.
• Develop and update job descriptions and organizational structures in collaboration with management.
• Support collective bargaining preparation, negotiations, grievance management, and labour relations processes as required.
• Support the administration of employee benefits, pension programs, leave management, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Liaise with external providers including pension, insurance, benefits, legal, and regulatory agencies.
• Support employee accommodations, attendance management, disability management, and return-to-work processes.
• Support organizational restructuring, workforce planning, and change management initiatives.
• Develop and maintain HR systems, procedures, reporting tools, and operational processes to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to leadership regarding staffing, workforce challenges, and organizational development.
• Support disciplinary processes, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution in accordance with organizational policies and applicable legislation.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel records and HR documentation.
• Coordinate employee training, professional development, succession planning, and performance management initiatives.
• Monitor and interpret employment standards, occupational health and safety legislation, labour relations, and human rights regulations.
• Support organizational compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate employee committees, wellness initiatives, training opportunities, and internal HR projects as required.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and culturally safe work environment.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and organizational planning activities as required.

Additional Duties

• Support departmental initiatives and organizational strategic planning.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, presentations, and HR updates for leadership as required.
• Assist with policy interpretation and implementation across all departments.
• Promote employee engagement, communication, and organizational development initiatives.
• Build collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education, professional training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• 5 years of progressive management experience in Human Resources, organizational leadership, or senior administration preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment standards, occupational health and safety, labour relations, human rights legislation, and organizational HR best practices.
• Experience in recruitment, employee relations, policy development, training and development, organizational planning, compensation and benefits administration, and performance management.
• Experience supporting labour relations processes, collective bargaining preparation, grievance management, and unionized work environments is considered an asset.
• Experience advising senior leadership and supporting organizational decision-making.
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, coaching, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgement.
• Professional Human Resources designation (CPHR, CHRP, CIHRP, or equivalent) is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management, HR systems, and record-keeping systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nation communities, governance, and culture is considered an asset.
• Experience working within Indigenous organizations, public-sector, or government environments is considered an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily office-based with frequent interaction with staff, management, and community members.
• Frequent exposure to confidential and sensitive information.
• Fast-paced work environment requiring multitasking, organization, and attention to detail.
• Occasional attendance at meetings, training sessions, workshops, and community events.
• Flexibility in work hours may occasionally be required.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion required at all times.

CONSIDERATION

Potlotek First Nation is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal applicants in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preferences Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

To Apply: 

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: 

Jocelyn Marshall, Chief Operating Officer
Potlotek First Nation 
Email: jocemarshall@potlotek.ca 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.