Director of Child, Youth and Family Services in Winnipeg

Reporting to the Executive Director of Operations, the Director of Child, Youth and Family Services is a senior leader within the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), providing strategic leadership to advance the wellbeing, safety, and long‑term success of First Nations children, youth, and families. The Director oversees a diverse portfolio of programs while leading initiatives that strengthen First Nations jurisdiction, promote culturally grounded service models, and improve outcomes through child welfare reform, youth development, family violence prevention, Jordan’s Principle implementation, and healing from historical harms.

Working collaboratively with Anishinaabe and Dakota Knowledge Keepers, member Nations, southern First Nations Child and Family Services agencies, and government partners, the Director advances innovative policies, governance approaches, and system improvements that reflect First Nations values and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Systems Change: Advance long‑term improvements in child and family services by identifying systemic barriers and promoting prevention‑focused, culturally grounded approaches that strengthen First Nations leadership, family wellbeing, and community outcomes.
• Drive Policy Development: Lead research, policy analysis, and engagement activities that support Anishinaabe and Dakota family law, child welfare reform, and broader systems transformation. Provide strategic advice to SCO leadership on emerging legislation, policies, and issues affecting First Nations children, youth, and families.
• Oversee Programs: Provide leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio, including Child Welfare initiatives, Jordan’s Principle, Youth Programs, Waakaabit and Woksape initiatives, Family Violence Prevention, Childhood Claims supports, and the Residential School Research Project. Ensure programs are effective, accountable, and contribute to broader policy and systems change.
• Build Relationships and Engage Communities: Foster strong partnerships with member Nations, Anishinaabe and Dakota Knowledge Keepers, governments, Indigenous organizations, service providers, and research partners. Lead meaningful engagement that reflects community priorities, cultural knowledge, and the voices of children, youth, and families.
• Monitor Performance and Advance Learning: Promote continuous improvement through program evaluation, research, performance monitoring, and knowledge sharing. Prepare reports and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership to support informed decision‑making and long‑term impact.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Indigenous Studies, Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare, Indigenous governance, social services, policy development.
• Strong knowledge of First Nations child welfare, culturally grounded service models, prevention‑based approaches, and the impacts of colonialism, Residential Schools, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial child welfare legislation, policy, and funding frameworks affecting First Nations communities.
• Experience in strategic leadership, policy development, research, community engagement, and systems transformation.
• Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships with First Nations communities, governments, Indigenous organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to speak Anishinaabe or Dakota is an asset.