Director of Education at Potlotek… · Chapel…

Position Title: Director of Education Department: Education Location: Potlotek First Nation Position Type: Full-Time

Closing Date: July 6 2026

Position Summary

Potlotek First Nation is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and community-focused Director of Education to provide strategic leadership and oversight for all education programs and services. The Director of Education is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of educational programs that support lifelong learning and student success while advancing Mi'kmaw language, culture, identity, and community priorities.

The Director will oversee education services from early learning through post-secondary education and work collaboratively with Chief Operating Officer, Chief and Council, school administrators, staff, families, students, and external partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality educational programming and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for all PFN education programs and services.

• Develop and implement operational plans aligned with PFN priorities and applicable Collective Agreements.

• Oversee band-operated schools, early learning, student services, post-secondary support, youth programs, transportation, guidance, language and cultural programming.

• Support curriculum delivery, student achievement, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure programs meet applicable First Nations, provincial, federal, and funding requirements.

• Advance Mi’kmaw language, culture, traditional knowledge, land-based learning, Indigenous rights, and reconciliation.

• Identify and address barriers affecting student success, inclusion, and well-being.

• Supervise, mentor, recruit, and evaluate education staff while supporting professional development.

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, funding proposals, expenditures, reports, and agreements.

• Build partnerships with families, Elders, community members, educational institutions, governments, and Indigenous organizations.

• Provide regular reports and recommendations to the COO, Chief and Council, and other governing bodies.

• Promote a positive, respectful, culturally responsive, and accountable Education Department.

Additional Duties

• Represent Potlotek First Nation at meetings, conferences, committees, and educational forums.
• Lead or support special projects, strategic initiatives, and funding opportunities that advance educational outcomes.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, legislation, policies, and best practices in education and Indigenous education.
• Support community engagement initiatives and promote positive relationships with students, families, staff, Elders, and partners.
• Ensure departmental operations are conducted in a professional, ethical, and culturally responsive manner.
• Participate in emergency planning, organizational initiatives, and cross-departmental projects as required.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.Ed.) from an accredited institution.

• Valid Nova Scotia Teacher Certification.

• Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in education.

• Demonstrated experience in educational administration, program management, or school leadership.

• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, assessment practices, and educational programming.

• Experience managing budgets, funding agreements, and reporting requirements.

• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong understanding of Indigenous education and commitment to supporting First Nations learners.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Administration, Indigenous Education, or a related field.

• Experience working in a First Nation, Indigenous, or community-based educational environment.

• Knowledge of Mi'kmaw culture, language, history, and community priorities and how to align them to reflect in policies governing education.

• Experience with federal and provincial education funding programs.

• Experience working with Chief and Council, boards, or governance structures such as Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey.

• Experience working within unionized environments, collective bargaining and interpreting collective agreements.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position based in Potlotek First Nation.
• Primarily office-based with frequent interaction with students, staff, management, families, community members, and external partners.
• Fast-paced work environment requiring strong organization, multitasking, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Frequent exposure to confidential and sensitive information.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion required at all times.
• Strong commitment to supporting student success, achievement, retention, well-being, and positive educational outcomes.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• Flexibility in work hours may occasionally be required.
• Travel may be required for meetings, conferences, training, workshops, community events, and educational activities.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary will be based on qualifications and experience. Potlotek First Nation offers competitive pay and benefits.

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.