Director, Child & Family Services (DFNA)

Director, Child & Family Services (DFNA)

Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue
Cold Lake First Nation, Alberta
Full-Time | Senior Leadership

The Opportunity

Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue is seeking an experienced and values-driven Director, Child & Family Services (DFNA) to provide senior leadership to our child and family services programs and operations.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across DFNA programs and services. This is an opportunity for an accomplished leader to help shape the continued development of Indigenous child and family services grounded in Dene culture, community priorities and the self-determination of children and families.

The Director will lead people, strengthen systems, support organizational growth and ensure services remain accountable, culturally grounded, trauma-informed and focused on positive outcomes for children, youth and families.

We are looking for more than a strong program manager. We are looking for a leader who can see the bigger picture, make sound decisions, develop people, navigate complex systems and build trusted relationships with community, leadership and external partners.

About Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue

Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing, safety and success of children, youth and families through culturally grounded, community-driven services.

Guided by Dene teachings, values and traditions, we honour the strength of family, the wisdom of Elders and the importance of connection to culture, land and community. Through compassion, respect, accountability and collaboration, we work to strengthen families, promote healing and support child wellbeing.

The Role

As Director, Child & Family Services (DFNA), you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and continued development of Child & Family Services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership across DFNA programs, services and teams.


• Working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to support strategic and operational planning, policy development and organizational priorities.


• Leading and developing managers, supervisors and staff while fostering a strong culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning.


• Leading workforce planning, succession management and leadership development to strengthen organizational capacity.


• Establishing and monitoring organizational performance measures and using program outcomes to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.


• Leading the development and improvement of community-based child and family service models grounded in Indigenous values, self-determination and the principles of Bill C-92.


• Identifying emerging needs and service gaps and developing culturally responsive programs and services that strengthen children, families and community.


• Providing financial leadership through budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, funding accountability and financial oversight.


• Supporting audit readiness and ensuring compliance with funding agreements, financial policies and reporting requirements.


• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Chief and Council, Elders, community members, government representatives, funders, service providers and other partners.


• Representing DFNA at meetings, committees, working groups, community forums and events.


• Ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and organizational policies, including CYFEA and Bill C-92.


• Identifying and managing operational, financial, legal and service-delivery risks.


• Providing the CEO and Board with timely information, recommendations and advice regarding organizational performance, emerging risks and strategic priorities.

The Director exercises delegated authority for operational decision-making, staffing, resource allocation and financial management within approved budgets, policies and organizational authorities.

The Leader We Are Looking For

You are an experienced leader who understands that strong child and family services require both sound organizational leadership and a deep respect for community, culture and relationships.

You bring the confidence and judgment to make difficult decisions while remaining approachable and accountable. You know how to develop people rather than simply supervise them, and you are comfortable moving between strategic discussions with senior leadership and the realities of frontline service delivery.

You understand the importance of listening to community and recognize the role that family, Elders, culture, land and identity play in the wellbeing of Indigenous children and families.

You are also comfortable leading within an evolving organization. You can strengthen systems, improve processes, manage change and bring structure where needed without losing sight of the children, families and community those systems are intended to serve.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will bring:

• A minimum of seven years of progressive leadership experience, including senior leadership responsibility within Indigenous child and family services, Alberta Delegation, a First Nation or Provincial Children’s Services. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.


• A degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW) is considered a strong asset.


• Demonstrated understanding of CYFEA, Bill C-92 and Indigenous child welfare practices.


• Strong experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, program development and decision-making.


• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams and build organizational capacity.


• Sound knowledge of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, funding accountability, audit readiness, governance, policy development and legislative compliance.


• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, leadership, community members, government representatives and partner organizations.


• Knowledge of culturally grounded, family-centred, trauma-informed and prevention-focused approaches to child and family services.


• The ability to lead workforce planning, succession management, employee development and organizational capacity-building within a complex environment.


• Strong judgment, integrity and the ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must possess:

• A clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Intervention Record Check.


• A valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s Licence and reliable transportation.


• The ability and willingness to travel to communities and work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required.


• An understanding of and respect for First Nations cultural protocols, values and traditions.

What We Offer

Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue offers competitive compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a competitive benefits package in accordance with organizational policy.

This position offers the opportunity to provide meaningful leadership at an important stage in the development of Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue and to help shape services that directly impact the wellbeing of children, youth, families and community.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application through the “Apply for this Job” option on this posting.

Please include a current resume and cover letter outlining your relevant leadership experience, qualifications and interest in the position.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.