Assistant Director, Housing and Infrastructure

Assembly of First Nations • Ottawa, ON

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Housing and Infrastructure, will play a critical role in leading the AFN’s Housing and Infrastructure policy and project management operations by leading teams of analysts to develop research, analysis, and reporting for senior management and Chiefs committees. The successful candidate will support the director by overseeing and implementing internal quality controls, developing systems for ensuring compliance with AFN policies and procedures, and developing high quality strategic advice and support for senior leadership. The role is central to strengthening internal processes to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and organizational sustainability. Through strong leadership and collaboration, the Assistant Director, Housing and Infrastructure helps ensure that AFN’s resources are applied strategically in alignment with organizational priorities.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in humanities, social sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in policy analysis, Indigenous governance, applied research, or project management, preferably within a government, non‑profit or Indigenous‑focused environment.
• Strong writing and project management skills are required.
• Experience in managing, mentoring, and developing staff from diverse backgrounds, fostering a supportive and high‑performance work environment.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership in government, non-profit, business, and philanthropic sectors.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments to support organizational goals and briefings to senior management.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with sound judgment in interpreting government policy and communications and supporting strategic decision‑making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and accessible.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability in managing sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

• Holding a Master’s or Ph.D. in humanities, social sciences, or related field is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and an understanding of their cultural, political, and policy contexts is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage policy teams to achieve AFN’s mandated goals and objectives.
• Manage, mentor, and develop policy staff, fostering a high‑performance and growth‑oriented team culture.
• Lead the implementation of work plans, ensuring the sector’s compliance with AFN’s policies and procedures, budgets, and third-party contracts and agreements affecting the operation of the Sector.
• Support the preparation and presentation of briefing material, reports, and analyses to the Senior Director, Economic Development & Infrastructure, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), senior management team, and the National Chief’s Office.
• Support the preparation and administration of proposals, budgets, contracts, strategic plans, work plans, and reports to funders, ensuring alignment with AFN strategic priorities and funding agreements.
• Maintain compliance with the AFN’s contracting and procurement policies and procedures, including by tracking timelines and ensuring high quality products, including scopes of work, terms of reference, and proposal evaluations.
• Manage the implementation of contracts, including timelines, milestones, budgets, and the quality and status of deliverables.
• Develop and implement project monitoring tools to support ongoing tracking and risk management for sector projects.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director on policy analysis, procurement, contracting, and project management, ensuring alignment with budgets and strengthening operational performance.
• Continuously review, refine, and implement operational best practices in policy analysis, project development, and project implementation.
• Assist the director in strengthening research, analysis, and strategic communication to ensure clear, accurate, and timely information is provided to the CEO, Management Committee, Chiefs’ Committees, and other key stakeholders.
• Build effective relationships with directors, senior leadership, government partners, and external stakeholders.
• Support policy requirements for proposals, funding agreements, contracts, and organizational initiatives.
• Anticipate and respond to operational issues, support and/or maintain external relationships, and ensure timely communication across AFN.

Benefits

• Employer-Paid Health Benefit Premiums – Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with premiums fully paid by AFN.
• Generous Pension Matching – A competitive pension plan with significant employer contributions to help you build your future.
• Ample Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days – Generous vacation entitlements, paid sick leave, and personal days, plus additional non-legislative time off throughout the year.
• Professional Development Support – Coverage for courses, certifications, and training to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
• Wellness Funds – Annual funds you can use towards fitness, mental health supports, or other wellness-related expenses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level