Water Authority Project Manager

BACKGROUND:

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Environment, the Project Manager is responsible for leading the development and oversight of a First Nations-owned and operated Water Utility. This includes providing guidance to ensure the utility is sustainable, effective, and meets both community needs and regulatory standards. The Project Manager plays an important role in connecting the technical, cultural, and logistical parts of the project.

The role also involves tracking emerging issues, offering technical support to the Director, and preparing reports, position papers, and other materials with recommendations to support the development of a Water Authority. The goal is to create positive change and improve the health and well-being of southern First Nation citizens and communities. This position requires regular engagement with leadership and citizens of SCO member Nations throughout all stages of the project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Planning

• Provide project management expertise and guidance to initiate, lead, facilitate, coordinate, and provide direction, monitoring and oversight activity for the various stages of the Water Authority project
• Collaborate with First Nations leaders and rightsholders to develop project scope that will define the specific goals, needs, and expectations for the Water Authority project
• In consultation with SCO First Nation leadership, create a comprehensive project plan, including timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and budgets, ensuring alignment with the SCO Chiefs-In-Summit resolutions mandating Water Authority Development
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for program effectiveness. Conduct regular evaluations and prepare reports for the Director and other senior management
• Represent SCO at interjurisdictional or intergovernmental working groups, internal SCO working groups, and at external community tables and committees
• Communicate project updates, address concerns, and resolve conflicts both internally and externally

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Facilitate active engagement and involvement of SCO First Nations in all aspects of project planning and decision-making. Ensure that cultural perspectives, traditional knowledge, and local practices are integrated into the project
• Maintain strong, respectful communication with Chiefs, Public Works staff, treatment plant operators, and community representatives
• Liaise with external contractors to support project implementation
• Provide regular updates on the Water Authority project status
• Represent SCO in meetings and forums related to the Water Authority initiatives

Funding Proposals, Program, Reporting and Evaluation

• Assist and develop Water Authority Business Cases and Investment Strategies
• Draft plans, funding proposals, goals and objectives, and budgets for the Water Authority
• Write, collate, and submit annual program reporting (narrative and financial) to senior leadership and funders
• Create complex reports, analyze, organize, and theme data for internal and external publications
• Provide analysis of government and water service industry policy and legislation using a First Nations lens
• Prepare written correspondence, briefing notes, discussion documents, options papers, research reports, strategies, and action and advocacy plans and activities for the Director of Environment and senior management
• Monitor federal and provincial government policy, flag issues for senior management and communications
• Monitor and follow up on external correspondence to government and other partners

Administrative and Organizational Support

• Support planning related to Water Authority development and related priorities
• Maintain organized project records, correspondence, and documentation
• Supervise and support contractors working on Water Authority related initiatives to ensure quality and alignment with SCO goals
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Technologist Diploma, bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related field, and/or post-secondary education in a relevant field such as Indigenous Studies, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or Public Policy
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience, ideally within First Nations organizations, or the non-profit sector, including responsibility for operational and financial management. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience planning, managing, and evaluating federally or provincially funded initiatives in collaboration with First Nations
• Demonstrated success in networking, relationship building and cultivating trusted relationships with First Nation communities, leadership, and key stakeholders
• Demonstrated success in translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, including performance management and outcome tracking
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with SCO member Nations, government representatives, Indigenous organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Self-directed, highly organized, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Thorough understanding of First Nations culture, governance, and traditions—both on- and off-reserve
• Ability to speak Anishinaabe or Dakota is considered an asset
• Proficient with MS Office Suite

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must provide a current and satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector search
• Must hold a valid class 5 MB driver’s license
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle for business travel within Winnipeg and to partner sites or First Nation communities, with advance notice
• Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend meetings or events may be required
• If the employee is a member of a registered profession, they must be a member in good standing with their regulatory body

WAGE RANGE: $85,000 – $95,000 Annually

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, February 27^th, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.