Responsible for Driving IBRI Strategic Vision and Daily Operations - (Executive Director)Contract

The Buffalo and the International Buffalo Relations Institute (IBRI) are looking for an individual responsible for driving the organization's strategic vision with BUFFALO as the CEO and the existing team of helpers. This new team member will be overseeing the finances and driving the fundraising efforts, managing the daily operations and supporting a healthy culture inside IBRI and with other responsibility holders across Buffalo Land. 

This individual will add their skills and passion to honor, recognize, and revitalize the time immemorial relationship between Indigenous Peoples with Buffalo and support the collective intention of The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal and Restoration (Buffalo Treaty). 

The ideal candidate will work remotely north of the medicine line and have a connection with the great plain’s ecosystem. The strategic leadership style will reinforce our organization structure based on Tipi’s epistemology and be a team leader that is outcome oriented and flexible. 

Contract terms: 

• September 1st, 2026, to March 2028 with potential renewal based on development success.  

• $92,000 + GST yearly, based on experience.

• Travel in AB, SK, MB, MT, WY, SD, ND or beyond will happen. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Under the guidance of the BUFFALO as CEO, the IBRI teams encompass all helpers including the Board of Directors, the individual responsible for Driving IBRI’s vision and daily operation will be:

• One of the public faces of International Buffalo Relations Institute (IBRI), creating and maintaining strong, collaborative working relationships with all IBRI partners, Buffalo Treaty signatories, and supporters. 

• Lead positive development efforts for both IBRI and BUFFALO with the leadership team to ensure organizational sustainability and proper growth. This person will also manage IBRI’s annual budget(s) and daily operations. 

• Manage contractors and HR needs, administer IBRI’s policies and programs to ensure a healthy and safe working environment under the Tipi model of shared responsibilities not delegated authorities. IBRI is a transformational based organization promoting Nature Positive Lifeways. 

• Lead the financial oversight, including funders reports, conducting audits and provincial and federal filings deadlines. 

• Participate actively in advocating on behalf of IBRI and Buffalo Nations to create and change legislation supporting Buffalo Rematriation, Nature Positive, grassland conservation and related funding with partners. 

• Participate actively in communications and marketing strategies and implementations, including the expansion of IBRI publishing arm and policy activations. 

• Maintain sufficient flexibility to respond to unplanned assignments where IBRI expertise is sought to support the implementation of the Buffalo Treaty and IBRI’s vision. 

• This position requires a professional working knowledge in nonprofit administration, partnership building, and First Nations in the Northern Great Plains and Western Boreal in Canada and the United States, as well as demonstrated experience in the field of cultural/natural relationships.

The main objective of the International Buffalo Relations Institute is the implementation of The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal and Restoration (Buffalo Treaty). The Buffalo Treaty is based on United Nations Declarations on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples and on principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.