ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER
Responsibilities
The Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) for Health and Social Development is a senior executive responsible for leading major health and social program areas across Nunatsiavut. Reporting to the Deputy Minister, the ADM provides strategic direction, oversees program delivery, manages budgets, and ensures services are culturally grounded, community driven, and aligned with Inuit societal values. This role plays a central part in advancing Inuit self determination, strengthening community wellness, and supporting the long-term vision of the Nunatsiavut Government.
Policies & Governance
Oversee the creation and implementation of culturally grounded policies in public health, mental wellness, social programs, and family services. Ensure policies reflect Inuit traditional knowledge, community priorities, and evidence-based practice. Lead legislative and regulatory development as required.
Program & Service Delivery
Provide executive oversight for health services, social programs, and community wellness initiatives across all Nunatsiavut communities. Ensure programs are accessible, culturally safe, trauma-informed, and evidence-based. Monitor performance, quality, and outcomes to support continuous improvement.
Executive Advice
Provide strategic, evidence-based advice to the Deputy Minister and Minister. Prepare and deliver briefings, reports, and recommendations on complex health and social issues. Support decision-making through analysis of risks, opportunities, and impacts.
Intergovernmental & Stakeholder Relations
Represent the Nunatsiavut Government in high-level discussions with: Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS), Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Government of Canada, Indigenous organizations, Community governments and service providers. Build strong relationships with Elders, youth, and community partners to ensure programs reflect Inuit needs and perspectives.
Financial Stewardship
Oversee multi-million-dollar budgets across health and social development programs. Ensure transparent, responsible financial management aligned with community priorities. Lead funding negotiations and manage contribution agreements.
People Leadership
Lead multidisciplinary teams across Department of Health and Social Development. Foster a culturally safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Mentor emerging Inuit leaders and support staff development.
Risk Management & Accountability
Identify and manage operational, financial, and reputational risks. Ensure compliance with Labrador Inuit laws, agreements, and reporting requirements. Promote transparency, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Public Administration, or a related field. Additional training in Indigenous health, trauma-informed practice, or health policy is considered beneficial.
Experience: 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in health, social services, community wellness, or public administration. Experience working with Indigenous governments, preferably Inuit, and familiarity with Inuit health and social realities. Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, and complex health or social program portfolios. Experience developing or implementing health policy, community wellness programs, child and family services, or mental health initiatives. Experience collaborating with federal/provincial health systems, community organizations, and remote or northern communities.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of Labrador Inuit culture, values, language, and Nunatsiavut Government governance structures. Knowledge of Indigenous health determinants, community wellness models, and culturally grounded service delivery. Familiarity with legislation and policy related to public health, social services, child and family wellbeing, mental health, and community safety. Understanding of northern health systems, remote-region service delivery challenges, and community-based care models.
Competencies: Strategic Leadership, Cultural Competency, Relationship Building, Decision Making, Operational Management, Communication.
Working Conditions
Based in Nunatsiavut with regular travel to all communities and other locations as required. Fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and high-level decision-making responsibilities. Frequent engagement with community members, elders, health professionals, social service teams, and government partners. Occasional participation in regional, national, or Inuit-specific health and social development forums. Work may involve visits to community health centers, social service offices, and wellness program sites.
How To Apply
Please submit your resume to careers@nunatsiavut.com. Applications should be submitted before 4:30 pm on closing day.