Job Description

The Position
Under the general supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer or designate, the Culture, Language, and Recreation Division Manager provides visionary leadership in the stewardship, revitalization, and promotion of the shishalh Nation's cultural identity, ancestral language (shashishalhem), and community recreation programs. The Manager is accountable for ensuring that all activities within the division uphold the traditions, values, and aspirations of the shishalh people while also meeting modern organizational and governance standards.
This role requires a balance of administrative expertise and cultural grounding. The Manager must be able to operate strategically at a governance level while also engaging directly with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and families. As a key member of the Nation's management team, the Division Manager ensures cultural continuity, language preservation, and recreational opportunities are integrated into the Nation's overall vision for community wellness, self-determination, and long-term prosperity.
The Candidate:
Leadership and Management

• Provide strong, culturally informed leadership to staff and contractors, fostering a supportive, respectful, and high-performing team environment.
• Supervise day-to-day operations of all division staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Establish division priorities that reflect the Nation's Strategic Plan, cultural values, and Council directives.
• Act as a role model in living out shishalh Nation values, ethics, and community responsibilities.
• Ensure staff capacity is built through mentorship, succession planning, and opportunities for Nation members to move into leadership positions.

Program Development and Oversight

• Design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs that preserve and strengthen shashishalhem, support cultural practices, and foster inclusive recreation.
• Develop multi-year strategies for language revitalization, including teacher training, immersion programs, and integration into schools and daily community life.
• Support Elders and Knowledge Keepers in transmitting teachings, stories, ceremonies, and protocols to youth and future generations.
• Expand recreational offerings to support physical wellness, social cohesion, and intergenerational learning (e.g., sports, outdoor education, cultural camps, wellness activities).
• Create systems for evaluating program outcomes and continuously improving services to meet community needs.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Actively engage with Elders, families, and youth to ensure programs are culturally authentic, accessible, and community-driven.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, museums, cultural organizations, recreation associations, and governments to strengthen resources and opportunities.
• Maintain open lines of communication with community members through regular outreach, surveys, forums, and timely updates.
• Advocate for the inclusion of shishalh culture and language in local, regional, and provincial initiatives.

Governance and Reporting

• Provide comprehensive reports, updates, and recommendations to the CAO and Chief and Council on cultural, language, and recreation initiatives.
• Draft policies, frameworks, and procedures that strengthen cultural governance, language preservation, and recreation standards.
• Ensure that cultural protocols are upheld in all Nation events, meetings, and activities.
• Oversee compliance with internal policies and external funding agreements, ensuring transparency and accountability in all operations.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage annual division budgets to ensure the efficient and culturally appropriate use of funds.
• Seek and secure funding from grants, partnerships, and government programs to expand and sustain initiatives.
• Ensure the proper management of cultural and recreational facilities, including community centers, sports fields, cultural sites, and archives.
• Implement cost-control measures while maximizing program impact and value for the community.

Service Delivery

• Promote a culture of "Service Excellence" throughout the department.
• Set a tone of leadership that is people-oriented, collaborative and focused on data-based decision-making.
• Participate in internal or external committees as required or assigned.
• Other duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Master's degree in Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Indigenous Studies, Education, Public Administration, Recreation Management, or related discipline may be considered.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in Indigenous governance, cultural programs, or community services.
• Proven experience in supervising staff, developing programs, and managing budgets.
• Demonstrated success in Indigenous language revitalization and/or cultural preservation initiatives.

Interpersonal Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of the shishalh Nation culture, history, traditions, and shashishalhem language (or commitment to learning).
• Understanding of best practices in Indigenous language revitalization, cultural continuity, and recreational programming.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to mentor staff and build organizational capacity.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to engage respectfully across all levels of the community and external partners.
• Strategic thinker who can balance cultural preservation with operational efficiency.
• Grant writing and fundraising skills, with a record of securing external funding.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, reporting tools, and project management software.
• Culturally grounded and committed to lifelong learning.
• Respectful, empathetic, and inclusive in working with Elders, youth, and community members.
• Flexible and adaptive to evolving community priorities.
• Strong integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive cultural knowledge.

• An acceptable Criminal Record Check is required.
• Valid Driver's License and access to a reliable car.

Skills Required