Job Description

Job Title:

Director of Education and Language

Location:

Fort St. James, BC

Employment Type:

Full-time, Fixed Term (Two years)

Wage:

$100,000 - $120,000 Per Annum

About Us

Nak'azdli Whut'en is a proud Dakelh First Nation located near Fort St. James, British Columbia. Our community is deeply rooted in Dakelh culture, language, and values, emphasizing a connection to the land and a commitment to the well-being of our people. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive services that reflect our heritage and respect the unique perspectives and needs of our members. At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we strive to provide community-focused health and social services that uphold Indigenous values and address the distinct challenges facing our community.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Education to join our team at Nak'azdli Whut'en. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and Chief and Council, the Director of Education will be responsible for leading and overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally relevant educational programs. This role will also focus on fostering Indigenous language revitalization and promoting the preservation of Indigenous culture within the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development and implementation of culturally relevant educational programs that incorporate Indigenous culture, language, and values into the curriculum, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous heritage and knowledge. Oversee the management of budgets, funding allocation, and educational project coordination aimed at enhancing cultural education, language learning, and community recreation, while ensuring financial accountability and adherence to funding guidelines. Provide leadership and guidance to both the Education and Recreation departments, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes cultural education and community engagement, with active involvement and support from Elders and community members. Collaborate with department managers to identify grant opportunities, facilitate the application process, and ensure compliance with funding requirements to support culturally relevant educational and recreational initiatives. Engage with government agencies, community leaders, and Elders to advocate for culturally sensitive educational programs, recreational initiatives, and community development, building strong relationships and securing essential resources and support. Report directly to the Chief Operating Officer, providing regular updates on the progress, challenges, and successes of educational and recreational projects, as well as the status of funding initiatives and community partnerships. Oversee the Education Department, ensuring the effective implementation of educational programs and strategies. Monitor and improve graduation rates for K-12 students through targeted initiatives and support systems. Collaborate with language societies and Elders to develop a culturally rich curriculum that reflects the values and traditions of the Nak'azdli Whut'en community. Create and implement programs that cater to the specific educational needs of Nak'azdli Whut'en students, with a strong focus on language and cultural preservation. Work closely with youth and their families to provide guidance and support throughout their educational journeys. Collaborate with managers and stakeholders to work towards the establishment of Dakelh immersion programs within the education system. Represent Nak'azdli Whut'en at provincial and federal educational forums to advocate for educational opportunities and resources. Actively advocate for funding and resources to support the educational initiatives and programs for Nak'azdli Whut'en students.

Required Knowledge, Abilities & Skills:

In-depth understanding of Nak'azdli Whut'en culture, language, and curriculum development, with the ability to lead and develop culturally sensitive educational programs that align with the needs and values of the Nak'azdli Whut'en community. Exceptional leadership and management skills to oversee budgets, funding allocation, and project coordination, ensuring the effective delivery and sustainability of culturally relevant educational initiatives. Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community leaders, Elders, and organizational leadership, while advocating for the educational and cultural needs of the Indigenous community. Strong communication and negotiation abilities to engage with community members, Elders, government stakeholders, and organizational leadership, advocating for culturally sensitive educational programs and securing necessary resources and support. Deep appreciation and understanding of Nak'azdli Whut'en culture and language, with a strong commitment to honoring the traditions and values of the Nak'azdli Whut'en community. Demonstrated leadership abilities in overseeing an Education Department and successfully implementing educational programs that support the cultural and linguistic needs of the community. Proficiency in financial management, including budgeting and resource allocation, to ensure the effective functioning of educational initiatives. Proven track record in improving graduation rates for K-12 students through targeted interventions and supportive measures. Ability to collaborate with language societies and Elders to develop culturally relevant curricula that honor the heritage and language of the Nak'azdli Whut'en community. Experience in designing and implementing educational programs tailored to the specific needs of Nak'azdli Whut'en students, with an understanding of best practices in cultural education. Strong communication and relationship-building skills to work with youth, families, and community leaders, fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment. Strong managerial abilities to collaborate with and lead a team of educators, administrators, and support staff. Commitment to advocating for and implementing Dakelh immersion programs within the educational framework. Experience in engaging with provincial and federal educational authorities to represent the needs and aspirations of Nak'azdli Whut'en students, including advocating for funding and resources to support educational initiatives.

Education, Training & Experience:

Master's degree in education, Indigenous Studies, or a related field, with a focus on culturally sensitive curriculum development, Indigenous language revitalization, or community-based education. Extensive experience in leading cultural education initiatives, managing educational program budgets, and successfully advocating for and securing funding for Indigenous cultural and educational programs. Demonstrated expertise in collaborating with community leaders, Elders, government agencies, and organizational leadership in developing and implementing culturally relevant educational programs. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered, with a strong emphasis on demonstrated expertise in developing and leading culturally relevant educational programs within an Indigenous community context. Nak'azdli Whut'en membership or Indigenous heritage is considered an asset.

Indigenous Commitment

Nak'azdli Whut'en is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive work environment that reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples. We actively encourage and prioritize applicants from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities to apply. We recognize the importance of cultural knowledge and experience, and we honor and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Application Instructions

If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in Indigenous cultural education and meet the specified qualifications, please apply directly to this job posting.