Position: Executive Director (1.0 FTE, negotiable)
Location: 626 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC
Reports To: Kilala Lelum Board of Directors
Application Deadline: September 14, 2025.
About Kilala Lelum
Kilala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative is an Indigenous-led health cooperative dedicated to providing culturally safe, trauma-informed, and holistic primary care to urban Indigenous communities in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Grounded in Indigenous knowledge and values, we integrate Western and traditional healing practices to support wellness, equity, and "decolonizing" healthcare for the betterment of all the people we care for.
As we do our work, we are guided by our values of equity and wellness, respect, kindness, Indigenous culture, love, Elder leadership, and, especially important, laughter.
Our Board of Directors
We are governed by a volunteer board of seven directors, who are elected by members of the stakeholder community at the Annual General Meeting. The directors work collaboratively with the Executive Director to set Kilala Lelum's vision and strategy, and oversee and support Kilala Lelum management.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) will provide strategic leadership to advance Kilala Lelum's mission, vision, and values while overseeing operations, human resources, partnerships, and program development. Kilala Lelum cares for over 2000 members, employs over 120 staff, and has an annual operating budget of over 10 million dollars. The ED works collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, clinical and program leads, and community partners to ensure culturally safe, high-quality health services.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Governance
Work with the Board to develop and implement Kilala Lelum's 5 - 10 year+ vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
Develop and refine organizational policies, structures, and service models in alignment with Indigenous health best practices.
Ensure compliance with funding agreements, legislation, and reporting requirements.
2. Operational & Program Management
Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring effective delivery of Indigenous medicine, primary care, cultural programs, and wraparound services.
Lead program evaluation, quality improvement, and expansion of Indigenous health initiatives.
Supervise team leads (medical, nursing, administrative, cultural, outreach, and community programs).
3. Financial & Resource Stewardship
Develop and manage budgets, funding proposals, and financial reporting.
Secure sustainable funding through grants, partnerships, and fundraising.
Optimize resources to support staff, Elders, and community needs.
4. Community & Partner Engagement
Foster relationships with Indigenous communities, particularly the Host nations (x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wu7mesh (Squamish), and s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations), health authorities (VCH, FNHA), UBC, and other stakeholders.
Support the development of the First Nations Aboriginal Primary Care Network (FNAPCN) and partnerships with Indigenous primary care clinics in Vancouver.
Advocate for Indigenous health equity and integrate community feedback into services.
Represent Kilala Lelum in partnerships, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives.
5. Cultural Safety & Team Leadership
Promote a workplace grounded in cultural humility, lateral kindness, and trauma-informed care.
Lead and support Elders, Knowledge Holders, and cultural staff in integrating traditional healing practices, knowledges and medicines into our ways of caring.
Mentor staff, conduct performance reviews, and nurture a collaborative team environment.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate brings proven success in comparable leadership roles, demonstrating the following competencies:
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