Job Description

Who We Are

We, the We Wai Kai, embrace our language and culture to build a proud, healthy, safe, and self-sufficient community. We support and encourage each other to thrive through following the footsteps of our ancestral history, as stewards of our lands and waters, while balancing our role in modern day society.

Today, we are proud of our efficient government operations, ensuring a high quality of life for our members. To enhance this, we are also focused on existing and emerging economic development opportunities that will position us for continued growth and re-investment in our community. We pride ourselves on being a strong, self-sufficient Nation and look forward to what the future holds.

Position Overview

The Treaty and Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Nation's treaty negotiations, implementation projects, and related governance initiatives. This position manages treaty funding agreements, including British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC) funding, and project-specific funding. The Treaty and Communications Manager provides leadership to the Communications & Outreach Worker and Research Centre Coordinator, ensures timely and effective public engagement, and approves payments to contractors in accordance with policy. The Manager has primary responsibility for communications with the membership. This role requires organizational oversight, relationship building with key stakeholders, and ensuring that the Nation's interests are advanced in all treaty-related activities.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Communications & Outreach Worker and Research Centre Coordinator Assign work priorities, provide guidance, and ensure performance objectives are met Promote a positive and collaborative team environment

Treaty Negotiations Support

Provides administrative support to all treaty negotiations and implementation activities Oversee notetakings for all sessions and meetings, including a clear record of decisions, action items, and follow-ups Sets up and schedules all treaty and associated meetings (e.g., negotiation tables, working groups, prep sessions), including invitations, agendas, logistics, and materials Coordinates and participates in treaty negotiation sessions and working group meetings Tracks and reports on the progress of treaty-related initiatives to the Treaty team and Council

Financial Oversight

Manage BCTC funding and other project-related budgets, such as Treaty Related Measures (TRMs) and other grant funding initiatives, in compliance with funding agreements Approve contractor invoices and payments within delegated financial authority Monitor expenditures to ensure fiscal accountability

Project Management

Oversee treaty-related projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met Develop project work plans, schedules, and reporting mechanisms Engage external consultants, legal advisors, and subject-matter experts as needed

Community Engagement & Communications

Develop and implement a communication plan for the Nation, ensuring branding and consistency in all publications Works closely with the EA to Council and EA to Executive Director to develop information content for membership communications Oversee the Communications & Outreach Worker's document and media post development in all public information strategies Facilitate community information sessions, workshops, and updates on treaty progress Ensure culturally appropriate, clear, and transparent communications Prepare handouts, documents, and speaking notes for negotiating team, staff and Chief and Council for quarterly community meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) Develop and maintain a communication plan and schedule for community updates Ensure that social media and websites are appropriately updated with treaty-related and Nation information

Research & Information Management

Guide the Research Centre Coordinator in managing research, records, and historical documentation relevant to treaty negotiations Ensure information is well-organized, accessible, and secure Oversee document and data maintenance of all treaty materials, ensuring safe and confidential management of all treaty-related data

Liaison & Representation

Support the Treaty Team in meetings with the BCTC, federal and provincial governments, and other stakeholders Maintain strong working relationships with partner organizations, advisory bodies, and community representatives

General Administration

Ensure treaty achieve annual goals Oversees all aspects of treaty operations and administration and ensures Implementation of policies and procedures Ensures all deliverables required for all funding sources are complete and on schedule

Qualifications

Post-secondary degree in Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered Minimum 5 years' experience in project management, governance, or treaty negotiations, preferably in a First Nation context Understanding of First Nations culture and political environment Understanding of federal funding agreements and reporting requirements Superior planning, organizing and project management skills Effective written and verbal communication skills Experience managing staff and supervising multiple projects Strong knowledge of the BC Treaty Process and Indigenous rights Budget management and financial oversight experience Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills

Salary & Benefits

$75,000 - $95,000 per year Dental, medical, critical Illness Generous pension matching contributions of up to 9%

How to Apply:

To apply, please send a copy of your cover letter and resume to careers@wewaikai.com.

Application Deadline:

Open until filled

We Wai Kai Nation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous candidates and other underrepresented groups.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $75,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Dental care Extended health care On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:

Campbell River, BC V9H 1P9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):

As part of our commitment to supporting and increasing Indigenous employment, we invite applicants to self-identify. This question is voluntary and your response will remain confidential. Do you self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis)?
Work Location: In person