Careers
BC Local Government Job Posting Service
Manager Strategic Initiatives First Nations Relations
Req ID: 848
Division: First Nations Relations
Position Purpose
This position provides strategic leadership, analysis, relationship-building and negotiation skills to support CRD senior leadership, Directors and all divisions to build and strengthen respectful, reciprocal government-to-government relationships with First Nations in the region, including the development and implementation of protocol agreements. This role will facilitate the education, policy development and organizational transformation required to integrate First Nations’ aspirations and interests and the CRD’s Statement of Reconciliation into CRD governance, planning and operations.
Key Accountabilities/Position Outcomes
- Provides leadership, support, advice, and guidance to CRD staff, senior leadership and Board Directors on matters regarding First Nations relations and initiatives.
- Leads organizational engagement with First Nations, including substantive negotiations.
- Leads the research, analysis, development and implementation of strategic initiatives (e.g. memorandums of understanding, protocol agreements, service agreements and engagement frameworks to facilitate relationship-building with First Nations).
- Builds and maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations staff and leadership.
- Collaboratively engages with CRD divisions across the organization to formulate approaches to negotiations and to develop and implement new policy and operational approaches that integrate First Nations’ requests.
- Develops and delivers educational and relationship-building events.
- Prepares and recommends strategies, policies, procedures, and communications on matters regarding First Nations relations.
- Stays current on the broader political, legal and implementation context, maintains relationships with external partners, and brings learnings and emergent strategies to the CRD.
- Responsible for providing back up support for the Manager, First Nations Relations role, including the leadership and management of employees and contractors within area of responsibility.
- Follows all policies, procedures and standards of the CRD.
- Performs other related duties that are similar in scope and complexity, as required.
Qualifications
- Masters degree in a related discipline
- A minimum of 5 years' directly related experience
- An equivalent combination of education and experience
Role Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Self-motivated professional with a commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion, who thrives on building collaborative partnerships.
- Strong ability to offer strategic advice on complex, cross-departmental and political issues that considers the short and long-term consequences and options to effectively manage potential outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability in building and maintaining respectful working relationships with Indigenous peoples, with a preference for experience working with First Nations in the CRD region.
- Ability to effectively lead, support and facilitate multi-disciplinary teams in relationship-building and interest-based negotiations.
- Ability to build understanding amongst CRD staff and leadership regarding the goals and aspirations of local Nations.
- Exemplary diplomacy, tact and communication skills, verbal and written.
- Proven problem solving, decision-making and issue management skills.
- Significant attention to detail, ability to identify emerging issues and prioritize appropriately to meet deliverables, outcomes and deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and draft policy, protocol agreements, decision-making documents (e.g., briefing notes), and/or communications documents (e.g. speaking notes).
- Knowledge of First Nations’ governance structures and the historical, cultural and legal context for Indigenous self-determination.
- Knowledge of the CRD’s moral obligations for strengthening relationships with First Nations.
- Knowledge of local government operations, legislation or governance is an asset.
- Knowledge of the issues in one or more of the substantive topic areas under negotiation (e.g., traditional use access agreements, protected areas management, shared decision-making, solid waste management, environmental monitoring and protection, Indigenous Guardian programs, heritage conservation, land use planning).
- Demonstrated ability to manage collaborative policy, project and program development in multidisciplinary settings, including managing concurrent projects with competing priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint).
Leadership Profile
Professional/Individual Contributor Level 3 (P3)
Leaders at this level are generally recognized as fully qualified professionals who apply their in-depth knowledge and experience and best practice in their own discipline to respond to a wide range of moderately complex and complex problems and situations. They interpret and respond to client needs and improve products or services in their own area. Working with minimal direction, they monitor and control costs within their own work, explain difficult issues to establish consensus, and promote teamwork, potentially coaching and guiding others.
While CRD Leaders are accountable to all Leadership Competencies, the competencies listed below have particular relevance to this position. Click here for a complete definition of our Leadership Levels and Competencies.
Leadership Competencies
Sees the Big Picture
Understands the Politics
Builds Partnerships
Creates a Common Vision for Change
APPLICATIONS
Closing Date: This position will remain open until filled
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please go to www.crd.bc.ca and click on Careers to submit your resume and covering letter online. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply and may consider a combination of experience, education and/or training where possible.
The Capital Regional District wishes to thank you for your interest and advises that only those candidates under active consideration will be contacted.
Employment Length: Permanent
Education Requirement: Master’s degree
Job Experience: 5 years or more
Rate: $115,323.32 to $135,674.27 Year
