Executive Director
Fireweed Collective Society
Fort St. James, British Columbia
Position: Executive Director
Status: Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Extended Health & Dental, Professional Development Support, Vacation Entitlement
of 4 Weeks
Location: Fort St. James, BC
Relocation Assistance: Available for the successful candidate
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Start Date: Negotiable
Lead Meaningful Change. Build Strong Communities. Shape the Future.
Fireweed Collective Society is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and visionary Executive
Director to lead our organization through its next phase of growth, sustainability, and community
impact.
Located in Fort St. James, British Columbia, Fireweed Collective Society operates within the
unceded traditional territory of the Nak’azdli Whut’en, a member community of the larger Dakelh
Nation. We recognize the importance of building respectful relationships with Indigenous
communities and partners and are committed to providing services that are culturally safe,
trauma-informed, and grounded in respect, dignity, and self-determination. We believe
meaningful support is built through relationships, humility, and a willingness to listen, learn, and
walk alongside those we serve.
This is an opportunity for a leader who is passionate about supporting women and children
impacted by violence while building strong partnerships, strengthening community services,
securing new opportunities, and advancing meaningful change throughout the community. The
successful candidate will understand the importance of culturally responsive service delivery
and will be committed to fostering relationships that honour the histories, cultures, strengths,
and experiences of the communities connected to Fireweed's work.
The Executive Director serves as the primary ambassador, advocate, and relationship-builder
for the organization. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Indigenous
communities, government agencies, funders, community organizations, staff, and the Board of
Directors to strengthen and expand Fireweed's impact while ensuring operational excellence,
cultural responsiveness, and long-term sustainability.
We recognize that leadership comes through many pathways and encourage applications from
individuals with diverse professional, educational, community, cultural, and lived experiences.
We particularly value candidates who demonstrate cultural humility, relationship-based
leadership, and a commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all.
About Fireweed Collective Society
Fireweed Collective Society is a registered charity committed to a vision of a community free
from gender-based violence. Through safe housing, advocacy, outreach, wellness
programming, and community partnerships, Fireweed supports women and children fleeing
violence and works to create pathways toward safety, healing, empowerment, and long-term
stability.
The Society delivers a continuum of services including Transition House, Second Stage
Housing, Women's Outreach, and Women's Wellness programs, while fostering strong
partnerships that strengthen supports for women and families throughout the community.
At the heart of Fireweed's work is a commitment to feminist and trauma-informed practice.
Guided by the values of trust, compassion, reconciliation, decolonization, and learning,
Fireweed strives to create safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive spaces where women and
children are respected, supported, and empowered to lead healthy and self-determined lives.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair, the Executive Director is
responsible for providing strategic leadership and advancing Fireweed Collective Society's
mission, partnerships, community impact, and long-term sustainability.
The Executive Director serves as the organization's lead relationship-builder, advocate, and
community representative, cultivating strong partnerships with Indigenous communities,
governments, funders, service providers, and community stakeholders.
The Executive Director is responsible for identifying and securing funding opportunities,
pursuing organizational growth, strengthening community impact, supporting staff and
organizational culture, and ensuring the effective operation of all Society programs and
services.
The Board is seeking a leader who can build trust, strengthen organizational systems, support
staff, foster community relationships, and help guide Fireweed through its next phase of growth
and stability.
Key Priorities
The Executive Director will:
Build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, government partners,
funders, and community organizations.
Identify and secure new funding opportunities to support organizational sustainability
and growth.
Advance strategic partnerships that strengthen services, housing opportunities, and
community impact.
Raise the profile and visibility of Fireweed within the region and throughout British
Columbia.
Support a healthy, engaged, and high-performing workplace culture.
Ensure strong financial stewardship and organizational accountability.
Maintain high-quality, trauma-informed services for women and children.
Identify opportunities for future program expansion and organizational growth.
Responsibilities
Program & Service Delivery
Ensure programs and services align with Fireweed's mission, strategic priorities, and
funding requirements.
Monitor program quality, outcomes, and performance indicators.
Support continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery.
Ensure services remain trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centred.
Maintain compliance with contractual, licensing, accreditation, and reporting
requirements.
Support evaluation and reporting of program outcomes and community impact.
Strategic Leadership, Community Partnerships & Organizational Growth
Provide visionary leadership to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the
Society.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, leadership,
Elders, governments, funders, and community partners.
Identify emerging community needs and opportunities aligned with Fireweed's mission
and strategic priorities.
Advance collaborative partnerships that strengthen services, housing opportunities,
prevention initiatives, and community impact.
Promote Fireweed as a trusted leader and advocate for women and children impacted
by violence.
Identify opportunities for organizational growth, program development, and service
expansion.
Lead strategic planning initiatives in partnership with the Board.
Represent Fireweed at community meetings, regional forums, conferences, and
partnership tables.
Human Resources Leadership
Lead recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and performance management processes.
Foster a healthy, respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.
Support employee wellness, retention, and professional development.
Promote leadership development throughout the organization.
Ensure compliance with employment legislation, organizational policies, and
occupational health and safety requirements.
Address workplace concerns and conflicts in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.
Community Relations & Advocacy
Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Fireweed Collective Society.
Build strong relationships with local governments, Indigenous communities, service
providers, health partners, schools, justice agencies, and community organizations.
Advocate for women, children, and families impacted by violence.
Increase community awareness of Fireweed's services and impact.
Support collaborative approaches to addressing community needs and service gaps.
Promote principles of equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and cultural safety.
Fund Development & Organizational Sustainability
Lead the development and implementation of funding and resource development
strategies.
Identify, cultivate, and pursue new funding opportunities from government, foundations,
Indigenous organizations, corporations, and community partners.
Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective funders.
Oversee preparation and submission of grant applications, proposals, and funding
reports.
Monitor funding trends and identify opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
Work with the Board to diversify revenue sources and strengthen long-term
sustainability.
Pursue opportunities to expand programs, housing initiatives, and community services
through strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.
Represent Fireweed in funding discussions, partnership negotiations, and collaborative
initiatives.
Governance & Board Relations
Support the Board of Directors in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
Provide regular reports, recommendations, and strategic advice to the Board.
Ensure the Board receives timely and accurate information to support decision-making.
Support policy development, strategic planning, and organizational accountability.
Assist the Board Chair with preparation of meeting materials and organizational
reporting.
Implement Board decisions and strategic priorities.
Financial Stewardship & Risk Management
Lead development and management of annual operating and program budgets.
Monitor financial performance and cash flow.
Ensure effective financial controls and accountability systems are in place.
Coordinate annual audits and financial reporting requirements.
Ensure compliance with all funding agreements and reporting obligations.
Monitor organizational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Safeguard the organization's financial health, assets, reputation, and sustainability.
Organizational Compliance
Provides leadership and oversight to ensure the organization maintains compliance with all
applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, funding agreements, and contractual obligations.
This includes monitoring and supporting compliance with the BC Societies Act, Canada
Revenue Agency requirements for registered charities, Employment Standards legislation,
Human Rights legislation, privacy legislation, Occupational Health and Safety requirements, and
other relevant laws and regulations that impact the organization’s operations.
Maintains a strong governance and accountability framework by ensuring organizational
policies, procedures, and practices remain current, effective, and aligned with legislative
requirements, sector standards, and emerging best practices. Promotes a culture of ethical
conduct, risk management, transparency, and continuous improvement throughout the
organization.
Qualifications
Fireweed recognizes that leadership experience may be gained through a variety of pathways.
We encourage applicants with relevant education, professional experience, community
leadership, Indigenous leadership, and lived experience to apply.
Preferred qualifications include:
Post-secondary education in human services, social work, nonprofit management,
business administration, Indigenous studies, public administration, or a related field.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Minimum five years of progressive leadership or management experience.
Experience supervising staff and managing organizational budgets.
Experience working with Boards of Directors, funders, governments, and community
partners.
Demonstrated success securing grants, funding agreements, sponsorships, or other
revenue opportunities.
Experience building partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and
leadership.
Experience supporting organizational growth, service expansion, or community
development initiatives.
Experience within social services, housing, Indigenous organizations, non-profit
organizations, health services, or community development is considered an asset.
Understanding of trauma-informed and client-centred service delivery.
Leadership Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Relationship Building
Community Leadership
Partnership Development
Cultural Humility and Respect
Strategic Thinking
Fund Development
Advocacy and Influence
Financial Stewardship
People Leadership
Accountability
Communication and Collaboration
Integrity and Professionalism
Requirements
Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
Ability to attend evening Board meetings and community events as required
Ability to travel periodically throughout the region
Compensation & Benefits
Fireweed offers a competitive compensation package including:
Salary of $80,000 – $100,000 annually
Extended Health and Dental Benefits
Professional Development Funding
Vacation Entitlement of 4 Weeks
Flexible Scheduling Where Operationally Appropriate
Relocation Assistance for the Successful Candidate
How to Apply
Please submit:
Cover Letter
Resume
Applications should be submitted to: [email protected]
Pay: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
