Purpose
The Director of Programs provides strategic leadership for BCAAFC’s full program portfolio, advancing the delivery of culturally grounded, community-led initiatives across urban and off-reserve Indigenous populations in British Columbia. This position embeds an Indigenous lens to anti-violence, anti-racism, and disability and inclusion in all programs within the portfolio, a training and education mandate, cultural safety, and engagement focus in all programs, ensuring that services respond to community realities, systemic inequities, and Friendship Centre priorities.
As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director advises the Executive Director and Board of Directors on program strategy, implementation, and engagement priorities. The Director also supervises a team of BCAAFC employees including managers, program analysts, coordinators, and advisors, supporting their professional growth and fostering a collaborative, culturally grounded work environment.
The role bridges community-grounded program delivery with engagement at government, funder, and sector tables, ensuring BCAAFC programs are informed by research, aligned with advancing the quality of life of Indigenous peoples within urban environments, and responsive to the needs of Friendship Centres and the communities they serve.
Duties Include
Program Leadership & Strategic Direction
- Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of all BCAAFC programs, ensuring alignment with BCAAFC mission, Indigenous values, and community needs.
- Integrate principles of anti-racism, inclusion and disability, and anti-violence into program planning, delivery, and evaluation.
- Develop and implement training and education initiatives to build the capacity of Friendship Centres and other Indigenous organizations, ensuring they can effectively deliver programs and services.
- Translate community and Friendship Centre needs into actionable strategies, program models, and funding proposals.
- Collaborate with the Director of Policy and Research to ensure programs are informed by evidence, research, and sector best practices.
- Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to ensure effectiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Community Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, Friendship Centres, and advisory groups, to ensure programs respond to lived realities.
- Lead grassroots and community engagement strategies to inform program design and implementation.
- Represent BCAAFC at regional, provincial, and national sector tables, ensuring program perspectives and community priorities inform broader community engagement efforts.
- Advise and create opportunities for systemic change and funding support through program-related insights, while elevating the voices of Indigenous communities.
Team Leadership & Capacity Building
- Supervise and mentor a team of program analysts, coordinators, and advisors, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Assign work, monitor progress, and ensure program deliverables meet organizational and funder expectations.
- Support training, skill development, and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Promote alignment between programs, training/education, research, and policy initiatives across the organization.
Government, Funders & Partnership Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with funders, government ministries, and sector partners to support program sustainability and alignment with regional, provincial, and national priorities.
- Lead grant writing, proposals, and funding submissions to support program expansion and long-term capacity building.
- Oversee program budgets, financial tracking, and compliance in collaboration with finance staff.
- Provide programmatic insight and recommendations at government and sector tables to inform funding decisions.
Strategic Advisory & Organizational Alignment
- Provide advice and analysis to the Leadership Team on program strategy, emerging issues, and community trends.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Table to integrate evidence, data, and evaluation into program planning and community engagement initiatives.
- Contribute to organizational strategic planning to ensure program priorities are embedded across departments.
- Support cross-departmental initiatives, including communications, fund development, and sector engagement
Skills and Abilities
- · Deep understanding of Indigenous anti-violence frameworks, anti-racism, and disability and inclusion, governance structures, and systemic barriers affecting urban and off-reserve Indigenous peoples.
- · Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate programs grounded in community needs and Indigenous knowledge systems.
- · Strong leadership, supervision, and mentorship skills for multi-disciplinary teams.
- · Experience building partnerships and relationships across grassroots, government, and sector stakeholders.
- · Financial and budget management experience.
- · Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- · Ability to manage complex projects and priorities with cultural humility, empathy, and strategic vision.
- · Commitment to anti-oppressive, feminist, and culturally safe approaches in all program work.
Qualifications
- · Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, community development, or Indigenous service delivery.
- · Significant experience working with Indigenous communities, with knowledge of anti-violence frameworks strongly preferred.
- · Post-secondary education in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, Community Development, or related field (or equivalent lived and professional experience).
- · Knowledge of the Friendship Centre movement and urban Indigenous service landscape.· Experience in program evaluation, community engagement, and funding development and administration
Please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Human Resources
[email protected]
SUBJECT LINE MUST INCLUDE: Director of Programs
Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry.
Qualified applicants may be placed in a talent pool for other future positions within BCAAFC
Pay: $110,000.00-$140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Victoria, BC V8T 1E1
