Program Manager, Indigenous Relations

Program Manager, Indigenous Relations

The Metro Vancouver Indigenous Relations Department is seeking a Program Manager - Indigenous Relations. The Program Manager will lead a team of experts, develop excellent internal and external relations, and contribute to strategic advice to senior officials at Metro Vancouver to support relationship-building with Indigenous peoples.

Overview

The Program Manager, Indigenous Relations reports to the Director, Indigenous Relations, and falls within our Professional / Technical, Level 4 job family.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic direction, leadership, expertise, and support to both corporate and project teams to create and maintain a climate of commitment to relationships with Indigenous groups.
• Facilitates and / or develops and implements effective cross-project collaboration strategies and plans to proactively address a range of opportunities, issues, and project challenges, and develops policy and guidance products in this regard.
• Establishes, negotiates, and leads development of strategic Indigenous engagement plans, capacity and other funding, project impact assessments and accommodation agreements that outline the ways in which Metro Vancouver will support long-term relationship building with Indigenous Nations associated with existing and future major projects.
• Manages the collaborative engagement process for projects (e.g., regional parks, linear infrastructure, and major capital projects) as well as for management plans that support the organization's mandate, and establishes and improves consistent long-term relationships associated with existing and future major projects.
• Facilitates communication between project teams, project leadership, and the corporate executive.
• Leads the development of best practices for risk management, including tools, processes, and policies.
• Supports future procurement efforts with project teams.
• Remains current about relevant legislative changes and ensures they are communicated and implemented.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with each of the First Nations in the Metro Vancouver region.
• Provides input on recommendations to Metro Vancouver’s Senior Management Team on policies and procedures related to Metro Vancouver’s relationship with local First Nations.
• Develops, articulates innovative approaches for strengthening Metro Vancouver’s relationships with local First Nations.
• Develops, delivers, and promotes staff learning and development, including training on Metro Vancouver policies, plans and processes, for Metro Vancouver employees.
• Facilitates learning opportunities for Metro Vancouver staff that promote cultural competency, such as the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, Aboriginal–Crown relations.
• Assists the Director, Indigenous Relations, with preparation of reports for, and presentations to, Metro Vancouver’s Indigenous Relations Committee and, as needed, other Committees including staff-led advisory committees.
• Assists with the Indigenous Relations program’s budget preparation. Monitors and controls spending to ensure the effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds within the approved budget.
• Collaborates with Metro Vancouver’s Community Engagement Program Managers to share information, economize resources, and establish and maintain consistent standards, systems and processes. Works cooperatively with the Program Managers to ensure the delivery of effective, timely and consistent corporate messaging.
• Hires and supervises a team of experts; directs and develops staff monitoring performance towards division, department and corporate objectives; ensures adherence to collective agreements and corporate policies and provides feedback regarding development and performance expectations.
• Supports negotiating legal agreements between Metro Vancouver and local First Nations.
• Establishes effective working relationships with internal departments and external parties, such as First Nations, local governments, other orders of government and their representative agencies, and facilitates high profile engagement activities as a representative of Metro Vancouver.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Required Skills

Proficiency in budget monitoring and financial management, strong leadership and supervisory capabilities, advanced understanding of Indigenous policy and engagement, superior communication and presentation skills, and ability to negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Metro Vancouver is committed to cultivating a diverse, safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is reflective of the region we serve. If an accommodation is required during the recruitment and selection process, please contact careers@metrovancouver.org for support.

Application Deadline

Applications close February 4, 2026.

#J-18808-Ljbffr