Assistant Manager, Indigenous Relations

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Assistant Manager of Indigenous Relations is responsible for:

• Coordinating and implementing the City’s evolving strategic direction around the Reconciliation Framework and reconciliation efforts;
• Coordinating and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) at the City of Vancouver;
• Liaising with other levels of government to coordinate, inform and further ongoing reconciliation efforts.

This position works collaboratively across City divisions and agencies to build strong relationships with government partners as well as key local, regional, national and global stakeholders to support Council direction and advance the City’s strategic interests and initiatives.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Stewards, implements and reviews the City of Vancouver Reconciliation Framework.
• Prepares the City of Vancouver Annual Reconciliation Report.
• Identifies opportunities within the City to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada Call to Actions as well as to decolonize City processes, practices and policies.
• Develops plans and projects to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada Call to Actions as well as to decolonize City processes, practices and policies.
• Works collaboratively with departments and agencies across the City of Vancouver to develop and implement corporate-wide reconciliation initiatives.
• Researches, monitors, analyzes and reviews regional, provincial, and federal policies, legislation and programs to foster relationships, leverage opportunities and advance its policy objectives.
• Liaises and stewards relationships with other levels of government as well as the Union of BC Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to achieve mutual objectives and informed decision-making.
• Advises the Senior Director, Indigenous Relations, Senior Director, Intergovernmental Relations & Strategic Partnerships, the City Manager and other senior City staff on local, regional, national and global issues and policies that could impact the City.
• Supports the development of strategic briefing materials for elected officials and senior staff for key meetings (i.e. Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation, Metro Vancouver, UBCM, FCM etc.).
• Maintains systems for managing sensitive and confidential intergovernmental information on behalf of the City of Vancouver.
• Provides timely information and prepares confidential briefing documents ahead of important meetings and events.
• Coordinates submissions to other governments on issues affecting Vancouver.
• Prepares reports for the City Leadership Team and City Council with a reconciliation focus.
• Supports City staff’s participation on committees, in working groups, at conferences and other forums to represent the City of Vancouver to address reconciliation priorities.
• Promotes the development of management practices to continually improve effectiveness and efficiencies of the Intergovernmental Relations office.
• Communicates and fosters understanding of intergovernmental issues, processes and strategic partnerships across the organization.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• A post-secondary degree in Indigenous studies, equity studies, public administration or public policy or related discipline. Equivalent combination of lived experience, education, training and work experience.
• Experience working with diverse Indigenous communities.
• A minimum of 6 years’ diverse professional experience including public sector government experience.
• Experience managing change and leading the development and implementation of plans, projects and committees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of First Nations and Indigenous communities in Metro Vancouver or similar context.
• Thorough knowledge of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action.
• Working knowledge of the City of Vancouver’s policies programs and mandate.
• Project management skills including the ability to take initiative, plan, organize, set goals and outcomes, create processes, accomplish and measure objectives and results.
• Written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong influencing abilities.
• Skills in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with a wide spectrum of internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and patience to deal tactfully with staff, elected officials and the public.
• Ability to develop and make presentations to large groups.
• Ability to handle sensitive, contentious, complex and highly confidential issues.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment under tight deadlines and constant change.
• Ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Office of the City Manager (1010)

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-070: $84,489 to $105,602 per annum

Application Close: April 13, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.