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All Jobs Culture, Heritage and Language Division Manager Culture, Heritage and Language Division Manager Company The swiya of the shshlh people lies between Queens Reach in Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound on the south coast of British Columbia. Historically there were four main settlements at kalpilin (Pender Harbour), tsunay (Deserted Bay), xenichen (Jervis Inlet) and tewankw near Porpoise Bay. shshlh Nation is committed to innovation in program and service delivery designed to assist our members and community to achieve greater independence, wellness and self-sufficiency. Foundational to our shared work is the protection, promotion and practice of shshlh culture, language and laws within our swiya. Under the general supervision of the Chief Operating Officer or designate, the Culture, Heritage & Language Division Manager provides visionary leadership in the stewardship, revitalization, and promotion of the shshlh Nations cultural identity, ancestral language (shshishlhem), and community recreation programs. The Manager is accountable for ensuring that all activities within the division uphold the traditions, values, and aspirations of the shshlh people while also meeting modern organizational and governance standards. This role requires a balance of administrative expertise and cultural grounding. The Manager must be able to operate strategically at a governance level while also engaging directly with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and families. As a key member of the Nations management team, the Division Manager ensures cultural continuity, language preservation, and recreational opportunities are integrated into the Nations overall vision for community wellness, self-determination, and longterm prosperity. The Candidate: Leadership and Management Provide strong, culturally informed leadership to staff and contractors, fostering a supportive, respectful, and high-performing team environment. Supervise day-to-day operations of all division staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development. Establish division priorities that reflect the Nations Strategic Plan, cultural values, and Council directives. Act as a role model in living out shshlh Nation values, ethics, and community responsibilities. Ensure staff capacity is built through mentorship, succession planning, and opportunities for Nation members to move into leadership positions. Program Development and Oversight Design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs that preserve and strengthen shshishlhem, support cultural practices, and foster inclusive recreation. Develop multi-year strategies for language revitalization, including teacher training, immersion programs, and integration into schools and daily community life. Support Elders and Knowledge Keepers in transmitting teachings, stories, ceremonies, and protocols to youth and future generations. Expand recreational offerings to support physical wellness, social cohesion, and intergenerational learning (e.g., sports, outdoor education, cultural camps, wellness activities). Create systems to evaluate program outcomes and continuously improve services to meet community needs. Community Engagement and Partnerships Actively engage with Elders, families, and youth to ensure programs are culturally authentic, accessible, and community-driven. Develop and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, museums, cultural organizations, recreation associations, and governments to strengthen resources and opportunities. Ensure open lines of communication with community members through outreach, surveys, forums, and regular updates. Advocate for the inclusion of shshlh culture and language in local, regional, and provincial initiatives. Governance and Reporting Provide comprehensive reports, updates, and recommendations to the COO, CAO and Chief and Council on cultural, language, and recreation initiatives. Draft policies, frameworks, and procedures that strengthen cultural governance, language preservation, and recreation standards. Ensure that cultural protocols are upheld in all Nation events, meetings, and activities. Oversee compliance with internal policies and external funding agreements, ensuring transparency and accountability in all operations. Financial and Resource Management Develop, monitor, and manage annual division budgets, ensuring efficient and culturally appropriate use of funds. Seek and secure funding from grants, partnerships, and government programs to expand and sustain initiatives. Ensure proper management of cultural and recreational facilities, including community centers, sports fields, cultural sites, and archives. Implement cost-control measures while maximizing program impact and community value. Note: Perform all other tasks within the scope of the position and as required. Qualifications, Skills and Abilities: The following education credentials are welcome. Leadership experience, cultural experience, and community connection are equally valued (we will look at a combination of education and experience): A bachelors degree in Indigenous Studies, Education, Public Administration, Recreation Management, or a related discipline is an asset. A masters degree in leadership, Public Administration, or a related field is an asset. Minimum of 57 years of progressive leadership experience in Indigenous governance, cultural programs, or community services. Proven experience in supervising staff, developing programs, and managing budgets. Demonstrated success in Indigenous language revitalization and/or cultural preservation initiatives. Interpersonal Skills: Understanding of best practices in Indigenous language revitalization, cultural continuity, and recreational programming. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to mentor staff and build organizational capacity. Skilled communicator with the ability to engage respectfully across all levels of the community and external partners. Strategic thinker who can balance cultural preservation with operational efficiency. Grant writing and fundraising skills, with a record of securing external funding. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, reporting tools, and project management software. Culturally grounded and committed to lifelong learning. Respectful, empathetic, and inclusive in working with Elders, youth, and community members. Transparent and accountable leadership style. Flexible and adaptive to evolving community priorities. Strong integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive cultural knowledge. Ability to lead with cultural humility, integrity, and alignment with shshlh values and principles. A valid Drivers license and an acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search. 2026-01-21 Code SHN-000332 Type Full-Time Category Culture, Heritage and Language Division Manager City, State Sechelt , British Columbia Country Canada #J-18808-Ljbffr