Job Title

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $95,000.00 Annually The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victorias vibrant working harbour. GVHA operates on the traditional unceded territories of the lkn People, the xsepsm (Esquimalt) Nation and Songhees Nation. Since GVHAs inception in 2002, both Nations have held seats on the Board of Directors and continue to guide major strategic and policy decisions. We are seeking a Manager, First Nations Partnerships to work alongside the xsepsm Nation and Songhees Nation in advancing shared priorities within a complex, working harbour. Grounded in trust, reciprocity, and respect, this role supports joint priorities, collaborative planning, and pathways toward co-management advancing key initiatives and ensuring that Nation perspectives and priorities are meaningfully integrated into GVHAs operational and long-term planning. This role is designed for someone who brings lived experience, cultural understanding, or long-standing professional practice working alongside First Nations communities. Organizational Relationships & Reporting Structure This position carries organizational influence and works closely with senior leadership to advance shared prioritiesreporting directly to the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Innovation and providing day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and support to GVHAs First Nations Engagement Coordinator. Key Responsibilities - Build and maintain consistent, respectful, and transparent relationships with the xsepsm Nation and the Songhees Nation leadership, staff, and community members. - Support regular meetings, joint work planning, and co-developed initiatives. - Ensure GVHA commitments, agreements, and protocols are understood and upheld across the organization. - Lead GVHAs participation in the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program, including reporting and internal working group coordination. - Lead the development of GVHAs Reconciliation Action Plan, in collaboration with Nation partners and internal teams. - Support Nation-led programming, cultural practices, and ceremony within GVHA spaces, and coordinate GVHA participation in community events and initiatives. - Advance placemaking initiatives that reflect lkn language, culture, history, and presence across GVHA managed lands and facilitiesensuring alignment with Nation leadership and community values. Economic Development & Shared Prosperity - Work collaboratively with the xsepsm Nation and Songhees Nation economic development teams to identify and support initiatives that contribute to the economic prosperity of the lkn People, including seeking external funding where appropriate. - Identify and advance opportunities to support Indigenous owned businesses, including GVHA procurement and partnerships. - Develop, implement, and maintain GVHAs lkn job shadowing program. - Oversee GVHAs First Nations Revenue Contribution Fund, including program policies, guidelines, and implementation processes. - Provide guidance and support to GVHAs First Nations Economic Development (FNED) Board Committee, including preparing reports and meeting materials, delivering presentations, and ensuring accurate documentation of decisions and outcomes. Organizational Capacity & Cultural Safety - Collaborate with internal teams to integrate Nation perspectives early and meaningfully into planning and decision-making. - Provide culturally informed guidance on projects, policies, and engagement approaches. - Identify and coordinate learning opportunities for GVHA staff and Board to deepen understanding of Nation histories, governance, rights, and priorities. - Advise the CEO and Leadership Team on appropriate protocol for events and engagements. - Develop internal tools and resources that support culturally safe and respectful practices. - Office-based role with eligibility for a hybrid schedule (up to two days per week from home). - Regular visits to GVHA sites during project and event delivery. - Regular off-site meetings at xsepsm Nation and Songhees Nation offices. - Occasional evening or weekend work to support community and organizational events. Experience and Education GVHA recognizes that knowledge and leadership are developed through many pathways and encourages applicants to demonstrate their experience in ways that reflect their lived and community-based work. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. - Five to seven years experience working with or alongside First Nations communities or Indigenous-led initiatives, or comparable depth of experience. - Relevant post-secondary education and/or equivalent lived, community-based, or professional experience, which may include roles in Nation administration, economic development, cultural programming, governance, engagement, advocacy, or partnership work. - Experience leading or supporting programs, projects, or complex initiatives, including community-based, organizational, or governance contexts. - Experience mentoring, supporting, or guiding staff, peers, or teams in collaborative or community-centred environments. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Demonstrated grounding in anti-oppression, decolonization, and anti-racism principles, with the ability to apply them in practice. - Knowledge of First Nations protocols; familiarity with lkn practices would be an asset. - Working knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act (1982). - Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to adapt to changes in work environment, work assignments, or organizational priorities. - Experience managing budgets and reporting for programs or initiatives, including community-based or partnership-driven funding models. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on clarity, respect, and relationship-building. - Ability to support and mentor others, fostering a collaborative and culturally safe workplace. - Sound judgment, discretion, and respect for confidentiality. - Comfort working with standard office and digital collaboration tools (e.g., document creation, email, spreadsheets). This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including extended health and dental coverage (premiums paid by GVHA), RRSP matching, annual bonus eligibility, professional development funding, a health spending account, paid vacation, additional paid and non-paid leave, including up to five days per year of unpaid cultural leave for Indigenous employees. Starting salary range: $85,000 to $95,000. Reflecting GVHAs commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous for this role. This posting will stay open until filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr