Director of Education, Language and Culture

KwU KwLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.

The Okanagan Indian Band offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience with a total compensation package including:

• 4 Weeks' Vacation Pay
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Employer Matched Pension Plan
• Paid Director's Days off (one per month)
• 15 Statutory Holidays
• Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Discounted Silver Star lift passes
• Cultural Leave
• Retention Bonuses after years of service
• 15 Paid Sick Days
• Paid Personal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

The Director of Education, Language and Culture will oversee the snc'c'amala?tn | Early Childhood Education Centre, ckwu kw ƛ̓lap il skwkwƛ̓ilt naɬ ƛ̓x̌əx̌ƛ̓x̌ap | Language Nest, and the nk̓maplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓aʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxwtət | Cultural Immersion School Grades 1-7, the Language and Culture program, education support for local provincial and independent schools, all post-secondary education and education and training programs.

The Director of Education, Language, and Culture is responsible for all administrative and planning functions related to these programs. The promotion of language immersion and cultural learning is a key focus of all education programs. The Director of Education, Language, and Culture will advocate for the Okanagan Indian Band at the provincial governing bodies inclusive of the First Nations Education Steering Committee, First Nations Schools Association, local school districts and with post-secondary institutions.

The Director of Education, Language and Culture will:

• Act as a advisor to the Director of Administration in the development, implementation, evaluation and delivery of departmental programs
• Implement a strategic educational plan aimed at achieving academic excellence across all age groups of active learners
• Work collaboratively with staff, parents, Chief and Council, Administration, Education, Language, and Culture the School Authority, the Early Childhood Education Centre and other stakeholders
• Work with local schools from both the Provincial and Independent school systems in this area and with the School Board(s) on the Local Education Agreements
• Curriculum Development: work with teachers and community on incorporating the Okanagan language and culture into the overall curriculum
• Work with the Parent Advisory Council or other administrative body in long term planning and outcomes
• Accountable for ensuring programs are delivered on-time, on budget within scope and in compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Prepare annual work plan, monthly report and briefing notes as required
• School Administration, reporting and operations
• Support the organization's work in the development of an Education Framework to guide the future of Education Development for the OKIB
• Assist in the development of the OKIB Education Strategic Plan and manage the implementation process
• Provide information to the organization on long-term impacts of issues, decisions and activities
• Research and recommend the organization's response to Education policy changes or emerging initiatives at the Federal level
• Foster openness, understanding and suitable representation of community values and interest in all undertakings
• Provide educational leadership to ensure a student-centered approach in all OKIB Education department affairs
• Ensure that all students in the OKIB community can meet the outcomes set by the organization, the Minister or their own educational plan goals
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with Nation schools and governmental departments, universities and other stakeholders
• Oversee post-secondary funding process and ensure students are aware of all avenues for education, skills training and development
• Develop and manage an annual budget to support strategic goals
• Manage and evaluate staff through continuous consultation, coaching, and professional development plans
• Participate in the annual self-evaluation process of internal or external governing bodies
• Ensure that all external reporting required for the various programs is submitted to funding, regional or legislative bodies in a timely manner
• Ensure expenditures are made according to the budget and prepare required internal reporting required
• Prepare and present quarterly reports as directed by the Executive Director
• Manage all fiduciary responsibilities as assigned through a delegated authority process
• Act in accordance with all statutory requirements to implement provincial education standards and policies
• Participate in community events as requested
• Involvement with capital projects related to Education, Language, and Culture

The Director of Education, Language and Culture will also:

• Sets objectives and priorities for delivery of services
• Provides training, advice, and guidance to team members as required
• Obtains feedback on team member effectiveness from relevant client base
• Evaluates team performance on an ongoing basis and resolving any conflicts or problems as they occur
• Researches the availability of program funding on an ongoing basis
• Informs OKIB members of availability of funding and assisting/guiding in the preparation of funding requests and proposals
• Develops and administers formulas for funding community programs
• Ensures receipt of required information from First Nation participants in various programs and consolidating mandated reports to funding agencies
• Respond or assist in emergency situations
• Liaise with other OKIB staff to determine partnership opportunities
• Supervise staff and delegate responsibilities
• Creating business plans, writing reports and making formal presentations to funding bodies
• Attend meetings at the Provincial level (FNESC, FNSA)
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies and procedures

DIRECT REPORTS

ECEC Manager, CIS Vice Principal, Language and Cultural Lead, Education Coordinator, School Liaison Coordinator, Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor (Education) and Employment and Training Coordinator, Employment and Training Administrative Assistant.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You have education, experience, or carry a willingness to learn. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator.

EDUCATION

• Master's Degree in Education Administration
• Business Administration Degree or Diploma
• Excellent computer skills, Microsoft software, knowledge of D.R.U.M.S. (Data Records and User Management System) an asset

EXPERIENCE

• Five years working with schools, boards, and other inter-agency collaboration
• Five years working with First Nations schools and communities
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and program evaluation

COMPETENCIES (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Knowledge of the BC Curriculum and IRP's for Grades 1 to 7
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Knowledge of current assessment strategies and practices
• Knowledge of special education and current teaching strategies and programs to support learning assistance and special education students
• Knowledge of Professional Learning Communities, possessing strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaborative-decision making
• Knowledge of AANDC programs and funding
• Knowledge of the Okanagan Band community
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to influence and use judgment in decision-making
• Ability to synthesize multiple perspectives into an achievable strategic or work plan
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Strong financial management and human resource management skills