Director of Education

Director of Education Wuikinuxv Nation The Organization The Wuikinuxv Nation is a proud Indigenous community located on the central coast of British Columbia. With roots deeply tied to the land, sea, and traditions passed down through generations, the community is dedicated to preserving and strengthening the culture, language, and values, while building a sustainable future. Committed to fostering economic growth, environmental stewardship and cultural revitalization, Wuikinuxv Nation embraces opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that align with the communities' values and contribute to the well‑being of community members. Values Cultural Preservation: We honour our ancestors by upholding traditions, language, and teachings that shape our identity and way of life. Environmental Stewardship: We are dedicated to caring for the land, water, and wildlife, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthy environment. Community Well‑being: The health, safety, and prosperity of our people are at the forefront of everything we do. We prioritize initiatives that support our community's holistic growth. Economic Development: We seek to create sustainable opportunities that empower our people and provide long‑term economic benefits. The Nation provides an inclusive and supportive workplace that promotes professional and personal growth, where employees contribute to projects that strengthen the community and create lasting impact. Learn more about the Nation on its website. Wànukv qàquthá'ailas School In September 2024, the Wuikinuxv Nation opened Wànukv qàquthá'ailas, representing a transformative step in the Nation's commitment to education, cultural revitalization, and community well‑being. Serving students from kindergarten through grade 12, Wànukv qàquthá'ailas integrates an Indigenous teaching curriculum developed in collaboration with cultural leaders and educators, ensuring that language and cultural knowledge remain central to learning. The school also benefits from dedicated teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels and is guided by a five‑member Education Committee. This initiative underscores the Nation's vision of creating an educational environment that empowers youth, strengthens cultural identity, and fosters academic excellence. The Role – Director, Education The Director of Education provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all Wuikinuxv Nation Education programs, including the Wànukv qàquthá'ailas School, post‑secondary supports, adult education initiatives, and language and culture integration across learning environments. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Education works closely with the Education Committee, Elders, language and culture staff, families, and community partners to shape a learning environment grounded in Wuikinuxv values, Uukwala language, culture, and community aspirations. The Director is also responsible for supporting strong educational governance, including policy development, committee support, reporting, and long‑term planning that aligns with Wuikinuxv Nation goals and Council directives. This position ensures a safe, positive, and culturally grounded learning environment, promotes measurable academic growth for all learners, and contributes to the development of a thriving Nation‑operated education system. Responsibilities Educational Leadership & School Administration Provide leadership and direction for all Education Department programs, services, and staff. Oversee daily operations of Wànukv qàquthá'ailas School, ensuring high‑quality instruction, student success, and alignment with the BC curriculum and Wuikinuxv ways of knowing. Support the integration of Wuikinuxv language, cultural teachings, land‑based learning, and Elder knowledge across programs. Build positive relationships with students, families, staff, Elders, and community members. Educational Governance Support the Education Committee with meeting preparation, agendas, minutes, reports, and follow‑up actions. Ensure Education Committee and Council directives are implemented effectively and communicated to staff. Lead and support the development and updating of Education policies, procedures, and governance frameworks for Nation‑operated education. Develop strategic plans and long‑term education goals in collaboration with Council, the Education Committee, and the Executive Director. Prepare regular updates for Council, including written reports, data summaries, and policy recommendations. Planning, Reporting & Compliance Develop annual education workplans, strategic priorities, and program evaluations. Manage departmental budgets, including forecasting, reporting, and ensuring compliance with funding agencies (FNESC, ISC, FNSA, etc.). Ensure all reporting obligations—school, financial, and program—are completed accurately and on time. Maintain confidential and secure student, personnel, and departmental records. Staff Supervision & Development Supervise, mentor, and evaluate teachers, support staff, and education program personnel. Support and work alongside the Education Coordinator. Support professional development, cultural training, and capacity‑building opportunities. Partnerships & Community Relations Work collaboratively with external partners, including FNESC, the BC Ministry of Education, school districts, universities, and other Indigenous education organizations. Support culturally grounded community engagement, events, family involvement, and education‑related gatherings. The Candidate The successful candidate will share the Wuikinuxv Nation's commitment to community development, environmental sustainability, and cultural respect, and will possess the following: Education and Experience Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Indigenous Education, or related field (preferred) or Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, or related field (minimum). At least five (5) years of progressive leadership or administrative experience in education or Indigenous education. Experience supporting or participating in education governance structures (school boards, education committees, policy committees, or equivalent). Eligibility for or certification with the BC Teacher Regulation Branch (preferred but not mandatory, depending on qualifications). Demonstrated success working with First Nations, ideally within Nation‑operated schools or Indigenous education contexts. Strong understanding, or commitment to learning, Wuikinuxv Nation's culture, language revitalization goals, and community priorities. Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. Valid BC driver's license (or ability to obtain) and willingness to travel as needed. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong leadership with the ability to motivate staff and support a positive school culture. Demonstrated understanding of educational governance and policy development. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain strict confidentiality. Proficiency with computer systems (Word, Excel, Google Suite, budgeting tools, data systems). Excellent interpersonal, communication, mediation, and conflict‑resolution skills. Strong practice of Indigenous education models, trauma‑informed support, inclusive learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Experience building relationships within small, remote, or community‑based education settings. Ability to manage, monitor, and balance departmental budgets. Salary $90,000‑$120,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Working Conditions This is a full‑time, permanent position, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for evening or weekend community engagement. The role is based in the Wuikinuxv Nation Administration Office. The role requires a combination of office, community, and fieldwork, including occasional travel for meetings, training, and interagency collaboration. A valid Class 5 driver's license and the ability to travel are required. To Apply To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format to Pathways Executive Search outlining your interest, qualifications, and experience. Email: Applications@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com, please include Wuikinuxv-Director,Education in the subject line. Contact Joy Beshie, Principal Pathways Executive Search Telephone: 1.613.296.2315 JoyB@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com Melissa Conn, Consultant Pathways Executive Search Telephone: 1.204.510.2707 MelissaC@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com Pathways Executive Search is an international executive recruitment firm, known for its ability to attract and recruit talent in culturally grounded ways. Guided by Indigenous values and principles of Indigenous inclusion, Pathways walks with those looking to broaden candidate pools, find qualified and experienced candidates, and live out their values and commitment to creating workplace cultures where people can thrive. #J-18808-Ljbffr