Guardian Program Manager

_**About Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS)**_

The Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS) was established in 2012 by the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Ḥawiiḥ, Elected Chief & Council, and advisors to ensure that the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Nation retains control over economic development within the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii. MHSS works to ensure that all development activities benefit the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ people collectively, uphold ʕaḥuusʔatḥ values, foster sustainable economic growth, and align with principles of good business and governance.

As the steward of ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii, MHSS is committed to balancing Ahousaht cultural values, ecological integrity, and the social and economic well-being of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ people. Our responsibilities include:

- Sustainable resource management within the haḥuułii
- Oversight of Own Source Revenue (OSR) to mitigate reductions in federal funding
- Ensuring that economic development is transparent, equitable, and accountable

Guided by the foundational ʕaḥuusʔatḥ principles, we strive to build a future rooted in:

- Iisʔaḱstaƛ (respecting one another)
- Haaḥuupstaƛ (teaching one another)
- Yaʔakstaƛ (caring for one another)
- Huupiił’aƛ (helping one another)

MHSS is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ people while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii for generations to come.
- **What You’ll Do**_

The **Guardian Program Manager** is a pivotal leadership role focused on driving the growth, development, and strategic oversight of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Stewardship Guardian Program. Working in close collaboration with Ahousaht leadership, including the Haw’ił (Hereditary Chiefs), this position ensures the integration of Ahousaht knowledge and values with western science to protect and restore ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii for future generations.

This role oversees all aspects of the program, including personnel management, vessels and equipment, infrastructure projects, environmental monitoring, budget management, and the MHSS Ahousaht Stewardship Fund. Additionally, the Guardian Program Manager fosters partnerships and ensures alignment with Ahousaht’s protocols, vision, and long-term stewardship goals.

**Key Responsibilities**

**1. Program Leadership and Strategy**
- Develop and implement strategic plans to expand and enhance the Guardian Program’s impact.
- Oversee the management and strategic allocation of the MHSS Ahousaht Stewardship Fund.
- Lead and support a diverse team, including staff, contractors, and community members, to achieve program objectives.
- Collaborate with the Haw’ił and community leadership to align program activities with Ahousaht cultural and environmental priorities.
- Oversee compliance with Ahousaht’s research protocols in all partnerships and projects.

**2. Team Management**
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to Guardian Program staff, including the stewardship team, boat crew, and other personnel.
- Facilitate professional development opportunities to strengthen team capacity and expertise.

**3. Budget Management**
- Develop and manage the program’s annual budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources.
- Monitor expenditures, track financial performance, and prepare regular budget reports.
- Identify, pursue and secure funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support program growth and sustainability.
- Administer the stewardship fund in alignment with program goals and community priorities.

**4. Project Oversight**
- Manage large-scale restoration projects, such as salmon habitat restoration and trail development.
- Ensure the safe operation and maintenance of the Guardian boat and associated marine activities.
- Oversee infrastructure projects to improve accessibility, safety, and sustainability within the haḥuułii.
- Monitor industry impacts on ecosystems, such as logging and fisheries, and lead mitigation efforts.

**5. Partnerships and Collaboration**
- Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, ensuring alignment with Ahousaht values and priorities.
- Represent the program in engagements with funding organizations, research institutions, and governmental bodies.
- Coordinate with external researchers to ensure their activities support the program’s objectives and meet Ahousaht’s protocols.

**6. Stewardship and Conservation**
- Lead initiatives to monitor and protect ecosystems, such as critical research projects.
- Integrate Ahousaht knowledge and practices into program activities to ensure cultural preservation.
- Oversee the development and implementation of protected area management plans.

**7. Community Engagement**
- Serve as an ambassador for the program, fostering community and visitor engagement.
- Promote stewardship education and encourage sustainable practices among visitors.
- Ensure the program actively contributes to the broader preservation of Ahousaht culture and knowledge.
- **What You Bring**_

**Qualifications**
- **Ed