Lands and Stewardship Director

The Director of Lands and Stewardship will provide leadership at both the strategic and operational levels to the managers of Yinka Huwunline, Lands management and UNDRIP. Coordinate the effective development, provision, and evaluation of programs and services in accordance with the organization’s vision, objectives, and strategic direction. Develop and implement annual operating plans to advance the goals and objectives outlined in the Lands & Resources Strategic Plan. Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to drive the organization’s overall success. Report directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and contribute to strategic decision-making at the executive level. Carries out the mandate to protect and implement Indigenous Rights and Title. The Director of Lands and Stewardship will develop and implement annual operating plans based on furthering the Lands & Resources Strategic Plan goals and objectives.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the delivery of service programs within your departments.
- Establish, monitor, and nurture good working relationships with all external and internal stakeholders within and on behalf of Nak’azdli Whut’en.
- Attend meetings of Council and Committees as required, providing guidance and support to direct reports on Council engagement.
- Review program activities to determine if they are achieving their goals and make recommendations for improvement.
- Maintain communication with stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and members.
- Conduct research on community needs and develop programs to meet those needs.
- Develop and provide departmental reports and other information as required by the COO and Chief and Council
- Research and analyze BC Indigenous issues, history, and political structures, and support the development of options and negotiation strategies.
- Coordinate public consultation processes dealing with land use and resource management issues involving federal, provincial, and local government jurisdictions.
- Use project management tools, techniques, and tracking systems and participate in multiple concurrent projects, independently or in teams within time and resource constraints, with demonstrated experience adapting to changing priorities, emergent issues, competing and conflicting demands.
- Develop natural resource and land use policies and strategic planning.

**Required Knowledge, Abilities & Skills**:

- Knowledge and understanding of laws, policies and procedures associated with First Nations governance.
- Knowledge of Provincial as well as Federal legislation and Regulations that affect specific policy decisions of the Nak’azdli Whut’en.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership team, employees, council, and other agencies.
- Experience creating effective systems to manage workflow and leading high-performing teams.
- Expertise in providing sound advice and writing effective reports and recommendations.
- Flexibility and the ability to handle a diverse and complex workload.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflict effectively.
- Valid BC Class 5 Driver's License.
- Ability to undergo and pass a Criminal Record Check

**Education, Training & Experience**
- Bachelor’s Degree (Science, Natural Resource Management, First Nations Culture & History, Archaeology or relevant discipline)
- Post-graduate studies in management and leadership (e.g., MBA) is an asset.
- Experience: Project / Program Management or Coordination experience
- Policy Development and Negotiations
- 5+ years of progressive experience at a senior management level, preferably with First Nations groups.
- An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
- Knowledge of the local First Nations culture is an asset.