Manager, Indigenous Relations

JOIN US IN ENABLING TRADE THROUGH CANADA'S LARGEST PORT.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is an arm's-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, Canada's largest port. Our mandate, as outlined in the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada's trade objectives on behalf of all Canadians, ensuring the safe movement of goods through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment and considering local communities.

As an organization with a significant impact on communities and businesses across Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. We strive to create a workplace that mirrors the richness of our community, empowering all employees to achieve their full potential.

The Manager, Indigenous Relations is responsible for the development and implementation of Indigenous relations and reconciliation programs and initiatives. The role is responsible for leading the implementation of relationship agreements, and ongoing efforts to build relationships with core First Nations, as well as development and implementation of the port authority reconciliation programs, including training and community investment. The role works in collaboration with managers within the Indigenous programs and strategic partnerships department and teams across VFPA to support building productive relationships and advancing collaborative opportunities in support of the achievement of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's purpose and corporate strategy.

The Manager, Indigenous Relations ensures that interactions with Indigenous groups are delivered in a manner consistent with the guidance from federal government, Transport Canada, and port authority's policies and with Indigenous programs, consultation and engagements across the VFPA, or other requirements as appropriate.

What you do:

• Manages the development and implementation of Indigenous relations strategies and initiatives in collaboration with other port authority departments to enable achievement of strategic priorities and milestones
• Works closely with the port authority leadership and departments across the port authority to advance relations with Indigenous groups to build on areas of mutual interest, shared benefits and facilitate collaboration
• Manages implementation of relationship agreements and seek relationship agreements, or equivalent with core First Nations (Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and other Indigenous communities, as appropriate)
• Foster relationships with Indigenous groups. Identifies potential port-related initiatives that can be pursued between Indigenous groups and the port authority and, if appropriate, the broader port community, in support of mutual interests, benefits and productive relationships with Indigenous groups
• Collaborate with External Communications department and Indigenous groups to profile collaboration, Indigenous contributions and partnerships with port community and port authority
• Leads on VFPA reconciliation action plan development and implementation, in alignment with Transport Canada and federal guidance
• Leads in partnership with training and development on Reconciliation workshops held to provide cultural awareness training, training programs, and spotlight sessions
• Builds working relationships with representatives of other organizations, including port community, industry, government agencies to share knowledge and best practices in support of Indigenous relations, procurement, business and economic development opportunities
• Develops and implement community investment initiatives that support Indigenous interests and leads the port authority's participation in Indigenous community events
• Participates in the development of departmental plans and is responsible for the development and implementation of activities and programs designed to meet the intention of specific strategic priorities
• Provides advice and support Indigenous engagement regarding port authority procurement approaches in support of facilitating Indigenous contracting and economic opportunities. Manages Indigenous business sponsorships process and provides leadership on, participation in community events
• Advances understanding of Indigenous relations within the port authority in collaboration with other departments, and Human Resources as necessary, to enhance internal learning and cultural competency
• Monitors, researches, and anticipates issues of concern to Indigenous groups and the port authority and develops actions and initiatives to continue to develop positive relationships with Indigenous groups, in partnership with port project, programs

What you bring:

• An appropriate university degree along with a minimum of five (5) years of related experience at a management level
• Minimum five (5) years' experienceworking closely with Indigenous groups and strong understanding of Indigenous interests and rights. Extensive experience working directly with Indigenous communities throughout the Lower Mainland and on Southern Vancouver Island would be an asset
• Extensive experience with both federal and provincial environmental regulations and jurisdiction, and knowledge of legislation and case law applicable to Indigenous project consultation requirements
• Experience managing multiple programs, initiatives and/or projects concurrently
• Experience in Indigenous procurement and management of the services of consultants/ contractors related to Indigenous programs, and experience facilitating Indigenous contracting and economic opportunities
• Experience managing a team, overseeing work schedules and operating a workstream budget

What we offer:

• Market-competitive base salaries and variable incentive plan
• Generous and inclusive benefits offering including retirement benefits plan
• Flexible remote work program
• Earned time off program
• Paid vacation and personal care leave
• Learning, development, and advancement opportunities
• Onsite gym with towel service in a national landmark in the heart of Vancouver's waterfront
• Friendly, unique, and respectful workplace

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Job type: Exempt, Full-Time, Permanent, Hybrid

Working environment: Normal office conditions in accordance with the hybrid work program, with occasional evening and weekend activities, as well as some travel, particularly throughout the Lower Mainland and to Southern Vancouver Island. During an emergency, 24-hour call availability may be required.

This is Canadian-based employment, and it is expected that all employees maintain legal entitlement to work in Canada. Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be subject to background checks, including but not limited to criminal record, credit, and/or reference checks.

At theVancouver Fraser Port Authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and members of visible minorities. Reasonable accommodation can be provided in the selection process and while working with the port authority. If you require support applying to our openings, please contact us at .

We recognize and acknowledge that we are located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. To learn more about our indigenous relations and commitment to reconciliation, please visit our website.