Director of Urban Indigenous Community Wellness, Services

About Slaxin Lelum

Slaxin Lelum (Metro Vancouver Indigenous Services Society) is an Urban Indigenous-led organization committed to supporting the health, wellness, and cultural connection of Urban Indigenous peoples across the Metro Vancouver area. We provide culturally grounded programs and services that honour Indigenous values, teachings, and ways of being, ensuring our community members feel supported, respected, and empowered.

Position Summary

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Indigenous Community Services provides senior leadership in developing, implementing, and sustaining culturally grounded programs and strategic initiatives that reflect the aspirations and self-determination of Urban Indigenous peoples in Metro Vancouver. This role is focused on creating opportunities that support holistic Indigenous wellness, advance community priorities, and strengthen pathways to long-term social, cultural, and economic wellbeing.

The Director also oversees and supports a diverse team of counsellors and front-line staff who deliver Indigenous-centered wellness services. Building trust and strong working relationships with these professionals is essential to ensuring that services are trauma-informed, culturally safe, and rooted in holistic Indigenous approaches to healing.

Unlike solely clinical leadership positions, this role emphasizes advocacy, strategic planning, organizational development, and community engagement, while ensuring that counselling services are integrated into a broader vision of community wellbeing and Indigenous self-determination.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead the development of strategic and business plans that advance Urban Indigenous self-determination and community-identified priorities.
• Identify and implement opportunities that foster sustainable growth, innovation, and culturally safe services.
• Work with leadership and staff to align organizational goals with Indigenous worldviews and holistic wellness approaches.

Program & Service Development

• Guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of culturally relevant programs that respond to the needs and aspirations of Urban Indigenous peoples.
• Ensure services reflect Indigenous knowledge systems, traditional teachings, and community input.
• Build capacity within the organization to deliver impactful, culturally safe, and accessible services.

Counselling & Wellness Team Oversight

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to a diverse team of counsellors and front-line wellness staff.
• Ensure counselling services are grounded in holistic Indigenous approaches to healing and respond effectively to community needs.
• Foster trust, collaboration, and professional development among staff delivering trauma-informed and culturally safe supports.
• Maintain oversight of service delivery standards, program evaluation, and reporting requirements related to wellness services.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Strengthen relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to inform program and service design.
• Act as a key representative with external partners, funders, and governments to advocate for Urban Indigenous rights, wellness, and priorities.
• Support community-driven initiatives that address barriers and create opportunities for equity and inclusion.

Organizational Development

• Mentor and support staff in leadership and professional development grounded in Indigenous ways of being and knowing.
• Oversee the management of budgets, reporting, and compliance requirements related to programs and services.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture rooted in respect, accountability, and cultural safety.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Urban Indigenous communities, histories, and contemporary issues in Metro Vancouver.
• Strong leadership experience in program development, organizational planning, or community-based service delivery within Indigenous contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement strategic and business plans.
• Experience managing or supporting teams of counsellors, social workers, or wellness professionals.
• Proven experience in trauma-informed practices in Indigenous communities.
• Deep understanding of the Mental Health Act and related legislature.
• Deep understanding of holistic Indigenous approaches to wellness and ability to integrate them into both counselling and organizational practice.
• Strong relationship-building skills with Indigenous communities, governments, and sector partners.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and advocacy skills.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practices.
• Post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, social sciences, business administration, counselling, or equivalent combination of education and lived/professional experience.
• Knowledge of funding processes, proposal development, and program evaluation considered an asset.

Personal Attributes

• Grounded in Indigenous values, teachings, and respect for diverse worldviews.
• Committed to supporting Urban Indigenous self-determination.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to turn vision into action.
• Collaborative leader who builds trust and inspires others.
• Adaptive, resilient, and solutions-oriented.

Conditions of Employment

• Current Criminal Record Check.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle.

Working Conditions

• Office-based with some off-site meetings, programs or events.
• Some evenings/weekends for programs or events.
• Ability to travel within Metro Vancouver as required.

Compensation – 5 Step Wage Grid

Hours per week: 37.5 | Annual Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000

Application Process

Please submit your resume and cover letter to with the subject line: Slaxin Lelum: Director of Indigenous Community Services – Application.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Work Location: In person