The Role

This position provides strategic leadership, analysis, relationship-building and negotiation skills to support CRD senior leadership, Directors and all divisions to build and strengthen respectful, reciprocal government-to-government relationships with First Nations in the region, including the development and implementation of protocol agreements. This role will facilitate the education, policy development and organizational transformation required to integrate First Nations’ aspirations and interests and the CRD’s Statement of Reconciliation into CRD governance, planning and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, support, advice, and guidance to CRD staff, senior leadership and Board Directors on matters regarding First Nations relations and initiatives.
• Leads organizational engagement with First Nations, including substantive negotiations.
• Leads the research, analysis, development and implementation of strategic initiatives (e.g. memorandums of understanding, protocol agreements, service agreements and engagement frameworks to facilitate relationship-building with First Nations).
• Builds and maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations staff and leadership.
• Develops and delivers educational and relationship-building events.
• Prepares and recommends strategies, policies, procedures, and communications on matters regarding First Nations relations.

Who You Are:

• You are self-motivated, with a strong commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• An expert strategist – you are comfortable offering advice on complex, cross-departmental and political issues, all while considering the short and long-term consequences.
• You are an asset if you have a demonstrated ability in building and maintaining respectful working relationships with Indigenous peoples, with a preference for experience working with First Nations in the CRD region.
• You are a leader, and thrive in multi-disciplinary teams.
• You have exemplary diplomacy, tact and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• An expert collaborator and problem-solver. You have amazing attention-to-detail, and can identify emerging issues and prioritize tasks accordingly.
• You are an asset if you have demonstrated experience in policy development, protocol agreements, or communications notes.
• Knowledge of First Nations’ governance structures and the historical, cultural and legal context for Indigenous self-determination.
• Knowledge of local government operations, legislation or governance is an asset.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint).