At YWCA Metro Vancouver, we are committed to truth and reconciliation. This includes understanding, acknowledging and addressing our complicity in historic and ongoing colonial practices; enhancing cultural safety for Indigenous participants, volunteers and employees; deepening our relationships with host First Nations and Indigenous communities; and advocating for justice and equity alongside Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people. Through programs like Crabtree Corner and Circle of Sisters, we endeavor to centre Indigenous knowledge, culture and values, and are committed to expanding on and deepening this work across YWCA services. 

To help us advance these commitments, we are seeking a Specialist, Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement. 

Reporting to the Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement, this role will work in collaboration to implement Indigenous engagement priorities spanning government relations and advocacy; relationship building and outreach; program development and measurement; and organizational policies and practices. 

What you’ll be doing: 

Relationship Building and Outreach 

• Facilitates active engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations to assess needs and opportunities for partnership and collaboration. 

• In collaboration with the Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement, acts as the primary point of connection for Indigenous organizations and communities. 

• Develops and maintains meaningful, trust-based and ongoing relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities. 

• In collaboration with other employees, implements the Indigenous partnership strategy, and supports community engagement initiatives, as applicable. 

• Maintains visibility and availability among Indigenous communities. 

• Participates in the YWCA’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee. 

Government Relations and Advocacy Support 

• Monitors local, provincial and federal issues of relevance to the YWCA and Indigenous communities and supports response or action. 

• Works collaboratively with the Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement and the Senior Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations, to coordinate outreach and communications with host First Nations in support of government relations priorities. 

• Tracks communications for follow up. 

Program Development and Evaluation 

• With support from the Associate Director, develops key performance indicators in support of truth and reconciliation and organizational priorities. 

• In collaboration with the Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement, implements new ways to measure outcomes across priorities and programs. 

• Assists in the development and implementation of internal capacity building in support of Truth and Reconciliation. 

• Supports community listening and research to appropriately scope and plan priorities. 

Coordination and Administration 

• Leads the implementation of an Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement Plan. 

• Works collaboratively with programs and fund development team to write applications for new projects and initiatives and respond to funding opportunities. 

• Works collaboratively with the marketing communications team to develop and execute awareness and public education campaigns in support of Truth and Reconciliation and equity and justice for Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people. 

• Works collaboratively with cross-department teams to develop and execute events in support of Truth and Reconciliation. 

• Supports the Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement with administrative duties, e.g., writing reports, tracking spending, drafting communications etc. 

• Works on special projects, as required. 

• Other duties as required  

What you’ll need: 

• At least three years of progressive experience in a non-profit or public sector setting. 

• Experience engaging and building relationships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous organizations and First Nations. 

• Ability to engage in active processes that aim to identify and eliminate anti-Indigenous racism and colonial practices and structures and work in partnership to help change systems, organizational structures, policies, practices and attitudes. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people, including people with lived and living experience. 

• Project coordination experience, including planning, development, implementation and evaluation.  

• Experience in document preparation, research and project reporting. 

• Public speaking and presentation experience are considered an asset. 

• Effective administrative skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a climate of shifting priorities, with the expertise to manage multiple projects  

• A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.  

• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties. 

What we offer:  We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total compensation package: 

• Extended medical and dental benefits  

• A defined benefit pension plan 

• Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions 

• Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members 

• Free staff membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres 

• A workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion. 

• Pay Rate: $34.40 per hour 

• Pro-rated, paid vacation equal to 22 days per annum, accrued monthly in accordance with the YWCA’s leave regulations