ULKATCHO FIRST NATION

JOB POSTING
IRSS Project Director – Termed Position

The Indian Residential School Survivor (IRSS) Project Director will report to the Ulkatcho First Nation (UFN) Operations Manager and work cross-departmentally to support the IRSS project along with other projects at UFN.  The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of intergenerational trauma and will use their cultural and traditional knowledge to support residential school survivors throughout this project. They will also have a good understanding of how residential schools have affected indigenous communities and a natural awareness of cultural sensitivity. The incumbent will also have a solid understanding of cultural and spiritual practices.

The IRSS Project Director will be highly skilled in both verbal and written communication and be comfortable working in a culture with vast degrees of working styles. They will have the ability to manage multiple teams and steering committees and be a demonstrated team leader. They will be coordinating meetings both internally and externally while working with other nations to ensure all relevant data is captured. The successful candidate will also be responsible for communication such as any IRSS announcements, media statements, community notices and updates.

• The primary requirement for the in-house PM will be to manage the IRSS project and coordinate of all the issues related to the IRSS Project and will be part of the planning team striving to achieve project goals, objectives and priorities.
•  Develop and maintain relationships with various community members, plaintiffs, bands, legal teams, government ministries, agents, industry and other individuals for the purposes of long- and short-term planning as well as daily operations and resolution for day scholars.
• Acts as the primary project contact in accordance with the project plan
•  Develop a strategic comprehensive Governance service plan.
•  Requires coordination and leadership up to the Chief and Council and throughout the organization.
•  Hire and manage multiple staff and steering committees and work cross-departmentally
•  Ensures that the initiative is founded within the cultures yet is structured to support effective and efficient use of resources.
• Provide oversight for the project to external partners as well as internal non-project stakeholders.
•  Liaise with staff from other departments to ensure outcomes for health and wellness can be consistent and prompt to members.
• Draft funding applications for grants and larger federal funding opportunities
•  Conduct bi-weekly reporting and monthly reviews.
•  Coordination of regularly scheduled team meetings
•  Ensure training resources are secured for both staff and community.
•  Liaise with external partners and develop positive proactive relationships that benefit members, the Nation, and the outcome of the project.
• Ability to develop and implement a communication strategy and draft any announcements/sensitive materials that has to go out for media releases or statements that need to be made (high level of both verbal and written communication) and ensure records and documents are maintained.
• Write reports, letters to government, final document that may have to be published.
•  Maintains a list of regular contacts of IRS survivors, outside agencies, stakeholders including government and regular committee contacts.
• Conducts research as needed: gather, compile, organize and analyze data and prepare written reports based on data to assist with advancing class action.
• Working directly with other entities such as contractors, vendors as well as with governmental and private agencies, and the general public.
• Updates and participates in committees, meetings, healing and wellness activities and IRS programming as required. Participates in all Day Scholar meetings, including traveling to meetings and/or participating via tele/video conference.
• Schedules weekly, monthly meetings for the IRS team, either in-person and/or tele/video conferencing.
•  Ensures the maintenance and security of accurate records on all project and administrative work.
•  Coordinates the operational activities of the project, including formation of planning meetings, community engagements and presentations.
• Coordinates assigned activities with various levels of the community, other departments, and outside agencies.
• Assists in planning, coordinating, and conducting the band’s work plan.
•  Establishes internal reporting relationships; administrative and support systems; identifies opportunities for improvements; directs and implements changes.
• Develops agendas, organizes meetings, prepares reports and other correspondence; and makes presentations to Chief and Council, legal team, executive committee, community groups and staff as needed.
• Attends and participates in IRS Survivor group meetings and stays informed of community needs and issues.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the UFN policies, laws, bylaws, standards, and procedures as directed by the UFN Operations Manager.
•  Maintains confidentiality of all matters of the Corporate Department, as per------- Policy.
•  Report to various funders.

• Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, or related field. Master’s an asset
•  8 years+ of extensive experience successfully managing projects, specifically projects that include cross-departmental resources.
• Must have a solid understanding of intergenerational trauma, and cultural and traditional knowledge.
•  Bachelor of Commerce or Project Management Professional (PMP) an asset
•  Positive experience working in a First Nations context, or strong understanding of cultural competency, anti-oppression practices and Indigenous history.
• Preference/priority given to those that self-identify as First Nations
•  Must have a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle.
•  Must successfully complete a criminal record check for vulnerable populations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

•  Extensive and current knowledge of First Nation culture, language, Indian Residential School system and challenges. Well versed in the current state of First Nations Social, Economic, and Political issues.
• Must demonstrate exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge  of  the  planning  process and preparation for long-term commitment to the  process.
• Able  to reach all levels of community through networking  theories.
• Excellent oral and written communication  skills.
• Willingness  to continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge to further their formal training.
•  Technically competent with various computer software programs such as word-processing, database management and file management software applications.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Ability to work with different levels of government.
• Ability to seek out different funding sources.
• Strong coordination, organizational and planning skills.
• Able to conduct research, including collecting, organizing, analyzing, and summarizing data into reports and other documents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and have high ethical standards.
• Ability to coordinate and work collaboratively with Chief and Council.
• Manages project planning sessions objectively.
• Trauma informed practice
• Cross departmental coordinator
• Effective listening, observation and interview skills
• Works with various entities such as steering committees, cultural committees, external partners
• Solid understanding of the IRSS process (different levels – individual claim process, band class action lawsuit, discovery process) – need solid understanding of all 3 of these.
• Coordinates staff, internal resources, and external partners
• Manages stakeholder satisfaction.
• Manages project progress, shows issues early, and makes recommendations for adjustments.
• Provides reporting as required.
• Creates and manages a budget.
• Ability to travel.

Interview Process:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Two step interviews (Interview & written assignment)
• Criminal record check
• Reference Check

Application Deadline:

Open until filled.

How to Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter to hr@ulkatcho.ca. Please include “IRSS Project Director” in the subject line. Or drop off at the reception counter at the band office.