Director of Community Services in Fort St. James, British Columbia at Nakazdli Whuten

About Us

Nak'azdli Whut'en is a proud Dakelh First Nation located near Fort St. James, British Columbia. Our community is deeply rooted in Dakelh culture, language, and values, emphasizing a connection to the land and a commitment to the well-being of our people and to our Community Vision Plan. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive services that reflect our culture and respect the unique perspectives and needs of our members. At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we strive to provide community-focused services that uphold Indigenous values and address the distinct challenges facing our community.

We recognize that skills and experience can be gained in many ways. If you are interested in this role but do not meet all of the listed qualifications, we still encourage you to apply. We are committed to supporting growth through mentorship and development opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from community members and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, and neurodiverse individuals whose knowledge, perspectives, and lived experiences are valued and essential to our work.

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate Director of Community Services to lead and oversee social development programs and child welfare services at Nak’azdli Whut’en. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Community Services will be responsible for program development, policy creation, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous culture and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement culturally sensitive child welfare policies and frameworks aligned with Nak'azdli Whut'en's values.
• Oversee community social development programs, ensuring they address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous families.
• Establish partnerships with government agencies, social service providers, and community organizations to enhance service delivery.
• Lead and support social development teams in delivering high quality, culturally relevant services.
• Establish, monitor, and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and members, on behalf of Nak'azdli Whut'en.
• Facilitate community engagement sessions to gather input on social service programs and child welfare initiatives.
• Develop funding proposals and oversee program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability of services.
• Conduct research and assessments to evaluate social service needs within the Nak'azdli Whut'en community and develop programs to address those needs.
• Provide reports to the Chief Operating Officer, Chief and Council on community service initiatives and funding applications.
• Other duties may be required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the Local Government Act, Community Charter, and other Acts, regulations, and bylaws relevant to local government.
• Knowledge of Provincial as well as Federal legislation and Regulations that affect specific policy decisions of Nak'azdli Whut'en.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership team, employees, council, and other agencies.
• Experience in creating effective systems to manage workflow and leading high-performing teams.
• Expertise in providing sound advice and writing effective reports and recommendations.
• Flexibility and the ability to handle a diverse and complex workload.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's License.
• Ability to undergo and pass a Criminal Record Check.

Education, Training & Experience

• A university degree in Business Administration or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience; a master's degree (e.g., MBA, Social Work, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field) is an asset.
• 5+ years of progressive experience at a senior management level, preferably with First Nations groups.
• Extensive experience in Indigenous community services, with strong knowledge of child welfare regulations, Indigenous governance, and culturally appropriate social service policy frameworks.
• Experience leading and managing community social service programs.
• Expertise in grant writing and securing funding for social programs.
• Relevant private sector experience is an asset.
• In support of Nak'azdli Whut'en's Community Vision Plan, all leadership positions, including this role, are required to hold a supervisor certificate, or be willing to complete an employer-provided supervisor certificate program within six months of hire.

Hours of Work

This is an exempt, salaried position. While regular office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, the Director is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role, including occasional evenings and weekends to attend Council, Committee, or community meetings and events.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced work environment with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Regular attendance at Council, Committee, and community meetings, which may occur outside regular business hours.
• Frequent interaction with staff, Council, and community members.
• Occasional travel within and outside the community for meetings, training, or conferences.
• Ability to attend meetings, prepare and conduct presentations.

Indigenous Commitment Statement

“Nak’azdli Whut’en is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive work environment that reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples. We actively encourage and prioritize applicants from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to apply. We recognize the importance of cultural knowledge and experience, and we honor and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being.”

Application Instructions

Nak’azdli Whut’en offers the opportunity to lead with purpose and create meaningful change for our community. You will have the chance to shape the future, empower a talented team, and build a legacy that reflects our values and aspirations. If this aligns with your career goals, we encourage you to apply directly through our job posting. You can also send us your resume, cover letter, and three references by email to jobs@nakazdliwhuten.ca.

Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment process. We thank all applicants, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Closing Date: September 14, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.