EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION: DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
HOURS OF WORK: PERMANENT, FULL-TIME (35 HOURS/WEEK)
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & SERVICES
WAGE RANGE: STARTING AT $110,000 & UP, ANNUAL SALARY

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is seeking a strategic, culturally grounded, and community-centered leader to serve as our Director of Education. This is an exciting opportunity to lead education initiatives that strengthen student success, cultural identity, and lifelong learning for SȾÁUTW̱ learners and their families.
Reporting to the Director of Programs and Services and working collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Director of Education provides overall leadership, planning, and oversight for all Nation education programs and partnerships. The successful candidate will champion high-quality, culturally informed education services that reflect SȾÁUTW̱ values and community priorities.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Leading the development and implementation of the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation Education strategic vision and
  operational plan ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive service delivery.
• Contribute and guide the translation of Chief and Council direction and strategic priorities into Education
  operational plans, policies, and measurable outcomes.
• Guide Education program staff in achieving annual deliverables aligned with the Nation’s operational plan.
• Strengthen partnerships with school districts, the W̱ SÁNEĆ school board, post secondary institutions and
  external agencies to advocate for SȾÁUTW̱learners.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, innovation, and long-term planning.

Program & Service Delivery

• Oversight and implementation of culturally responsive education programs that support students and
  families across all stages of learning.
• Development and implementation of programs and services that are family and student centered that
  promote cultural continuity, academic achievement and student well being.
• Program monitoring and evaluation, using data to inform continuous improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, education standards and funding agreements.

Financial Management & Accountability

• Oversight and Management of Education Programs budgeting, financial planning, and expenditures.
• Assists in the development annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and spending plans.
• Prepares reports and ensures compliance with the SȾÁUTW̱First Nation Financial Administration Law,
  financial policies, and funding agreements.
• Monitor budgets and implement corrective measures to achieve financial targets where necessary.
• Support funding applications, grant proposals, and required reporting to funders.
• Contribute to SȾÁUTW̱First Nation’s annual budgeting process and long-term financial sustainability
  planning.

Program Policy Development

• Supports the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and operational standards that
  strengthen service delivery and compliance.
• Ensure operations adhere to applicable federal and provincial legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Support culturally informed policy implementation and governance best practices.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, retention and succession planning for Education division.
• Mentor, coach, and support Education program staff
• Promote a collaborative, culturally safe, and trauma-informed work environment.
• Support recruitment, workforce planning, succession planning, and staff development initiatives.
• Apply change management principles to support organizational growth and evolving priorities.
• Champion culturally grounded leadership frameworks and a positive, respectful workplace culture.

Community Engagement & Communications

• Lead Education program community engagement strategies, including regular engagement sessions with
  learners and their families.
• Ensure clear, consistent, and culturally appropriate communications regarding programs and services.
• Strengthen trust, transparency, and accountability through meaningful student and community
  engagement.

• Demonstrated community-based experience and knowledge, with the ability to guide and support
  education staff in the practical application of education legislation, policies, and funding agreements in
  ways that strengthen student success, family engagement, and community-centered learning approaches.
• Strong understanding of culturally grounded education practices that uphold community values, cultural
  continuity, and the well-being of learners and families.
• Financial and operational acumen in education budgeting, compliance, reporting, and funding
  accountability.
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills with the ability to lead planning, evaluation, and continuous
  improvement initiatives within education programming.
• Collaborative, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed leadership style that fosters inclusive and
  supportive learning environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with families,
  leadership, school districts, post-secondary institutions, and partner agencies.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support multidisciplinary education teams while promoting professional growth
  and accountability.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills with internal departments, external
  education partners, and community members.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in stewardship of education resources and
  services.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, community-centered environment.
• Adaptability and initiative in responding to evolving education needs, student supports, and governance
  priorities

• Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field
  relevant to Indigenous education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in education programming, Indigenous
  education, or community-based service delivery.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience managing and leading staff.
• Demonstrated experience in education program development, operational planning, budgeting, reporting,
  and policy implementation.
• Strong knowledge of federal and provincial education legislation, regulatory frameworks, and funding
  agreements impacting First Nations education.
• Experience preparing reports, funding proposals, policies, presentations, and compliance documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Valid BC Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain a clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector screening

• Office-based with use of standard office equipment
• Occasional travel for meetings and events
• Occasional evening or weekend work to meet community and organizational needs

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, including Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit candidates.

All applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application if they choose. Hiring decisions will be made based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, while supporting SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation’s commitment to Indigenous employment and self-determination.

Culture/Language

• Respect for and working knowledge of the W̱ SÁNEĆ culture and SENĆOŦEN language is required.

Personal Attributes

• The Director of Programs and Services maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality.

Our benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance