Executive Director

Executive Director

First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation

The First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation (FPCF) is seeking a BC First Nations Leader to continue the growth and success of the organization as a leader in Indigenous Philanthropy. FPCF is an Indigenous-led organization that was established in 2000 to uplift the vitality of B.C. First Nations languages, arts and cultural heritage. The Foundation is a registered not-for-profit and charity. The Foundation is in a period of significant growth and provides financial support directly to Indigenous communities and projects, including FirstVoices and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned leader to continue the vital work of ensuring:

• All indigenous communities in BC have stable populations of speakers who are passing their language on to the next generation of speakers.

• Every First Nations Language in BC is accessible through FirstVoices.

• The Values and teachings of Indigenous Arts are being passed on to future generations.

• Indigenous Cultural Heritage is thriving with Indigenous Peoples as stewards.

The Board hired its first staff person in 2022, and the organization currently has three full-time positions, one part-time position, and the Executive Director. Working alongside the Board of the Foundation and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, this position will be responsible for developing the strategic plan to support organizational growth.

If you are passionate about Indigenous language, arts, and heritage and want to be a part of ensuring the vitality of these and believe you have the skills to take on this challenge, we look forward to hearing from you.

Submissions from applicants without First Nations ancestry will only be considered after those of First Nations, Métis or Inuit ancestry have been fully considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Who We Are:

FPCF and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) have worked in partnership for almost 25 years to facilitate opportunities for BC First Nations communities to revitalize their languages, arts and cultures. As community-led organizations, they have developed effective programs and technologies that are internationally recognized as best practices in Indigenous cultural resurgence.

First Peoples’ Cultural Council is a provincial Crown Corporation formed by the government of British Columbia in 1990 to administer the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Program. FPCC is supported by legislation: First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Act

What We Offer:

As a foundation, our individual and collective values connect us to our sacred responsibilities. These values guide our work, and it is our role to uphold them in all that we do. Our team works remotely throughout the lands known as BC and gathers virtually and in person regularly to share and work alongside one another in partnership. We provide a collaborative work environment guided by Indigenous values of: Indigenous leadership, Knowledge, Resilience, Helping one another, Responsibility and Cultural continuity.

• Salary range $144,200 – $170,000

• Training and professional development opportunities to grow your career and skills,

including speaking engagements, coaching, and education. A specific development plan will be unique to the successful candidate.

• Travel opportunities to conferences and community events

• We value your work-life balance and family/community time and offer the following:

• 5 weeks’ vacation allowance

• Additional statutory holidays, including National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st) and Truth & Reconciliation Day (September 30th)

• Dental, extended health and vision care for you and your family.

• Defined benefit pension plan.

What You Will Do:

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Lead review of strategic plan and make recommendations to address emerging

opportunities and priorities.

• Conduct a review of internal processes and prioritize them for the next phase of organizational growth.

• Provide leadership in support of the Board of Directors in identifying and addressing issues of concern and in building understanding and developing consensus around positions and actions to be taken.

• Provide leadership, clarity, and support to employees, motivating, guiding, and directing them towards accomplishing the organizational goals and objectives.

https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96147_01 https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96147_01 https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96147_01

• Ensure the board have the information and support required to provide strategic

guidance to the organization and meet their responsibilities by:

o Providing the staff resources required to fulfill their stated responsibilities.

o Identifying, assessing, and informing the board of internal and external issues that affect the organization.

o Developing Board meeting materials, communications, and organizing minutes of Board meetings.

Human Resources and Policy

• Recommend policy to the board and manage staff in a manner that promotes a culture of collaboration and a productive, safe and respectful workplace.

• Develop and maintain an organizational structure to ensure resources are directed towards accomplishing the objectives of the organization.

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the FPCF, keeping the Board informed on all critical matters in a timely fashion.

• Effectively manage and direct staff and contractors in accordance with employment legislation; hires, trains, coaches, develops and assesses performance of staff.

• Recommend to the Board any updates in bylaws, policies and procedures as required.

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Oversee the Foundation’s fundraising plan for revenue generation, including the development of a 5-year fundraising plan.

• Ensure good relations with philanthropic foundations, partners and community leaders aligned with the strategic goals of the Foundation.

• Monitor the progress of fundraising and grant distribution activities and events, and provide regular status reports to the Board.

• Financial oversight of the Foundation’s ethical investment portfolio to ensure fiscal responsibility and optimized growth.

• Develop annual and long-term budgets for the approval of the Board of Directors, and report to the Board regularly regarding the financial status of the organization.

• Oversee the development and implementation of effective financial and administrative systems and ensure financial resources are utilized optimally and within the objectives, policies, plans and budgets approved by the Board of Directors.

• Accountable to the Board in ensuring that all programs operate within approved funding limits.

• Ensure proper financial controls are in place and the Board is provided with appropriate budgets, forecasts, financial and operating reports on a timely basis.

• Ensure all legal and financial obligations of the organization are met.

Relationships and Communications

• Act as the official spokesperson of the organization.

• Provide leadership in developing, managing and maintaining relationships with

communities and governmental organizations on revitalizing the languages, arts and cultural heritage of First Nations communities in B.C.

• Maintain a collaborative working relationship with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, ensuring overlapping organizational efforts are complementary and coordinated.

• Develop and maintain relationships with key donors (corporate, individuals, governments, and organizations), sponsors, participants, volunteers, etc.

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the media to ensure a clear and positive image for the organization.

• Represent the FPCF, on behalf of the Board, in presentations and meetings with partner organizations, academic institutions, governments, Indigenous communities, corporations and other organizations.

• Plan, develop and implement public relations and marketing plans designed to shape and communicate the FPCF’s image and relations with donors and the public.

• Keep aware of community needs and interests as they relate to the organization’s goals.

• Ensure the website is updated as required, marketing and communications materials are developed, and special events or presentations are organized as needed.

What You Will Bring:

A related master’s degree in a discipline supporting BC Arts, culture and language, such as

Education, Linguistics, Business Administration, Indigenous History, or Anthropology,

supplemented by at least five years’ experience working in a leadership or managerial capacity

in an Indigenous foundation or not-for-profit organization, or an equivalent combination of

education and experience.

An acceptable combination of equivalent education, training, or experience in related fields may

be acceptable.

Required Skills and Abilities to Help You Succeed:

• Ability to promote and champion Indigenous worldview or Indigenous cultural knowledge

and foster strong relationships and understandings with a variety of international

corporate, municipal and community partners to support philanthropic, administration

and capital needs for BC language, culture and arts.

• Senior-level knowledge of financial management in accordance with accounting practices, knowledge of investment and business risks, along with demonstrated strong leadership and strategy development skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to use storytelling to influence

positive outcomes for the organization. Demonstrated presentation and public speaking

skills.

• Experience with fundraising and grant-giving strategies and operations, and with donor

management.

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse Indigenous cultural protocols.

• Knowledge of Indigenous history, including residential schools and the Truth and

Reconciliation Commission.

• Knowledge of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and

the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

• A high level of ethics, professionalism, integrity and forthright communication.

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to not-for-profit/ voluntary organizations.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships, partnerships and networks with government and non-government organizations and agencies.

• Demonstrated tact and judgement in interpersonal relationships.

• Proven ability to lead a team and promote an inspiring and healthy organizational culture.

• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple large projects/proposals and deadlines.

• Understanding of financial management, investment and business risks.

• Exhibits sound judgement and timely decision-making capabilities.

• Experience reporting to and supporting a volunteer Board.

• Adaptable and comfortable working with the ambiguity and complexity of being an indigenous led organization partnering with organizations and institutions with a colonial history and structure.

• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with the MS Office Suite.

• Valid Class 5 British Columbia Driver’s license and own reliable transportation.

• Understanding of, and experience working with, the B.C. Societies Act.

• Familiarity with foundations and their relationships with their stakeholders.

Working Conditions

Most work will be done in a home office environment. Travel to attend meetings and conferences provincially, nationally and internationally will be required.

This position is required to travel to the Foundation’s workspace, which is shared with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, on the beautiful traditional unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation people, in the village of W̱JOȽEȽP.

For more information about the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, visit: www.fpcf.ca

Please send a resume and covering letter by August 15, 2025, to:

Light your path Email: lightyourpath@telus.net

Applications will be reviewed on August 15, 2025, and interviews are expected to begin later that month. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. The intention is to have a new Executive Director participate in the September Annual General Meeting.

• Light your path