Job Title: Senior Manager, Indigenous Early Years
Location: 717 Princess Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 3E4
Status: Full Time, Permanent, Non-Union
Salary: $88,000–$100,000/year + benefits and pension

Closing Date: Open until filled

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community for over 30 years. Our services are designed by and for urban Aboriginal people to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. VAHS programs include a cultural team of Elders, Traditional Healers, and Knowledge Keepers; a comprehensive Primary Care Clinic; a Dental Clinic with by-donation services; and Indigenous Early Years programs for children and families.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Senior Manager, Indigenous Early Years (IEY) is responsible for creating and implementing IEY programs and initiatives with a holistic approach that will support children and families and help lay a positive foundation for early life amongst the urban Indigenous population. The Senior Manager is responsible for all IEY services operating out of VAHS's 717 Princess Avenue location, including but not limited to: Aboriginal Infant Development Program; Aboriginal Supported Childhood Development Program; Building Blocks; Family Support Worker Program; Family Violence Intervention Program; and the FASD Supported Circle.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Senior Manager is responsible to and reports directly to the Executive Director. The Senior Manager has several program Team Leads that report directly to them, as well as some individual functions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Create and Oversee Programming

Ensure that Aboriginal children have opportunities to benefit from the continued implementation and supports of IEY's cultural, health, and education programs.

  • Work with Indigenous communities, governments, school boards, and families to strengthen and enhance the IEY programs.
  • Work collaboratively with external stakeholders, colleagues, and governments to address issues and develop options to meet program priorities.
  • Create collaborative relationships with government and funders to promote the integration and implementation of quality Indigenous programs.
  • Develop collaborations that support enhanced Aboriginal child and family support services including early childhood development, health, and social services.
  • Facilitate cultural programming opportunities and work with staff to develop strategies that will support families' well-being, development, and community engagement.
  • In collaboration with program leaders and staff, plan, coordinate, and direct program activities and special events.
  • Create and implement new IEY programs.
  • Advocate for children and families when referring to other agencies for housing, food, health care, counselling, or other supports.
  • Coordinate with the Dental Program Manager regarding dental programs offered on-site.

Team Leadership

  • Provide leadership, guidance, and support to program leads and staff.
  • Delegate duties to program leads and staff.
  • Facilitate training and orientation of staff.
  • Establish two-way communication with staff regarding the information that they need to be successful and to explore future opportunities.
  • Attend to scheduling, time sheets, and payroll for staff.
  • Approve employee vacations and leaves in accordance with VAHS policies.
  • Recruit, interview, and hire staff in consultation with program leads and human resources.
  • Attend to all disciplinary action for staff.
  • Ensure that employee evaluations are conducted and that performance feedback is provided.
  • Ensure adherence to the BCGEU Collective Agreement and establish an effective working relationship with Union representatives.

Finances

  • Work with Finance Officer and Executive Director to manage funding agreements, annual budgets, and proposals.
  • Develop proposals and fundraising initiatives which will maximize support for the development and delivery of services.
  • Provide program leads with budgets and financial supports for their programs.
  • Approve all program cheque requisitions and payments.
  • Approve purchases of supplies and equipment.
  • Complete all statistical and annual reports within timelines meeting the required standards.

Administration

  • Ensure appropriate reception desk coverage and administrative supports, and that facilities management and building maintenance are in place.
  • Oversee IT and office software supports.
  • Ensure prompt maintenance and storage of archives and program files.
  • Implement, enforce, and update VAHS and program-specific Policies and Procedures as required.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports to funders and the Board of Directors.
  • Report on activities for the VAHS Annual Report.
  • Liaise with service providers and professionals from other agencies as needed.
  • Represent VAHS or the IEY programs in external events

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful applicants must have:

  • An Undergraduate degree in a related field or a combination of education and work experience in Aboriginal early childhood programming.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience of program management in the Aboriginal early childhood field.
  • Experience working with budgets and funding agreements.
  • Experience with, and understanding of, MCFD service agreements.
  • Knowledge of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, histories, and the impacts of colonialism for Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities.
  • Strong operational leadership with experience creating and delivering programs.
  • Proven leadership and communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal relationships.
  • Solid skills working with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
  • Previous training in conflict resolution or mediation is preferred.
  • Must be flexible, adaptive, and willing to work in a multi-disciplinary team work environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • The salary range for this position is $88,000–$100,000 annually with benefits and pension offered after three months.
  • Monday to Friday schedule, but flexibility is needed from time to time based on Agency needs, including occasional evenings.
  • Must primarily work on site, with flexibility for limited and defined work from home.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Criminal Records Check.

We strongly encourage people from under-represented communities to apply, including but not limited to: Indigenous, Black, and people of colour; disabled people; and 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all genders. In alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants are preferred. In your cover letter, please self-identify at your comfort level.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application or questions about this posting to: [email protected]
Subject Line: Senior Manager, IEY Programs

All VAHS job applications require a resume and a cover letter; please submit both in PDF format. This posting will remain open until filled. VAHS thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.