Culture & Language Integration Manager

Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society; Merritt; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society is seeking a Culture and Language Integration Manager to oversee the Culture & Language Department, lead language revitilization efforts, and drive strategic cultural initiatives within the organization and partner communities.

The role requires strong leadership, collaboration with Elders and community members, and a proven track record in program development, budgeting, and cross‑department coordination to advance Indigenous rights and well‑being.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Community Services, Human Services, Social Work, Education, Language Revitalization, Business Admin or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in cultural programming, Indigenous community services, language revitalization, community development, education, or related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of supervisory, management, leadership, mentoring, or program coordination experience.
• Experience working with Indigenous children, youth, families, communities, Elders, and knowledge keepers.
• Demonstrated experience leading cultural integration, organizational change, Indigenous program development, or language revitalization initiatives.
• Experience developing and facilitating workshops, training programs, learning resources, or cultural education opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and working with multidisciplinary teams, community organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, coaching, and support to Culture & Language Department staff, Elders, and knowledge keepers.
• Lead implementation of the Society's culture and language integration strategy reflecting nłeʔkepmx and syilx values.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate culturally grounded programs and initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Cultural knowledge

Language revitalization

Communication

Relationship building

Project management

Time management

Conflict resolution

Strategic leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Culture and Caring, the Culture and Language Integration Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the Culture & Language operations of the SCFSS, ensuring financial health and compliance with relevant regulations. This includes developing and implementing financial policies and processes; preparing, administering and monitoring operating and capital budgets; monthly accounting; financial planning and reporting.

As a member of the SCFSS organization, the Culture and Language Integration Manager is committed to the collective response to the Call to Action through the four Strategic Directions and supports a pathway of change to exercise nłeʔkepmx and syilx inherent rights. Supporting all four Strategic Directions through their leadership of the Culture & Language Department, the Culture and Language Integration Manager, in particular, champions core elements of the strategic goals of ‘Culture of Caring’ and ‘Growing our People’.

OVERVIEW OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, coaching, and support to Culture & Language Department staff, Elders, and cultural knowledge keepers.
• Lead the implementation of The Society's culture and language integration strategy, ensuring nłeʔkepmx and syilx values, teachings, protocols, and language are reflected throughout programs, services, policies, and organizational practices.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate culturally grounded programs, initiatives, resources, and activities that support cultural identity, language revitalization, healing, and connection to community.
• Collaborate with Resident Elders, Language Elders, Member Communities, and internal teams to ensure cultural knowledge informs organizational planning, service delivery, and decision-making.
• Champion the integration of the nłeʔkepmx Framework of Practice and syilx Child and Family Plan throughout all areas of service delivery and organizational operations.
• Support the development of culturally relevant training, orientation, education, and professional development opportunities for employees and community members.
• Ensure cultural teachings, land-based learning opportunities, traditional knowledge, and language revitalization efforts are embedded across departments and strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, cultural organizations, educational institutions, funding partners, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and support community engagement activities, cultural gatherings, language programming, ceremonies, and special events.
• Monitor program outcomes, participation levels, and cultural integration objectives, utilizing data and feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Develop operational plans, annual workplans, reports, and budgets that support cultural and language priorities and organizational strategic goals.
• Promote employee wellness, cultural wellness, and a Culture of Caring by encouraging participation in cultural, healing, and self-care practices that support individual and collective wellbeing.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funding requirements, confidentiality expectations, and Occupational Health and Safety standards.
• Foster respectful, collaborative, and culturally safe relationships that strengthen community connection, cultural identity, and organizational effectiveness.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong knowledge of Indigenous culture and language revitalization principles, cultural safety, community development, and decolonized service delivery approaches.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nłeʔkepmx and syilx traditional values, teachings, protocols, cultural frameworks, and language revitalization efforts.
• Deep understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, residential schools, child welfare systems, and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, coaching, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with Elders, communities, employees, leaders, and external organizations.
• Strong project management, organizational, and program administration skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience developing and implementing culturally grounded programs, initiatives, and organizational practices.
• Strong communication, presentation, public speaking, and professional writing skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive cultural, organizational, and personnel matters.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a clear Criminal Record Check and Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) Prior Contact Check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and provide a current driver's abstract.
• Willingness to travel to Member Communities and participate in community events, cultural activities, meetings, ceremonies, and occasional evening or weekend engagements.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Indigenous Studies, Community Services, Human Services, Social Work, Education, Language Revitalization, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in cultural programming, Indigenous community services, language revitalization, community development, education, or a related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of supervisory, management, leadership, mentoring, or program coordination experience.
• Experience working with Indigenous children, youth, families, communities, Elders, and knowledge keepers.
• Demonstrated experience leading cultural integration, organizational change, Indigenous program development, or language revitalization initiatives.
• Experience developing and facilitating workshops, training programs, learning resources, or cultural education opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, community organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies.
• Knowledge and personal or professional practice of nłeʔkepmx and syilx traditional values, culture, practices, protocols, and language is required.
• Experience supporting cultural planning, strategic initiatives, funding agreements, budget management, and program evaluation is considered an asset

MINIMUM REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Indigenous Knowledge: Applied knowledge of nłeʔkepmx and syilx traditional values, protocols, culture, language, and ways of knowing; demonstrates cultural leadership and a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma, healing, and community wellness.
• Strategic and Cultural Leadership: Ability to lead organizational cultural integration initiatives, influence change, and align programs and services with Indigenous values and strategic priorities.
• Critical Thinking: Analytical and solution-focused approach to assessing issues, identifying opportunities, and making informed decisions that balance cultural, operational, and community considerations.
• Communication: Exceptional facilitation, public speaking, presentation, storytelling, professional writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Relationship Building: Ability to establish trust and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with Elders, communities, partners, employees, and leadership.
• Program and Project Management: Ability to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate multiple programs, initiatives, and projects while managing resources effectively.
• People Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to coach, mentor, motivate, and develop staff while fostering accountability, growth, wellness, and culturally safe workplaces.
• Time Management and Adaptability: Highly organized, able to manage competing priorities, respond to changing community needs, and work effectively in diverse environments.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to navigate complex interpersonal, organizational, and community matters with professionalism, diplomacy, cultural humility, and respect.

The Society is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation that reflects a candidate's education, experience, skills, and overall qualifications. Most successful candidates can expect to be placedbetween the minimum and midpoint of the salary range at the time of hire.

Placement above the midpoint may be considered for candidates who bringsignificant directly related experience, specialized expertise, and a demonstrated ability to perform all core aspects of the role with minimal orientation or training.

The maximum of the salary range is generally reserved for candidates who closely match or exceed all preferred qualifications, possess extensive relevant experience, demonstrate exceptional competency in the position’s key responsibilities, and can make an immediate contribution at a highly proficient level.

Salary placement decisions are made in a manner that supports internal equity, market competitiveness, and The Society's compensation philosophy.