Director, Indigenous Initiatives

Law Society of British Columbia; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 145,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Director of Indigenous Initiatives to lead efforts in reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. This pivotal role involves developing initiatives that bridge the Indigenous community and the legal profession, fostering cultural competency, and enhancing understanding of justice issues affecting Indigenous peoples. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of Indigenous history and cultures, alongside a strong connection to the Indigenous legal community. Join a forward-thinking organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and contribute to meaningful change within the legal landscape.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Dental plan

Work/life balance

Collegial atmosphere

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience supporting Indigenous initiatives.
• Strong connection to Indigenous legal and wider communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Indigenous Initiatives for reconciliation.
• Coordinate projects and strategies for the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee.
• Provide expert advice on Indigenous matters.

Skills

Understanding of Indigenous history

Knowledge of Indigenous cultural traditions

Access to justice understanding

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Law degree

Experience in legal or justice position

Job description

Come join our team! If you are looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, with an organization that values diversity, equity and a shared sense of purpose, look no further.

We are proud to say that we’ve been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers since 2022! The Law Society of BC offers work/life balance, a collegial atmosphere, and an excellent benefits package, including: extended health benefits, a dental plan and more.

The Law Society of BC is seeking a permanent, full-time Director, Indigenous Initiatives. The Director, Indigenous Initiatives plays a key role in leading and advising the Law Society regarding Indigenous Initiatives. The Director will be leading and developing initiatives regarding reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and being a bridge builder between the Indigenous community, the wider legal community, and the Law Society. Reporting to the CEO/Executive Director, the Director, Indigenous Initiatives will work with all departments across the Law Society and will assist the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee and other relatable committees, working groups and task forces.

The Director, Indigenous Initiatives will work with key stakeholders to develop initiatives to:

• Advance the Law Society and the legal profession’s reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;
• Provide support for Indigenous members of the British Columbia legal profession;
• Advance cultural competency development within the Law Society and the legal profession;
• Work in collaboration with the Indigenous Navigator role.

The key duties, accountabilities and responsibilities of the position:

• Operate under the general oversight and with support of the CEO/Executive Director. This position will work with Senior Leadership Team members and Directors throughout the organization to lead and advance projects, implement initiatives, and ensure responsibilities are met.
• Through the development of relationships with Indigenous people, communities, Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to build a foundation of knowledge of Indigenous history and cultures in British Columbia to inform the Law Society’s reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
• Lead the development, delivery, coordination and implementation of Indigenous Initiatives as set out in our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan and the ongoing work of the Law Society’s Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee and implementation of the recommendations of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Measures Task Force.
• Work collaboratively to enhance understanding within the profession and the Law Society of justice issues affecting Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
• Coordinate meetings, activities, projects, and strategies of the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee.
• Support the Law Society in national and interprovincial initiatives with respect to reconciliation issues.
• Plan, research, write and edit materials related to the Law Society’s Indigenous reconciliation efforts and Indigenous matters as per the Law Society’s Indigenous Framework and principles report.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff.
• Provide insight and assistance to key recruitment processes.
• Preparing and managing budget for Indigenous Initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and coordinate external and internal relationship-building initiatives.
• Provides expert advice, lived experience, perspective and insight regarding Indigenous matters.

Qualifications
We are searching for an Indigenous person who has the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Strong understanding of Indigenous history, laws, and cultures in British Columbia.
• Strong knowledge and respect for Indigenous cultural traditions, languages, ceremonies, and protocols involving Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities.
• Lived experience and understanding of access to justice, restorative justice and/or social justice issues in the context of Indigenous communities.
• At least 10 years of experience supporting Indigenous initiatives within an organization, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Strong and demonstrable connection to the Indigenous legal community and the wider Indigenous community across British Columbia.
• A law degree or previous experience in a legal or justice position is an asset.
• Ability to form collaborative relationships and work with diverse groups with patience, composure and compassion.
• Ability to manage effectively a portfolio of projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

The salary range for this position is $145,781 to $179,000.

The Law Society of BC is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the future of our organization. In accordance with the Law Society of B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation, we seek to create a culturally safe space and to continue further improving relationships with Indigenous peoples.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to [e-mail] with the subject “Director, Indigenous Initiatives.” The closing date for this competition is May 24, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We will be engaging the services of an external recruitment organization to assist with finding the right candidate for the role. Further information will be provided to applicants.

The Law Society of BC supports hybrid work schedules. This position is located at the Law Society of British Columbia office in the Yaletown area of Vancouver, BC.

845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 4Z9