Policy Advisor ($76,440 – $85,540/yr)

Scout Talent; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community-focused organization in Central Okanagan seeks a full-time Policy Advisor. This role involves guiding policy development to strengthen Title and Rights for the St’át’ímc communities. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, extensive policy experience, and strong writing skills. Benefits include a competitive salary of $76,440 – $85,540, along with comprehensive health coverage and generous leave. If you're passionate about community-driven work, apply today!

Benefits

Medical and Dental coverage

Group pension plan

Short-term accommodation support

Generous personal and sick leave

Access to work vehicles

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of progressive policy experience within Indigenous governance.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Valid driver's license and clean driver’s abstract required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full policy cycle from issue identification to implementation planning.
• Research legislation, case law, and jurisdictional matters.
• Prepare briefing notes, options papers, and decision materials.
• Advise on consultation and accommodation files.

Skills

Knowledge of Indigenous governance

Strong writing and presentation abilities

Ability to translate complex policy issues

Confidence leading policy research

Education

Post-secondary degree in Public Policy, Law, Indigenous Studies, or Political Science

Job description

• Help guide policy work that strengthens Title and Rights and supports the 11 St’át’ímc communities
• Earn a competitive annual salary of $76,440 to $85,540, plus group benefits, pension, generous leave, and short-term accommodation support for those relocating
• Join a welcoming team where community, collaboration, and cultural knowledge guide the work every day

About St’át’ímc Government Services (SGS)

St’át’ímc Government Services (SGS) is a central partner to the 11 St’át’ímc communities, working across the territory to support people, strengthen local capacity, and protect the lands that hold deep cultural meaning. Guided by the St’át’ímc Chiefs Council and shaped by generations of St’át’ímc knowledge, SGS delivers programs in community development, governance support, natural resource stewardship, environmental protection, and long-term planning. Its work blends traditional knowledge with modern expertise, creating sustainable solutions that honour St’át’ímc values while meeting the needs of families today and preparing for the future. Those who join SGS step into meaningful, community-driven initiatives and collaborate with dedicated professionals who care deeply about the Nation’s wellbeing. With a focus on integrity, service, and cultural respect, SGS offers a rewarding place to build a career where your contribution has direct impact and lasting purpose.

For more information, please visit our website: statimc.ca.

About the Opportunity

SGS is looking for a full-time Policy Advisor based in Lillooet, BC.

Reporting to the Administrative Director and working closely with the St’át’ímc Chiefs Council (SSC), you will play a key part in guiding policy development, supporting intergovernmental work, and advancing Title and Rights priorities.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for leading the policy cycle from research and analysis to decision support, implementation planning, and evaluation, while ensuring all work reflects St’át’ímc knowledge, community needs, and cultural protocols.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the full policy cycle from issue identification to implementation planning
• Researching legislation, case law, and jurisdictional matters to inform recommendations
• Preparing briefing notes, options papers, submissions, and decision materials
• Coordinating SGS participation at intergovernmental tables and supporting agreements
• Advising on consultation and accommodation files and maintaining accurate records
• Supporting community engagement with culturally safe, plain-language materials
• Tracking legislative and regulatory updates and summarizing implications for SGS
• Collaborating with internal teams to align work across Title and Rights, Lands, and Communications
• Traveling within the territory and occasionally to Vancouver, Victoria, or Kamloops for Chiefs Council meetings and related engagements

To read the full position description, please click here.

About You

To qualify, you will need a post‑secondary degree in Public Policy, Law, Indigenous Studies, Political Science, or a related field, 3-5+ years of progressive policy experience within Indigenous governance, intergovernmental work, or a closely related setting. An equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered.

The following are required:

• A valid driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract
• Ability and willingness to travel within the territory and to locations such as Vancouver, Victoria, or Kamloops
• Ability to undergo a criminal record check

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Knowledge of Indigenous governance, Title and Rights, s.35 matters, and UNDRIP/DRIPA
• Experience supporting consultation or accommodation files
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear recommendations
• Strong writing and presentation abilities
• Confidence leading policy research and drafting briefing notes, options papers, and submissions
• Familiarity with case law, legislation, and regulatory environments
• Experience working with First Nations or Indigenous organizations
• Understanding of cultural protocols, Elders’ guidance, and trauma‑informed engagement

As our ideal candidate, you will have sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the confidence to work both independently and as part of a small team. You bring cultural awareness, diplomacy, and a thoughtful approach to discussions with leadership and community members. Your ability to listen, ask questions, and work with patience and respect will be key to your success in this environment.

This is a meaningful position suited to someone who values community-driven work and wants to support policy development that strengthens the St’át’ímc Nation for the long term.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nation or Indigenous ancestry.

About the Benefits

Compensation based on skills and experience is a competitive annual salary of $76,440 – $85,540, along with a host of excellent benefits including:

• Medical and Dental coverage through a shared-cost benefits plan
• Group pension plan
• Short-term accommodation support for candidates relocating to the area
• Generous personal and sick leave, plus two weeks of paid time off during the Christmas closure
• Coverage for work-related travel, including mileage, accommodation, and meals
• Access to work vehicles for approved travel
• A warm, supportive, team‑focused work environment with a stocked snack and coffee room
• Regular office gatherings to celebrate milestones and special occasions

If you’re ready to contribute to meaningful work that supports the St’át’ímc communities, apply today!