Associate Director (0.6-0.8 FTE)

We are seeking an experienced and passionate leader who is ready to play an integral role in decolonizing healthcare and advocating for health and wellness equity for Indigenous peoples and the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community. This is a new position created to provide leadership and the development of Kilala Lelum’s internal planning, systems, and operations. Below is a summary of responsibilities we have identified that could be included in this role. We request interested applicants describe in their cover letter their areas of interest, skills, and experience, including possibilities that aren’t listed below. The final Job Description will be co-created in collaboration with the successful candidate. 

Kilala Lelum strives to offer integrated primary care and allied health services, Elder-led cultural care, engage with Food as Medicine, and a range of specialized programs. We provide in-clinic and outreach-based services in ways that endeavor to center Indigenous cultural healing and Ways of Being/Knowing and to be strength-based, trauma-informed, member-centered, and grounded in harm reduction. Our goal is to contribute to a health system that is accessible, safe, and truly meets the needs and desires of our members.

Job Summary:

This position reports to, and works alongside, the Executive Director, while serving as a key member of and support to the Leads team.

Specific areas the Associate Director could be responsible for overseeing may include aspects of: finance, human resources, program and organizational development, cultural wellness, community partnerships, and facilities/IT infrastructure. 

A primary objective of this role is to develop and maintain a birds-eye view of the organization, to identify and address gaps, to build more efficient and supportive internal systems and policies, and to ensure good functioning and cohesion between the various programs/projects, teams, and organization-wide initiatives. The goal is to keep us paddling together in one canoe.

Potential Responsibilities:

Finance

• Oversee and lead financial planning and management in collaboration with the Controller, Executive Director, and Board Treasurer, including: working collaboratively with the Leads team and Executive Director to develop, implement, and ensure cohesion between the various budgets (from program/grant to organizational level); identifying and anticipating funding gaps and developing plans and solutions; and ensuring we meet all legal, regulatory, and funder requirements for accounting, reporting, and record-keeping.

Human Resources

• Work collaboratively and provide guidance (as needed) to the Leads/Managers, especially the HR & Administrative Lead, on administrative and human resources aspects of the different programs/projects and teams, including: tracking and reporting to funders; documentation and communication systems; processes and strategies for staff recruitment, hiring, training, supervision and support; interpersonal relationships; and conflict resolution.
• Lead the development of an onboarding, training, and ongoing professional development system and resources for the organization, in collaboration with the HR & Administrative Lead.
• Lead or contribute to staff wellness initiatives, in collaboration with the HR & Admin Lead, and through input from the Executive Director, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Leads team. This includes:
  • Reviewing, enhancing, and implementing KL’s policies, procedures, and resources to support staff wellness.
  • Providing guidance and support to other Leads and Managers on team and staff wellness.
  • Seeking ideas and input from staff and empowering staff to develop and implement initiatives.
  • Bringing forward ideas and resources to improve staff wellness.
  • Contributing to planning staff wellness initiatives.
  • Ensuring Indigenous culture, practices, and ways of knowing are centered in the design and delivery of staff wellness initiatives, including following appropriate protocols, consultations, and involvement.

Program & Organizational Development

• Work collaboratively and provide guidance (as needed) to the Leads and Managers for the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of programs, projects, and services.
• Develop and facilitate an organization-wide system for planning and developing new or expanded programs, services, or initiatives, to ensure coordination between all areas of the organization and growth that is at a sustainable and intentional pace. Maintain a birds-eye view to identify needs and gaps, potential efficiencies, and/or possibilities for connection or collaboration across the organization.
• Lead the development and review process and act as the primary writer (where appropriate) for Policies and Procedures that seek to balance and meet the needs of members/community, programs/projects, and staff, as well as promote the healthy, safe, and sustainable functioning of the overall organization. Develop and facilitate the implementation of systems and resources necessary to implement Policies and Procedures. 
• Participate in monthly KL Leads meetings and contribute to discussions and decision-making relevant to the overall operations and development of the organization, including identifying and anticipating needs and opportunities for growth, change, and/or responses to maintain the wellness of the organization and alignment with our goals and values. 
• Attend internal meetings, including:
  • Weekly all-staff circles
  • Monthly meetings with Executive Director
  • Monthly Kilala Lelum Leads meetings
  • (Minimum) Two Kilala Lelum Board meetings per year

Facilities / IT Infrastructure

• Oversee the planning and maintenance of facilities and IT infrastructure by developing the resources, systems, and supports required (including possibly new or expanded staff roles) to ensure safe, appropriate, and effective functioning.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates. Experience working with and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture would be an asset, along with connection to Indigenous communities, people, Nations, and institutions. Completion of a cultural competency training or willingness to participate is required. 
• Preference will be given to candidates who will bring an Indigenous and decolonizing lens to this work, as demonstrated by education and experience (inclusive of any mix of Western institutional and culturally and community-based forms). This includes respect for and centering of Indigenous laws, cultural practices, protocols, responsibilities, and obligations, ensuring good relations with the host Nations, the range of Indigenous peoples and communities connected with Kilala Lelum, and the land upon which we are situated.
• Over five years of professional experience in Vancouver’s DTES, a related non-profit/service setting, and/or working with Indigenous communities. A demonstrated capacity to provide services and leadership that are culturally-safe, strength-based, trauma-informed, member-centered, equity-oriented and grounded in principles of harm reduction. Other forms of experience will be considered, especially experience with Indigenous communities. Please explain clearly in your cover letter for consideration. 
• Over five years of relevant professional experience in a leadership role, with preference for some experience in a senior leadership position with similar responsibilities to this position (ex: Director or Senior Manager).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, with preference for Master’s level education and/or comparable professional development/training. Equivalent professional experience that demonstrates necessary administrative, communication, and organizational skills will be considered.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Kilala Lelum. Openness and humility to learning and valuing cultural protocols and employing trauma-informed practices towards culture and the experiences of Indigenous people when engaging Kilala Lelum members.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and maintain good working relationships within the team and community partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Working Conditions:

• Primary location will be at our clinic at 626 Powell Street and our office at 687 Powell Street, with the opportunity to work remotely where possible. The Associate Director is expected to spend the majority of their work time onsite, in order to provide direct support and create strong working relationships with staff.

Supervision and Support Provided:

This position reports to the Executive Director and is supported by the Leads team and our Elders and Knowledge Keepers. This position also receives clinical supervision and support from an Indigenous registered clinical counsellor.

Additional Information:

• Ideal start date as soon as possible with sufficient training.
• Ideal days of work will generally fall between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, with a specific schedule to be determined with the successful candidate to meet requirements of 0.6 FTE (24 hours per week) or 0.8 FTE (32 hours per week).
• Starting hourly salary of $51.50/hour with scheduled annual raises and inflationary adjustments, based on Kilala Lelum’s wage grid and compensation policy.
• Robust extended health and dental benefits available.

To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to fleurie.hunter@uihhc.ca. Your cover letter should outline your interest in this specific role and how your background and experience make you a good fit. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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