Who we are

The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) is a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous early learning and child care (ELCC). BCACCS undertakes research, develops training and resources, and provides services and leadership to support Indigenous communities throughout BC to create high quality, culturally respectful, spiritually enriching community child care services that are based in the child’s culture, language, and history.

The work this role carries

BCACCS is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader for the role of Keeper of Community Programs and Support (Director of Community Programs and Supports). Reporting to the Organizational Steward (CEO), this senior leadership role is responsible for guiding, coordinating, and stewarding BCACCS’ program portfolio in a way that honours Indigenous knowledge, community priorities, and organizational accountability.

The Keeper of Community Programs and Support provides strategic and relational leadership to Program Stewards (Program Managers; 7 direct reports), ensuring programs are delivered with cultural integrity, quality, and consistency, while remaining responsive to Indigenous children, families, and communities across BC.

Acting as a bridge between program delivery and organizational operations, this role ensures programs are well supported, aligned with BCACCS’ mission, and accountable to funders, partners, and—most importantly—communities.

The role and how you will contribute

Program Leadership & Stewardship

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to all BCACCS program areas through direct supervision of Program Stewards (Program Managers).
• Ensure programs are delivered with cultural grounding, consistency, and responsiveness to community needs.
• Support Program Stewards (Program Managers) in developing annual workplans, setting priorities, and monitoring progress toward outcomes.
• Foster collaboration across programs to share learning, strengthen alignment, and reduce silos.
• Participate actively in the Fire Keepers (Directors) Circle, contributing to collective leadership and organizational decision-making.

Bridging Programs and Organizational Operations

• Work closely with the Keeper of People and Resources (Director of Operations) to align program needs with organizational systems (HR, Finance, Administration, IM/IT, Communications, etc.).
• Collaborate with the Keeper of Shared Knowledge (Director of Data, Evaluation, & Learning) to integrate evaluation, data, and learning into program design and continuous improvement.
• Identify and address systemic barriers between programs and operations through proactive, solution-oriented leadership.

Quality, Accountability & Practice Standards

• Oversee the development and implementation of consistent program delivery frameworks, operational processes, and practice standards.
• Monitor compliance with funding agreements, service delivery expectations, and regulatory or accreditation requirements.
• Ensure programs are grounded in culturally respectful, evidence-informed, and community-responsive approaches.

Leadership, Relationships & Community Engagement

• Represent program priorities within senior leadership discussions and organizational planning.
• In collaboration with Program Stewards (Program Managers), build and maintain respectful, trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, funders, and sector partners.
• Support Program Stewards (Program Managers) in fostering meaningful community engagement and the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
• Ensure community voices meaningfully inform program evolution and service delivery.

What you bring: Experience, Knowledge, and Ways of Being

• One or more of the following:
• 10+ years of progressive experience in program leadership, oversight, and coordination within Indigenous ELCC, family support, or community-serving organizations.
• Post-secondary education, preferably a bachelor’s degree, in Indigenous studies, early childhood education, social work, education, public administration, community development, or a related field with relevance to Indigenous-led program delivery and leadership.
• A meaningful combination of education, professional experience, lived experience, and demonstrated leadership, grounded in Indigenous values and a deep understanding of Indigenous ELCC in BC communities, that prepare you to steward programs with cultural integrity, accountability, and care.
• Strong understanding of the history, policy landscape, and systems shaping Indigenous ELCC, including experience working within BC’s Indigenous ELCC frameworks and priorities.
• Experience working with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous-led initiatives.
• Experience working within not-for-profit, community-based, or values-driven organizations.
• Grounding in Indigenous values of respect, reciprocity, and relational accountability.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership approach that prioritizes listening and shared decision-making.
• Proven skill at navigating complexity while honouring both community practice and organizational responsibility.
• Commitment to advancing BCACCS’ role as both a service provider and a Centre of Excellence.
• Extensive experience in program leadership, coordination, and oversight within Indigenous, community-serving, or values-driven organizations.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, protocols, and approaches to early learning, family support, and community services.
• Proven experience leading and supporting diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and navigating cross-functional challenges.
• Strong knowledge of program evaluation, service delivery standards, and compliance with funding and accountability requirements.
• Commitment to communicating clearly and respectfully, with strong facilitation and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated balance of strategic leadership and systems thinking with attention to operational detail.
• Culturally safe, trauma-informed manner grounded in integrity and accountability.

Additional gifts and strengths you may bring

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field such as Indigenous studies, early childhood education, social work, public administration, education leadership, or community development.
• Experience supporting or partnering with Nations at a provincial or regional level, including navigating funding frameworks, policy environments, and cross-community collaboration in Indigenous ELCC.
• Experience supporting organizational growth while maintaining cultural and community accountability.
• Lived experience, community connection, or cultural grounding that strengthens leadership practice.

How the role is practiced day-to-day

• This role is based in the Lower Mainland and works in a hybrid arrangement, with a regular presence in the West Vancouver office (1–2 days per week) and the remainder of time worked from a home office, as operational needs allow. Occasional travel within the province is required to attend meetings and gatherings.
• Holds a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle, with the ability to travel as needed.
• Is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional extended hours.
• Carries out the role in alignment with BCACCS’ Code of Conduct, and is willing to complete a criminal record check to support a safe and trusted workplace.

What we offer

• An opportunity to work alongside like-minded colleagues who are committed to making a meaningful difference and uplifting the lives of Indigenous people, particularly children and families.
• A kind, caring, and values-driven culture grounded in respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.
• Salary range: $117,916 to $141,499 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Extended health benefits and a matched pension plan, available after a three-month introductory period.
• Observation of fourteen (14) statutory and other holidays.
• Paid sick days and personal days to support wellness and balance.
• Professional development opportunities to support growth and learning.

How to share your interest

Those who feel drawn to this role and its purpose are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter describing how their experience and values align with our work to:

https://app.loxo.co/job/MzA5MjEtdnNxczByZG1jZXFld2F6ZA==?t=1768339289383

We thank all who apply. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code and Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, preference will be given to qualified candidates with Aboriginal ancestry.