Program Director Jobs in Chilliwack, BC (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to connecting our strategic goals, vision, and comprehensive community plans to funding initiatives and grants. We are seeking a Grants, Proposals, and Strategic Writer to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance all of the grants, proposals, and funding efforts to support our community, enhance our services, and expand our work.

Under the direction of the Director of Finance and Administration, the Grants, Proposals, and Strategic Writer will work collaboratively with various teams throughout the organization, assisting in finding grants or funding opportunities and ensuring successful implementation and reporting. The Grants, Proposals, and Strategic Writer provides function in the implementation of projects as directed including creating and managing proposals for projects and implementation of operational delivery models that will achieve optimal outcomes.

Work that matters

Sq'ewqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process.

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
  
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code

What you'll do

Grant and Proposal Writing:

• Collaborate with project teams and project managers to understand project requirements and objectives.
• Keep the Director and stakeholders updated on all current, new and upcoming funding available.
• Draft, review, and assemble compelling proposals to seek funding opportunities for current or expected programs and Band services and ventures.
  
• Conduct thorough research to gather necessary information for proposals.
  
• Revise and refine proposals to ensure clarity and alignment with funding criteria.
  
• Create supporting documents such as executive summaries, presentations, resumes, organizational charts, and financial statements.
• Ensure all attachments and appendices are included and properly formatted.
  
• Track the proposal development process and adjust as needed to meet deadlines.
  
• Work with stakeholders to gather sensitive data and ensure compliance with grant regulations.
  
• Prepare reports for grant compliance and follow-up with funding agencies.
  
• Track all proposals in motion from submission, to approval, to when funding is received, to when projects have been completed.
  
• Stay informed on all departmental proposals to ensure senior management and stakeholders are not surprised by incoming information.

Strategic Writing:

• Contribute to strategic planning with relevant written materials.
  
• Develop content for internal and external communications announcements related to awarded grants or funding.
  
• Conduct research to inform strategic documents in response to proposal requirements.

Project Management:

• As directed, coordinate aspects related to the implementation of proposal projects:
  • Create and manage proposals for projects, ensuring all components are completed on schedule and addressing any roadblocks.
  • Provides support to develop tools and templates relating to grants, proposals, strategic writing and assigned projects.
    
  • Track progress according to project plan and identified metrics, reporting on the status of projects and major barriers encountered in relation to Grants and Proposals.
    
  • Assist stakeholders in completing tasks to ensure the Band achieves goals set by Chief and Council and funding agencies.

Reporting and Administration:

• Develop and maintain a good rapport with private and public funding sources and potential business partners.
  
• Prepare petitions for the CAO and Chief & Council to various governing bodies for legislative changes when needed.
  
• Meet with Band Committees and Chief & Council as required.
  
• Provide regular updates on Band initiatives to the Director and CAO for presentation to Chief & Council and Membership.
  
• Provide reports, statistics, and other information to the Director based on research.
  
• Assist with conducting surveys as requested and as needed for proposals, grants, or projects.
• Work with the Directors Team to ensure the Director and CAO are prepared for upcoming meetings and presentations.
  
• Collaborate with the Policy Analyst/Council Advisor and various programs to ensure Band policies align with applicable guidelines.
  
• Conduct research, data collection, and predict potential impacts to inform the Director's decision making.
  
• Assist the Director in maintaining a close analysis of current provincial and federal government policies and First Nations organizations.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on changes in funding opportunities and industry trends.
  
• Evaluate proposals and grant outcomes to incorporate feedback into future responses.
  
• Follow up with clients or issuing organizations to confirm receipt and address any questions.
  
• Participate in debrief sessions to review proposal outcomes and gather feedback for future improvements.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in English, Business Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Social Sciences, or a relevant field. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• 5+ years of experience with Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and other proposal, grant-writing, or funding documents within a First Nations community.
  
• Experience researching, writing, and executing successful proposals to public and private funders
  
• Experience working with elected and appointed officials.
  
• Experience with collecting data and disseminating data from a variety of sources including, narratives, historical documents, statistical reports, and other sources.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island's culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Skilled in crafting compelling arguments and demonstrating value. Experience in crafting engaging and persuasive content.
  
• Ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely.
  
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple proposals in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  
• Knowledge of compliance guidelines and requirements.
  
• Ability to quickly learn about various industries or new topics and adapt to changes in project scope.
  
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle pressure effectively.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'ewqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to: Director of Finance and Administration

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to proposal writing. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Metis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.