Executive Assistant to the Kúkwpi7 (Chief)

JOB POSTING

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community. As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

POSITION TITLE: Executive Assistant to the Kúkwpi7 (Chief)

DEPARTMENT: Corporate

SUPERVISOR: Kúkwpi7

TERMS: Full Time, Permanent

REFERENCE #: 2026-136

Purpose of Position:

The Executive Assistant to the Kúkwpi7 is the first point of contact for the Kúkwpi7 and provides high-level, confidential executive, administrative and governance support. Working at the Centre of TteS leadership, the position manages the Kúkwpi7’s schedule, communications, records and priorities so the Kúkwpi7 can lead effectively in the community and in nation-to-nation, intergovernmental and external relationships. The position supports the Kúkwpi7’s Public Relations, External Affairs, Legal, and Title and Rights (T&R) portfolio, and works closely with Tkwenem7íple7, the Executive team and departments, exercising sound judgment, discretion and political sensitivity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Executive and Calendar Support (25%)

• Serves as the first point of contact for the Kúkwpi7, screening and prioritizing inquiries, requests and meeting invitations, and resolving scheduling conflicts.
• Manages the Kúkwpi7’s calendar and daily schedule, ensuring the Kúkwpi7 is prepared for each commitment with the necessary background materials and briefing notes.
• Keeps the Kúkwpi7 informed of upcoming commitments, deadlines and responsibilities, and follows up on action items through to completion.
• Arranges detailed travel, including itineraries, agendas, accommodations and documents for travel-related meetings.
• Ensures the appointed Acting Kúkwpi7 has the information necessary to carry out required duties when the Kúkwpi7 is on approved leave.
• Tracks the Kúkwpi7’s vacations, absences and leave in the calendar.
• Anticipates needs, manages multiple priorities and projects at the same time, and proposes practical solutions to keep the office running smoothly.

Correspondence and Communications (20%)

• Reviews and prioritizes incoming email, mail and external requests, and brings high-priority and sensitive matters to the Kúkwpi7’s attention.
• Drafts correspondence, letters, briefing notes and responses on behalf of the Kúkwpi7 that are clear, accurate and appropriate in tone.
• Follows and completes the TteS templated action sheet for all correspondence, tracking each item through to response.
• Maintains open communication with Tkwenem7íple7, the Executive team and department managers to ensure alignment on key initiatives and priorities.

Meetings, Governance and Briefing Support (15%)

• Coordinates the Kúkwpi7’s meetings and events, including scheduling, logistics, agendas and the timely distribution of materials.
• Attends meetings and events as requested, records notes and tracks follow-up actions.
• Conducts research and compiles background information and briefing materials for projects, meetings and initiatives as assigned.
• Provides administrative support for the Kúkwpi7’s speeches, presentations and public appearances, including community events, meetings and ceremonies.

External Relations, Protocol and Media (15%)

• Acts as liaison between the Kúkwpi7 and internal and external stakeholders, including community members, Elders, staff and government officials, with professionalism, cultural awareness and discretion.

• Provides administrative support that enables the Kúkwpi7 to lead and participate in Indigenous and intergovernmental organizations and relationships, including but not limited to:
  • Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
  • Le Estcwicwéy
  • Assembly of First Nations and BC Assembly of First Nations
  • Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
  • Union of BC Indian Chiefs
  • Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc
  • Qwelmínte Secwépemc
  • City of Kamloops, Provincial Ministers, MLAs and Federal Government Officials and so on.

• Observes Secwépemc protocol and TteS cultural practices when arranging meetings, visits, events, gifting and ceremonies.
• Supports public and media relations, including media inquiries and social media content, in coordination with TteS communications staff.

Legal, Title and Rights File Support (5%)

• Organizes and maintains confidential legal and Title and Rights files for the Kúkwpi7’s portfolio, tracking key dates, deadlines and follow-up.
• Coordinates correspondence, meetings and document flow with legal counsel, TteS staff and external parties as directed.
• Collates and prepares materials for legal matters and agreements requiring the Kúkwpi7’s review or signature.

Financial Administration (10%)

• Verifies and codes invoices, travel claims, expense reports and requisitions for goods and services, and prepares purchase orders and payment requests.
• Tracks credit card and travel expenses for the Kúkwpi7’s office and completes reconciliations in a timely manner.
• Maintains spreadsheets to track expenses and payments, and monitors completion of related action items.

Records and Information Management (5%)

• Maintains strict confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the Kúkwpi7 and TteS.
• Implements and maintains an efficient electronic and physical filing system using standardized TteS records procedures, including secure handling of confidential and legal records.
• Uses current digital tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, SharePoint, e-signature) for document processing, and manages courier and mail as required.
• Performs all duties in accordance with TteS policies, standards and procedures.

All Other related duties as assigned. (5%)

Financial Responsibility:

This position does not hold direct budget authority; however, it supports budget monitoring for the Kúkwpi7’s office in coordination with the Finance Department, including:

• Monitoring and reconciling the Kúkwpi7’s budget and expenses throughout the year.
• Assisting in the preparation of the Kúkwpi7’s annual budget.
• Processing reimbursable travel and expense claims in a timely manner, in accordance with TteS financial policies.

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of a criminal record check.
• Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends, and to travel, for community events, assemblies and meetings as required.
• Required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

• Diploma in Office Administration, Business Administration or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years of executive assistant experience supporting senior leaders, executives or elected officials; 5 or more years is preferred.
• Experience working with First Nations governments, Indigenous organizations or communities is strongly preferred.
• Legal assistant experience or training is an asset.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities, working independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of Secwépemc culture, protocol and community and ability to speak Secwepemctsín is an asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting correspondence and briefing materials on behalf of senior leadership.
• Sound judgment, discretion and political sensitivity in handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint), Adobe Acrobat, virtual meeting platforms and social media platforms.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive and forward-thinking: anticipates needs, takes initiative and proposes solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build respectful relationships with community members, Elders, Tkwenem7íple7, staff, external partners and governments.
• Ability to manage own workload independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, service and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of internal and external communications best practices.

An equivalent combination of education, training, lived experience and professional experience may be considered

Benefits:

• Extended health, dental, and vision
• 7.6% Registered Pension Plan (RPP) matching and Life insurance
• Paid vacation, statutory holidays and leave in accordance with TteS policy
• Professional development and training opportunities

HOURS OF WORK: Day shifts – 7 hours per day (35 hours per week). Evening and weekend work and travel will be required from time to time.

PAY GRADE: $36.91 - $40.10 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, it is TteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

Deadline for the Job posting is November 24^th, 2026 by 2:00pm

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #320 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

We require each applicant to fill out

an online application form which can be found at: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.