Manager, Governance Support

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Manager, Governance Support is a valuable member of the ʔAkisq̓nuk team and works closely with the Chief and Council in implementation of Strategic direction for the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation. This role provides strategic analysis, facilitates informed decision-making, and oversees a consistent, nation-driven approach to governance, policy, legislation, and organizational accountability.

The Manager, Governance Support facilitates governance planning, assists Chief & Council, and the organization generally, in managing complex intergovernmental relations, tracks emerging issues including monitoring federal and provincial government bills and announcements, drafts strategic correspondence (including briefing notes, responses to government agencies, partners or community members), undertakes research, and prepares position papers, reports, and other correspondence recommended by Chief & Council. The incumbent provides expertise in the planning, development, implementation of strategic responses and initiatives including funding proposals in line with AFN priorities.

As a key advisor to the Chief & Council and CAO, the Manager, Governance Support ensures that all policy, legislative, and governance initiatives align with the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation’s CCP, Chief & Council’s direction, and other constitutional/legislative/governance documents, including Codes, Laws, and Policies, enacted by Chief & Council.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. AFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the AFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Major Position Responsibilities:

Strategic Governance Leadership

• Supports Council by facilitating the development, modernization, and implementation of AFN governance systems, policies, and legislative frameworks.
• Direct the review, evaluation, and modernization of AFN laws, regulations, and policies, identifying gaps and proposing long-term governance solutions.
• Serve as a senior advisor to Council and the CAO on governance matters, legal obligations, policy implications, and risk considerations.
• Lead the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP) and ensure alignment with Indigenous rights, title, and nation-building priorities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of AFN’s government-wide strategic plan, governance work plan, and legislative calendar.

Policy Support, Maintenance and Development

• Manage the full lifecycle of policy development: research, drafting, consultation, approval, implementation, and evaluation.
• Guides departmental policy development across the organization, and ensures AFN’s compliance with its legislative and operational frameworks.
• Monitors federal and provincial government policy.
• Establish and maintain AFN’s policy development processes, standards, and governance calendar.
• Lead policy evaluations, compliance reviews, and impact assessments across all departments.
• Provide expert guidance to directors, managers, and program leads in interpreting AFN laws and policies.
• Seek Legal Counsel on new legislation and regulatory instruments.
• Ensure high-quality, timely, and strategic policy briefs, memos, recommendations, legislative analyses, and issues papers.
• Provide senior-level analysis on policy, legislation, agreements, and intergovernmental initiatives that may affect AFN rights, title, authorities, and operations.
• Ensure Council decisions are documented, actioned, monitored, and integrated into departmental planning across the organization.

Organizational & Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to staff involved in governance or policy-related functions.
• Lead cross-departmental projects that require policy alignment, operational change management, and integrated communication strategies.
• Ensure organizational compliance with governance processes, records management, and legislative obligations.
• Support departmental policy development by ensuring consistency, operational feasibility, and alignment with AFN’s systems, priorities, and frameworks.

Community Involvement, Communication and Collaboration

• Develop governance communication strategies in collaboration with Communications to keep AFN citizens informed of laws, policies, and decision-making processes.
• Facilitate involvement through engagement with community members to ensure governance and policy work reflects grassroots priorities and lived realities.
• Provide external presentations, training, and workshops on AFN governance, legislation, and policy frameworks as required.
• Lead governance transition processes before and after AFN elections to ensure continuity, transparency, and organizational stability.
• Maintain and update the governance manual, orientation materials, and institutional memory for elected leadership and departments.
• Lead or participate in internal and external working groups related to governance, legislation, policy, and intergovernmental initiatives.
• Prepares written strategic correspondence; briefing notes, responses to government agencies, communications related to policy change, discussion documents, and advocacy plans with a goal of increasing presence, awareness and recognition of ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nations perspectives, needs and rights.

Other related duties as assigned within the mandate of the position.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Indigenous studies, public policy, political or social science, or a related field of study).
• Strong customer services skills when working with Nation members.
• Knowledge of language, history and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation is an asset.
• Understanding of Public and Band Policy as it relates to reservation Indigenous issues.
• Political savviness and curiosity.
• Working knowledge of the functions and interactions of the various levels of government including federal, provincial, Treaty First Nation, and municipal, etc.
• Experience working with First Nations / Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of Indigenous policies and governance.
• Minimum of 2 years of strong research, analytical skills and policy development and implementation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to maintain accurate records and reporting documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary (starting salary $80,000 to $90,000 commensurate with education and experience)
• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year
• Paid annual vacation
• Paid sick days
• Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Short- and Long-Term Disability, available after 3 months of service
• Matched RRSP program with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service
• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

Akisqnuk supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.