Executive Director

• Lead meaningful change at a pivotal moment for a community-driven Indigenous organization
• Earn a competitive salary of $100K–$120K plus 4 weeks’ vacation, extended health benefits, and relocation support
• Lead a dedicated team through cultural alignment, and meaningful community-centred growth

About the Wachiay Friendship Centre

Wachiay is a Cree word for “welcome.” At Wachiay Friendship Centre, we seek to welcome every member of our community and provide services reflective of the needs of urban Indigenous peoples and all those experiencing inequity.

We offer a wide range of programming rooted in Indigenous cultural teachings, including Elders, youth, and family programs, employment and life skills training, mental health and anti-violence programming, Clever Raven Aboriginal Headstart daycare, and more. We do community outreach and provide material support for those who are unhoused or facing poverty. We also provide the Comox Valley’s only Family Law and Poverty Law Advocacy programs. These varied services are always evolving to meet the needs of local peoples.

With these services, we aim to improve the holistic wellbeing of individuals, decrease social isolation, and strengthen our communities. Our many programs based in the Friendship Centre act as a web of support to hold up individuals and families from all walks of life, and we extend this network to the diverse peoples of north-eastern Vancouver Island and beyond.

For more information, please visit our website: wachiay.org/

For more information about Courtenay, B.C., please visit: discovervancouverisland.com/

About the Opportunity

Wachiay Friendship Centre is looking for a full-time Executive Director based in Courtenay, B.C. 

As the Executive Director reporting to the Board of Directors, you will lead the organization’s administration, programs, people, and strategic direction to ensure the Friendship Centre effectively serves and supports the urban Indigenous community.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing visionary leadership that upholds the mission, values, and cultural integrity of the Friendship Centre
• Developing, implementing, and assessing strategic goals and organizational priorities
• Overseeing day-to-day operations, program delivery, facilities, and overall service standards
• Ensuring programs remain culturally relevant, community-focused, and responsive to emerging needs
• Leading sound financial management practices including budgeting, reporting, audits, and funding compliance
• Identifying and pursuing diverse funding opportunities and supporting donor and partner relationships
• Building trust through transparent communication with staff, Board members, community partners, and stakeholders
• Managing and mentoring staff, fostering a collaborative and culturally safe work environment
• Supporting recruitment, training, performance management, and retention processes
• Serving as a key spokesperson and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, governments, and service providers
• Supporting the Board of Directors through timely reporting, governance support, and policy development
• Advocating for the needs of urban Indigenous people and representing the Centre at local, regional, and national forums

About You

To qualify, you will need a degree in business administration, non-profit management, Indigenous studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience) and a valid driver’s license. A minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in a non-profit or community-based organization, as well as experience or lived experience working with Indigenous communities or cultural organizations, will also be essential.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and funding compliance
• Experience in fundraising and donor/partner relations
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, governance structures, and urban Indigenous issues
• Ability to work in a culturally relevant and culturally safe manner

As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building abilities, complemented by excellent communication and public-speaking skills. You bring a leadership style grounded in transparency, collaboration, cultural humility, and respect, with the proven ability to build trust, and guide teams through periods of organizational change. You excel at mentoring staff and fostering a collaborative, supportive work environment, and you are adept at navigating Board-staff dynamics, supporting governance processes, and managing multiple priorities while making sound, timely decisions.

This is a meaningful leadership opportunity for someone who is deeply committed to serving the urban Indigenous community, strengthening organizational culture, and guiding the Friendship Centre into its next chapter with integrity, clarity, and compassion.

About the Benefits

Compensation based on skills and experience is a competitive annual salary of $100K–$120K, and a host of excellent benefits including:

• Extended health benefits
• 4 weeks of vacation
• Relocation assistance
• A supportive, purpose-driven workplace culture focused on community impact
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful initiatives serving the local Indigenous community
• A role located in beautiful Courtenay, BC, offering a high quality of life and direct connection to Vancouver Island’s cultural and natural landscape

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!