OVERVIEW
Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC) is guided by values deeply informed by our Indigenous roots that are inherently culturally safe and respectful, and pride ourselves in the continual and respectful integration of Indigenous cultural activities and ceremonies.
POSITION FOCUS
The Governance & Policy Specialist is responsible for strengthening governance capacity across Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC) Member Nations by providing strategic governance and policy expertise, developing governance and policy related resources, and coordinating collaborative governance initiatives. This position researches, develops, and supports the implementation of governance frameworks, laws, policies, and procedures while fostering strong relationships with Member Nations and external partners.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Governance & Policy Specialist reports to and is accountable to the Executive Director of Member Services. The Governance Manager must exercise tact and diplomacy when interacting with other employees, NmTC Member Nations, other First Nations and Indigenous organizations, funding agencies, municipal, provincial, and federal governments’, contractors and other stakeholders and special interest groups.
The Governance Manager works closely with Member Nation leadership, governance staff, Executive Directors, and NmTC departments to enhance governance systems, support leadership transitions, and develop practical governance tools and training that reflect the unique needs and priorities of each Nation.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Governance & Policy Development
- Provide governance advice and technical support to NmTC Member Nations on governance-related matters.
- Research, develop, and recommend draft laws, bylaws, policies, regulations, resolutions, and governance procedures.
- Support the implementation, maintenance, review, and amendment of governance laws and policies.
- Monitor governance trends, legislation, and best practices relevant to First Nations governance.
- Develop governance resources, templates, and tools that support strong and effective governance.
- Analyze emerging legislation, policy, and governance trends and provide strategic advice on implications for Member Nations.
Governance Capacity Building
- Provide coordinated, culturally grounded governance support across its eleven Member Nations
- Provide responsive governance advisory services, develop governance tools and resources, support leadership continuity and governance planning, and facilitate Nation-to-Nation governance learning and collaboration.
- Develop, maintain, and share practical governance resources (e.g. constitutions, bylaws, policies, codes, procedures, governance manuals, etc.) templates, toolkits, and promising practices that can be adapted by Member Nations.
- Redevelop and coordinate pre-election, post-election, and leadership training programs that can be customized to meet the unique governance structures and priorities of individual Member Nations.
- Identify governance gaps and opportunities within Member Nations and provide recommendations to strengthen governance systems.
- Support Nations during leadership transitions by providing governance resources and continuity planning.
- Design and facilitate governance workshops, planning sessions, and engagement processes with Member Nations.
Relationship Building & Network Coordination
- Build and maintain strong relationships with governance staff and leadership across NmTC Member Nations.
- Collaborate with internal NmTC departments to ensure governance initiatives support broader organizational priorities.
- Liaise with local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments and organizations on governance initiatives.
- Coordinate and facilitate the NmTC Governance Network, including:
- o Developing and maintaining the Network Terms of Reference.o Organizing regular meetings and knowledge-sharing opportunities.o Planning and coordinating an annual Governance Gathering focused on Nation-to-Nation learning, relationship building, and governance training.
Program Management
- Program Establishment and Management: Develop and establish the program from the ground up, including its framework, services provided to Nations, resources, and delivery model, and provide ongoing management and oversight of the program.
- Plan, coordinate, and manage governance projects from development through implementation.
- Develop project plans, workplans, budgets, and progress reports.
- Monitor project outcomes and evaluate effectiveness.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, funders, and Member Nations.
- Other requirements assigned by ED.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Post-secondary degree in Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Law, Public Policy or a related discipline.
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in governance, policy development, Indigenous governance, public administration, or a related field.
- Experience working with First Nations governments, Indigenous organizations, Tribal Councils, or other government organizations is strongly preferred.
- Experience developing governance policies, legislation, bylaws, or strategic governance initiatives.
- Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, and collaborative networks.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of First Nations governance systems, legislation, and self-governance.
- Knowledge of governance best practices, policy development, and legislative processes.
- Excellent research, analysis, and report-writing skills.
- Strong program management and organizational abilities.
- Excellent facilitation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with elected leadership, senior administration, and community members.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently with limited direction and act on own initiative.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, zoom, and document management systems.
OTHER
- Hybrid/Remote position for those located on Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland area. The ability to regularly travel to the NmTC Office (Duncan, BC) and 11 Member Nations throughout Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, and Lower Mainland is necessary.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for meetings, workshops, or community events.
- Follow Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council policies and procedures
- Valid BC Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation are required.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Meaningful, community-centered work grounded in Indigenous culture and values
- Opportunity to work within the dynamic cross-functional Member Services Team supporting eleven Member Nations across multiple program areas
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Group Health Benefits after probationary period
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan after probationary period
- Three (3) weeks paid vacation after probationary period
- Fourteen (14) statutory holidays
- Two (2) weeks paid time off during the December holiday season
- Annual professional development support
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit:
- A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience
- A resume
- Three references
- Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to important work within NmTC, including the development of a Governance and Policy Program within Member Services that support the growing needs and priorities of our Member Nations.
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Mill Bay, BC
