- Lead impactful programs supporting housing, Indigenous children, youth, and families across the Kelowna community
- Earn a competitive salary of $69,160-$76,440 plus 4 weeks vacation, extended benefits, and an employer-paid pension plan
- Join a growing, community-driven Indigenous organization where your leadership will help shape culturally grounded services and strengthen the future of urban Indigenous families
Founded in 1974, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (KFS) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening the urban Indigenous community in Kelowna and surrounding areas. As part of the broader Friendship Centre Movement, KFS delivers culturally grounded programs and services that support individuals and families through every stage of life, from infants and youth to adults and Elders. Through ongoing programs, community initiatives, and special events, KFS fosters connection, healing, and empowerment, while continuing to welcome volunteers who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community.
KFS is dedicated to honouring Indigenous culture, knowledge, and values by advocating for and supporting a holistic vision of healing, empowerment, and community well-being. Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth, KFS works to strengthen individuals, families, and the broader urban Indigenous community through culturally grounded programs and services. With a commitment to helping balance the well-being of all peoples throughout their healing journeys, the Society strives to break down systemic barriers and create sustainable pathways for Indigenous Peoples to thrive and succeed.
For more information, please visit our website: kfs.bc.ca/
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is looking for a full-time Programs Manager – Community & Social Services based in Kelowna, BC.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role will oversee a portfolio of programs aligned with the successful candidate’s experience and background, particularly within areas such as child, youth, family and wellness services, childcare, housing or other Indigenous community programs. You will be responsible for supporting program delivery, leading multidisciplinary teams, strengthening community and funder relationships, and ensuring programs are delivered in alignment with Indigenous values, cultural safety principles, and organizational priorities.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Leading the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of child, youth, and family programs
- Supporting and supervising Team Leads, Coordinators, and front-line staff across multiple program areas
- Providing coaching, mentorship, performance management, and day-to-day operational support to program teams
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning, and basic HR-related matters in collaboration with Human Resources
- Managing relationships with funders, including the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Interior Health and other government partners
- Monitoring program outcomes, participant experiences, and compliance with funding agreements and reporting requirements
- Overseeing program budgets, expenditures, reporting processes, and documentation systems
- Supporting grant writing, proposal development, funding renewals, and stewardship activities
- Building relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous organizations, partner agencies, and community stakeholders
- Representing the Society at community meetings, working groups, and sector networks
- Contributing to organizational planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives
- Travelling between program sites within Kelowna to support teams and ensure effective program operations
To qualify, you will need post-secondary education in Human Services, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Indigenous Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in community-based or Indigenous-serving programs, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role, will also be essential.
Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in trauma-informed and culturally safe environments
- Experience working with government-funded programs, particularly those connected to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Interior Health (IH)
- Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and the impacts of colonization on urban Indigenous families and communities
- Experience managing program budgets, reporting processes, funding agreements, and operational compliance
- Grant writing, proposal development, and funding stewardship experience
- Valid BC driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and the ability to travel between program locations within Kelowna
As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong leadership, relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills that will enable you to effectively support teams, navigate complex program environments, and build trust with community partners and stakeholders. You will also bring empathy, cultural humility, adaptability, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset that aligns with the Society’s commitment to cultural safety, community wellness, and Indigenous-led service delivery.
This is a dynamic and impactful leadership opportunity for a community-focused professional who is passionate about supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families while helping shape and strengthen growing programs within a values-driven organization.
Compensation based on skills and experience, is a competitive annual salary of $69,160-$76,440, and a host of excellent benefits including:
- Extended health and benefits coverage
- Four weeks paid vacation
- Employer-paid pension plan
- Meaningful opportunities to support Indigenous children, youth, and families within the Friendship Centre Movement
- A collaborative, culturally grounded, and community-focused work environment
- The opportunity to contribute to impactful community initiatives and events, including the annual Turtle Island Festival
- A dynamic leadership role within a growing organization expanding its programs and services across Kelowna
- The chance to build strong relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous organizations, and community partners
- A beautiful Okanagan-based work location offering access to an exceptional lifestyle and outdoor recreation opportunities
If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!
