Pacheedaht First Nation - or “People of the Seafoam”- are a Nuu-chah-nulth people from the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.
INTERIM HEALTH DIRECTOR (Contract, Term)
Working and living in Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew is a remote west coast community known for its powerful surf breaks, world-class camping, old-growth forests, fishing, and access to iconic trails like the Juan de Fuca Trail. It’s a place where people come to unplug from city life and reconnect with nature, whether that means being on the water before work, camping on weekends, or trading traffic and commutes for quiet, coastal living.
If you’re someone who values a slower, more intentional pace of life, living where others vacation, community connection, meaningful work, and time outdoors - Port Renfrew may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Staff housing options are available and negotiable, helping support a smooth transition for candidates residing outside the community.
Who we are
We are the Pacheedaht First Nation - a resilient, thriving community rooted in our sacred lands and waters. Our home brings peace, safety, and belonging, connecting us to one another and to our ancestors.
Guided by our teachings, we steward our territory and exercise our rights, title, and jurisdiction with care, protecting the wildlife, clean air, waters, and forests that sustain current and future generations. Pacheedaht First Nation is a proud, progressive government focused on the health, safety, and self-reliance of our people while preserving our culture, values, and language. We hold four reserves (174 hectares) within our traditional territory in Port Renfrew, about 80 km from Victoria, with an estimated 286 members, including roughly 100 living on-reserve.
About the role
Reporting to the Band Manager, the Interim Health Director provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day operational oversight of all health programs and services delivered through the Pacheedaht First Nation health centre. This role ensures that services are culturally safe, community-focused, and grounded in a holistic view of wellness.
Working closely with Executive Director, community members, staff, and external partners, the Interim Health Director supports the Nation’s vision for health and well-being by strengthening programs, systems, and relationships that contribute to positive outcomes for the community.
The Interim Health Director is responsible for ensuring that health services are accessible, well-communicated, and delivered in a fair and respectful manner to all community members. This is a highly hands-on role, requiring a leader who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational support, and who is comfortable working in a small, close-knit community environment where relationships, trust, and responsiveness are essential.
What you will do
As the Interim Health Director for Pacheedaht First Nation, you will:
Leadership & Department Oversight
- Provide overall leadership and direction for the health department, including setting priorities and guiding day-to-day operations
- Foster a supportive, respectful, and culturally safe workplace grounded in relationship-based practices
- Support staff through mentorship, coaching, and development, while building team capacity and stability
- Conduct workforce planning, including recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning
- Navigate workplace matters thoughtfully and confidentially within a close-knit community context
Program Management & Service Delivery
- Oversee the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of all health programs and services
- Ensure programs are accessible, responsive, and aligned with community needs and priorities
- Support the integration of culturally grounded and holistic approaches to health and wellness
- Monitor program performance, identify gaps, and implement improvements
- Ensure clear communication of services, supports, and resources available to community members
Strategic Planning & Community Wellness
- Lead the development and implementation of health strategies, plans, and policies aligned with community priorities
- Work collaboratively with Leadership and community to identify emerging health needs and opportunities
- Support community engagement efforts to ensure programs reflect local values, knowledge, and priorities
- Contribute to long-term planning that supports sustainable, community-driven health services
Financial Management & Funding Oversight
- Oversee department budgeting, financial planning, and reporting
- Manage funding agreements and ensure accountability to funders
- Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of resources
- Support proposal development and pursue funding opportunities to strengthen programs
Partnerships & External Relations
- Maintain strong working relationships with regional health authorities, FNHA, ISC/FNIHB, and other partners
- Collaborate with service providers, organizations, and agencies to strengthen service coordination
- Represent the health department at meetings, working groups, and interagency tables
- Advocate on behalf of the Nation’s health priorities and interests
Governance, Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare reports and updates for Chief & Council and Leadership
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and funding requirements
- Uphold privacy, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all areas of work
- Maintain documentation, reporting systems, and accountability processes
Emergency Planning & Community Safety
- Support emergency preparedness, planning, and response in collaboration with the Pacheedaht Emergency Services Department
- Participate in community wellness and safety initiatives, particularly during times of crisis or urgent need
- Ensure the health department is prepared to respond to community health emergencies
Lived and learned experience we are seeking
To be the successful candidate for this position, you will have/demonstrate:
Education or equivalent:
- Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, Social Sciences or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Graduate degree in public health, health administration, or leadership is an asset
- Training in Indigenous health, community health, or culturally safe practices is strongly preferred
Experience:
- 5+ years of progressive relevant experience, including management-level responsibility.
- Experience working with First Nations communities and knowledge of Indigenous health approaches.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong understanding of Health Related legislation and Indigenous Health best practices
- Strong skills in budgeting, reporting, and program administration
- Knowledge of FNIHB/ISC funding models and health regulations
- Excellent communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills
- Strong conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
- High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and ability to build trust
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriately
Ways of working:
- Comfortable working in evolving environments and building systems over time
- Brings a relational, community-focused approach
- Balances compassion with accountability
- Indigenous lived experience and/or experience working with Indigenous communities is strongly preferred
- Valid driver’s license
- Clear Criminal Record Check, including vulnerable sector
What we offer
- An opportunity to work with like-minded people and do meaningful, community-focused work
- Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience, with the equivalent to $75,000.00 to $85,000.00 per annum
- Participation in community events and initiatives
To express interest
To express interest in this role, please submit your cover letter and resume.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference in accordance with applicable legislation.
