Nature of Position The Programs Manager provides strategic, operational leadership across a portfolio of child, youth, and family programs at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society. This role ensures programs are delivered in alignment with Indigenous values, community needs, funding requirements, and organizational priorities. The Manager supports a team of Team Leads and front-line staff, fostering a collaborative, trauma‑informed, and culturally safe environment for staff and participants

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

- Lead planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of child, youth, and family programs.
- Ensure programs reflect Indigenous worldviews, cultural safety, and the Friendship Centre Movement’s mandate to serve urban Indigenous peoples.
- Monitor program performance, outcomes, and participant experience; implement improvements as needed.

People Leadership

- Supervise staff, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance support.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning in collaboration with the Executive Director and Human Resources department.
- Ensure programs are appropriately staffed; provide after hours support and arrange for coverage as needed.
- Address staff concerns, conflict, and performance issues in a fair and culturally safe manner.

Financial and Administrative Management

- Oversee program budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting in partnership with the Finance department and Executive Director.
- Ensure accurate documentation, data collection, and reporting systems.
- Support grant writing, proposal development, and funding renewals.
- Monitor compliance with funding agreements and reporting timelines.

Community Engagement

- Build and maintain strong relationships with fellow service providers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, partner agencies, and funders.




- Represent the Society at community tables, working groups, and sector networks.
- Advocate for the needs of urban Indigenous children, youth, and families.

Organizational Leadership

- Contribute to organizational planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives.
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Director on program priorities and risk management.
- Work with the Human Resources and Finance departments to ensure integrated, productive, and compliant operations.
- Uphold and model the Society’s mission, values, and commitment to cultural safety, and community wellness.

Qualifications Education & Experience

- Post‑secondary education in Human Services, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Indigenous Studies, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in community-based or Indigenous-serving programs, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in trauma‑informed, culturally safe environments.
- Experience working with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Ministry of Education and Child Care is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

- Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous cultures, history, and the impacts of colonization on urban Indigenous families.
- Strong skills in program planning, evaluation, budgeting, and reporting.
- Experience sourcing, securing, and stewarding program funding (e.g., grants, proposals, funding renewals) is an asset.

Requirements

- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
- Valid BC driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and satisfactory driver’s abstract.

Pay: $69,160.00-$76,440.00 per year

Education

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:
- community-based or Indigenous-serving programs: 7 years (preferred)
- supervisory or management role: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Programs Manager – Family & Community Services (Kelowna)
🏢 Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society
📍 Kelowna