Job Summary

The Operations and Special Projects Manager is responsible for leadership and oversight of a broad range of functions, resources, and systems for the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC or “Centre”). The position provides senior-level oversight for special projects, including multiple, concurrent and large-scale grant-funded research projects and initiatives arising from the Centre’s ongoing programs and relationships. The Manager also directs the Centre’s core operational and administrative functions, including facility and building operations, financial management, and the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and procedures. Central to this role is meaningful, ongoing engagement with Survivors and Indigenous and community organizations. This work requires a deep understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of the Indian Residential School system, and demands exceptional cultural humility, relational sensitivity, and trauma-informed awareness in every aspect of the position’s responsibilities. The ability to build and sustain trust with Survivors, Indigenous communities, rights holders, and Indigenous-led organizations is foundational to this role. This position is further responsible for facilitating high-level collaboration across portfolios to advance the Centre’s strategic planning and priorities. Organizational Status

This position reports to the Director, IRSHDC, under broad strategic direction of the Academic Director. The Operations and Special Projects Manager works closely with the IRSHDC’s management team and with staff and project teams across all functional areas of the Centre. The position regularly works with UBC departments and stakeholders (e.g. First Nations House of Learning, Building Operations,



Academic Directors and leadership in other units, Indigenous elders, etc.), as well as external contractors and suppliers, funding bodies, research centres, and governmental organizations and bodies (e.g. Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, etc.) in addition to Indigenous individuals and community groups throughout BC and Canada . Given the Centre’s mandate, the incumbent must approach all interactions, both internal and external, with a high degree of tact, discretion and respect for the dignity and lived experiences of those the Centre serves. As this position manages procedures, projects, and initiatives that are regularly in a state of evolution and adaptation, it requires an individual who is comfortable providing cross-team leadership in an atmosphere of iteration, complexity, and ambiguity while systems and processes are being established and continue to evolve. It requires someone who can demonstrate flexibility, cultural humility, and relational leadership in shaping those systems and processes. Special Projects

Provides oversight of the Centre’s special projects, ensuring that projects are initiated, resourced and executed in alignment with the Centre’s strategic priorities and in a manner that honours the dignity and trust of Survivors, Indigenous communities, and other partners. Navigates the complex relational,



cultural and institutional considerations that shape each project’s design and implementation. Identifies and proposes potential projects, drawing on knowledge of the Centre’s strategic direction and community relationships to surface initiatives that merit attention, while respecting that final decisions rest with the relevant advisory bodies. Leads projects from inception to completion, including the development of comprehensive project plans, timelines, budgets and risk mitigation strategies. May design or collaborate with community partners in the creation of project ideas. Ensures projects outcomes are delivered to the satisfaction of all partners and collaborators. Facilitates communication and collaboration between project teams, partners, stakeholders, exercising a high degree of cultural sensitivity, tact and discretion. Navigates relationships with Survivors, Indigenous communities, and external funding bodies and research partners with care and relational integrity. Identifies, analyzes, and manages risks and opportunities unique to each project, and recommends improvements to community partners on the design and/or implementation of the project to ensure project objectives are met in an productive, timely, and economical manner. Leads the planning and coordination of Centre-wide events, working with event leads and support staff to assess event logistics and execution. Oversees event planning budgets and expenditures from start to finish. Works across the team to improve event coordination and execution processes. Operations

Advises Director and Academic Director on strategic planning and Centre-wide policy development, providing analysis and recommendations that inform senior-level decision-ma

📌 Operations and Special Projects Manager (Vancouver)
🏢 University of British Columbia
📍 Vancouver