Manager, Indigenous Relations

Are you passionate about working with Indigenous communities and leading a team that makes a real difference?  WorkSafeBC is looking for a Manager, Indigenous Relations to join our team. In this role, you'll lead a group of dedicated staff who support Indigenous workers, employers, service providers, and communities. You'll report to the Senior Manager of Indigenous Relations and help make sure our services are culturally respectful and accessible.

Your team will give advice, support community engagement, and help Indigenous clients find their way through our system. You’ll play an important part in carrying out WorkSafeBC’s plan for stronger relationships with Indigenous communities.

As Manager, you’ll help grow the team, shape the roles of Cultural Navigators and Engagement Specialists, and improve the experience Indigenous clients have with us. Your leadership will help build trust and respectful relationships, both within WorkSafeBC and with Indigenous communities.  If you're a collaborative, strategic leader who values cultural safety and meaningful engagement, we’d love to hear from you.

We have one vacancy that will work out of one of the following locations: Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, Kelowna, Courtenay or Victoria.

How you’ll make a difference: You’ll help WorkSafeBC engage in meaningful reconciliation and relationship building with Indigenous communities.

Where you’ll work 

At WorkSafeBC, we offer a hybrid work model that combines working remotely, and in our offices based on the operational needs of the position.

In this role, you will work primarily from your assigned local office with some flexibility to work from your home in B.C.

• Lead programs that support Indigenous Relations at WorkSafeBC, including Cultural Navigator and community engagement work, making sure they align with our goals and deliver quality service.
• Support staff and other teams by offering advice on how to carry out policies and plans related to Indigenous Relations, encouraging teamwork across the organization.
• Improve how Indigenous clients move through our system—like claims, prevention, and assessments—by making the process easier to understand and more culturally supportive.
• Create and carry out communication and change plans that help build Indigenous engagement into all of WorkSafeBC’s services.
• Plan and lead outreach and engagement efforts with Indigenous communities, track how well they’re working, and make changes as needed to keep them meaningful and community focused.
• Build and maintain respectful, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities, employers, and organizations, acting as a key point of contact.
• Lead and support your team by hiring, coaching, managing performance, and creating a safe, inclusive, and positive work environment.
• Represent WorkSafeBC at meetings, conferences, and on internal committees to show our commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Truth and Reconciliation, and Indigenous inclusion.
• Consistently model the appropriate level of organizational behaviours expected of all WorkSafeBC employees: responsive, respectful, fair, collaborative, accountable, and forward thinking.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Show genuine respect for Indigenous cultures, values, and perspectives by being open, humble, and willing to learn.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, coworkers, and partners by listening, showing empathy, and working together.
• Support and lead a diverse team by creating an inclusive, collaborative, and empowering workplace.
• Handle complex situations and guide others through change by staying clear, adaptable, and focused on positive outcomes.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, even when explaining complex topics, and adjust your approach for different audiences, including Indigenous communities and internal teams.
• Use strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to find long-term solutions that support both Indigenous Relations and WorkSafeBC’s broader goals.
• Handle sensitive situations and disagreements calmly and respectfully, focusing on finding positive, respectful solutions.
• Provide excellent service by understanding and responding to the unique needs of Indigenous clients and staff and looking for ways to make their experience better.
• Take initiative to understand what Indigenous clients and coworkers need, and work to improve access, support, and overall service.

Your background and experience

• A university degree in Indigenous Studies, public administration, public policy, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 6 years of related experience in the fields of Indigenous relations, management, employee management, consulting, prevention and/or disability management.
• The position also requires an understanding of Indigenous issues and an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of Indigenous Peoples and communities in British Columbia.
• Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous and/or have lived experience within Indigenous communities, in alignment with our commitment to equity and transparency.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Important to know

Before we can finalize any offer of employment, you must confirm you’re legally entitled to work in Canada.

Who we are

At WorkSafeBC, we promote safe and healty workplaces across British Columbia. We partner with workers and employers to save lives and prevent injury, disease, and disability. When work-related injuries or diseases occur, we provide compensation and support injured workers in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work. We’re honoured to serve the 2.49 million workers and 263,000 registered employers in our province.

What’s it like to work at WorkSafeBC?

It’s challenging, stimulating, and rewarding. Our positions offer diversity and opportunities for professional growth. Every day, the work we do impacts people and changes lives. What we do is important, and so are the people we do it for.

Our ability to make a difference relies on building a team with a rich variety of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences that reflects the diversity of the people we serve. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive work culture where everyone can contribute as their best, authentic self.

Learn more: Discover who we are.

Our benefits

As a member of our team, you’ll have access to services and benefits that help you get the most out of work — and life.  Along with a competitive salary, your total compensation package includes:

• Defined benefit pension plan that provides you with a lifetime monthly pension when you retire.
• 4 weeks of vacation in your first year, with regular increases based on years of service.
• Extensive health care and dental benefits.
• YourChoice Benefit Program.
• Development opportunities (tuition reimbursement, leadership development, and more).

Salary:  $116,186 - $141,166/annually

Learn more: Find out what we offer.

Want to apply?

• Applications are welcomed immediately, however must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. PST on the closing date.
• Please note that we will be starting assessments prior to the closing date.
• Cover letters are appreciated but not mandatory.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. If you require an accommodation in the assessment process, please email Recruitment Testing Accommodation (SM) when you submit your application.