About BC First Nations Justice Council
The BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) represents First Nations in BC on justice-related issues to bring about transformative change to the legal system. Created in 2015 by the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the Council has a clear mandate to challenge approaches that contribute to the growing over-representation of First Nations children and youth in the care of government and First Nations men and women in incarceration, and to productively engage with government to advance strategies that achieve better outcomes for Indigenous people in the justice system. The BCFNJC works with First Nations to support their self-determination over justice and to advance justice system reform for all Indigenous Peoples. It provides free legal services and support to help Indigenous people in BC navigate the justice system with respect and understanding. Through the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, signed in 2020, the Council upholds self-determination, reclaims legal traditions and addresses systemic injustice to support the well-being of future generations.
Summary & Key Functions
We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (Operations Lead) to provide executive leadership for BCFNJC's operations, implementation efforts, people leadership, and service delivery. Reporting directly to the Justice Council (Board of Directors) and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer, you will work in close partnership with the CEO to turn strategic direction and Justice Council priorities into effective action across the organization, including the Indigenous Justice Centres. You will help ensure BCFNJC has the capacity, accountability, and strong internal foundation needed to deliver on the BC First Nations Justice Strategy.
This role is ideal for a leader who is committed to the mandate and understands that the work is larger than any one organization. You will bring a practical leadership style grounded in integrity, humility, and accountability, while supporting staff through a culturally safe and trauma-informed approach. Success in this role requires sound judgement, the ability to navigate complexity, and a genuine commitment to creating conditions where people, programs, and services can thrive. You will be a team builder who values collaboration, supports growth in others, and remains focused on the communities this work serves.
Operational Leadership & Service Delivery
- Provide high-level oversight of BCFNJC’s operations, including the Indigenous Justice Centres across the province, while supporting the Director responsible for day-to-day operational leadership and service delivery.
- Ensure services are delivered consistently and reflect organizational standards and Indigenous justice principles.
- Ensure client-impacting programs align with the BC First Nations Justice Strategy.
- Oversee workforce planning and staffing approaches across all regions.
- Monitor operational performance and lead continuous improvement.
- Provide direction and support to direct reports through a culturally appropriate, healing-centred approach.
Organizational Implementation & Culture
- Lead implementation of priorities established by the Justice Council, with support from the CEO and in accordance with the Justice Strategy.
- Foster a culturally safe and respectful workplace where staff feel included.
- Oversee internal communication so teams understand organizational priorities.
- Support leadership development and performance management for operational leaders.
- Ensure programs are implemented in a way that reflects Indigenous justice principles.
Financial Oversight & Resource Management
- Oversee operational budgets and financial controls in partnership with the Finance Lead and CEO.
- Allocate resources effectively to support service delivery and organizational sustainability.
- Identify operational needs and budget pressures to inform financial planning.
- Support long-term planning that strengthens organizational capacity and responsible growth.
- Help identify opportunities to diversify BCFNJC’s funding base in keeping with organizational priorities.
- Ensure organizational assets are managed responsibly.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and organizational standards.
- Lead operational risk management by identifying concerns and ensuring they are addressed or escalated.
- Strengthen operational policies and internal controls.
- Support audit and reporting processes in partnership with the CEO, Finance Lead and operational leaders.
Executive Partnership
- Work closely with the CEO to connect strategic direction with operational delivery.
- Provide operational insight to inform strategic decisions.
- Ensure clear accountability for implementing BCFNJC priorities within operational areas.
- Act on behalf of the CEO during periods of absence when executive authority is delegated.
Your Toolkit Includes
- Demonstrated knowledge of and respect for BC First Nations governance structures, the First Nations Leadership Council, and Indigenous laws and protocols.
- Senior operational leadership experience in a complex, multi-site organization of comparable scale, ideally supporting approximately 150 or more employees.
- A master’s or undergraduate degree in business administration, public administration, law, operations leadership, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and senior leadership experience may be considered.
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting and operational planning.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and report in a timely way.
- Experience managing organizational growth and developing practical solutions to emerging needs.
- Ability to address conflict and crisis through an objective, fair and restorative approach.
- A collaborative leadership style focused on mentoring and team building.
- Ability to hold yourself and others accountable in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner.
- Demonstrated ability to lead in a culturally safe and trauma-informed environment.
- Understanding of community resources and wraparound services in the BC context.
- Working knowledge of Canada’s criminal justice system, with legal knowledge or experience working closely with legal professionals.
- Proven success building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, government partners and frontline staff.
- An understanding of the diversity among BC First Nations and the different needs of Indigenous Justice Centres across the province.
- A valid BC Driver’s Licence, access to a vehicle and the ability to travel.
- A clear criminal record check and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be conditions of employment.
- Verifiable and validated Indigenous identity (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) is strongly preferred. Candidates must demonstrate respect for and understanding of Indigenous cultures, communities, governance and protocols.
This is a full-time, permanent position. Due to the nature of the role, it is expected to be primarily in-person, based out of any of the IJCs, with a preference for Kelowna, BC. The role offers a competitive target hiring salary range of $203,000-$243,000 annually, along with a comprehensive total compensation package, including RRSP/TFSA matching program, paid professional development support, and cultural leave. The full salary range for this position provides opportunity for progression and growth over time, based on performance and tenure.
How To Apply
If the opportunity to lead a transformative and impactful First Nations organization, feels like the right fit for you, please apply with your cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted until noon PST on November 6th, 2026.
Read the Opportunity Profile to learn more about the role, BCFNJC, and why Kelowna, BC is a great place to live. A full outline of the job responsibilities and requirements can be found in the complete job description.
If you require accommodations in the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting Mark Brennan at mark@engagedhr.com.
