Director of Education

Sqwá First Nation

Director of Education

About Us

Sqwá First Nation is located in the Stó:lō Territory near Chilliwack Landing and includes lands at Skwali, Skwahla, and Schelowat, with shared administration of Grass and Skumalasph. Sqwá is one of three Nations of the Pelóxwlh Tribe, alongside Xwchíyò:m and Qweqwe'ópelhp. Sqwá First Nation takes great pride in fostering community well-being, cultural revitalization, education, and youth development.

Through valued initiatives such as Chilliwack Landing Preschool, which has served children and families for more than 30 years, and the renowned River Spirit Canoe Club, the Nation continues to invest in future generations while strengthening cultural identity and community connections. The Nation also works collaboratively with local educational partners to promote Indigenous cultural learning and understanding throughout the region.

Today, Sqwá First Nation is advancing a bold vision of nation-building, good governance, economic development, and community prosperity. As the Nation continues to grow and transform, it seeks leaders who are inspired by service, collaboration, and Indigenous self-determination, and who are committed to supporting the success of the Sqwá people for generations to come.

Job Profile - Director of Education

Sqwá First Nation is seeking an experienced, strategic, and community-focused Director of Education to provide leadership and direction for education programs and services across the Nation.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Education provides strategic leadership for Sqwá First Nation’s education portfolio, with direct responsibility for early childhood education and Kindergarten, while supporting students throughout the continuum of their educational journey, from elementary and high school through post-secondary, vocational, and adult education.

The Director leads the development and implementation of culturally grounded educational programming, curriculum, supports, and initiatives that promote student success, wellbeing, language and cultural knowledge, and meaningful community engagement. A key focus of the role is strengthening educational pathways, supporting successful transitions between stages of learning, identifying and addressing barriers to achievement, and creating opportunities for Sqwá learners to pursue their educational, cultural, personal, and career aspirations.

Working closely with Chief and Council, the Education Committee, students and families, schools, post-secondary institutions, training providers, funders, Indigenous organizations, and community partners, the Director builds strong relationships and partnerships that advance educational outcomes and ensure programs and services reflect Sqwá values, Stó:lō culture and language, and community priorities.

Duties And Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for education programming and services.
• Develop and implement the education strategic plan, policies, and annual work plans.
• Ensure education programs and services are delivered in accordance with applicable legislation, funding agreements, policies, standards, and Nation requirements.
• Monitor program performance and recommend improvements based on measurable outcomes.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and updates for the CAO and Chief and Council.
• Ensure education initiatives align with organizational priorities and the evolving needs of the community.
  
  

Education Programs

• Provide leadership and oversight for early childhood education and Kindergarten programming, while strengthening educational pathways, supports, and opportunities for Sqwá students throughout elementary, high school, post-secondary, vocational, and adult education.
• Develop and implement strategies to support and improve student attendance, engagement, retention, progression, and graduation.
• Lead the establishment and development of an Adult Education Centre focused on employment readiness, post-secondary pathways, skills development, and lifelong learning
• Coordinate education supports and resources for students and families.
• Promote culturally grounded and land-based learning opportunities.
• Build and maintain a strong understanding of Sqwá culture, history, values, and community priorities, and ensure this knowledge informs education program design and delivery.
• Work closely with the Education Committee to guide program direction and maintain alignment with community and cultural priorities.
  
  

Funding & Administration

• Develop and manage annual education budgets.
• Prepare grant applications and pursue external funding opportunities.
• Manage funding and contribution agreements and ensure reporting requirements and deadlines are met.
• Prepare required reports for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), and other funders.
• Maintain effective administrative processes to support the successful delivery of education programs and services.
  
  

Community & Partnerships

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key education partners, including School District 33 (SD33), adult education and post-secondary institutions, Indigenous organizations, government agencies, funders, and community partners
• Represent Sqwá First Nation at education-related meetings, conferences, and community events.
• Advocate for Sqwá First Nation's education priorities with external partners.
• Strengthening communication and collaboration among students, families, educational institutions, and the Nation.
  
  

Leadership & Human Resources

• Supervise, recruit, mentor, and evaluate Education Department staff in accordance with Sqwá First Nation personnel policies.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and culturally safe workplace.
• Support employee professional development and succession planning.
• Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports, including:
• • Education Assistant
  • Preschool and Kindergarten Staff
  • Post-Secondary Coordinator
  • Administrative Support
  • Education program staff and contracted facilitators, as applicable
• Provide operational leadership and support across the Education Department and, where appropriate, contribute expertise to broader organizational priorities and initiatives.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Indigenous Studies, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and significant leadership experience may be considered.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in education administration, program management, or a related field, including demonstrated leadership responsibilities.
• Experience working within First Nations education, Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous communities.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and supporting the development and performance of staff.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing, budgeting, and the administration of funding and contribution agreements.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Indigenous education systems, funding, policy, and reporting requirements, including those associated with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC).
• Strong strategic planning, program development, project management, and organizational skills.
• Strong financial and administrative skills, with the ability to manage budgets, funding requirements, reporting obligations, and multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with students and families, educational institutions, government and funding partners, Indigenous organizations, and community partners.
• Ability to provide thoughtful leadership in a community-based environment and respond effectively to the diverse educational needs of learners and families.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to use technology effectively for communication, planning, reporting, and program administration.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications and Assets

• Certification, specialized training, or experience in Indigenous education, special education, inclusive education, or a related area is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of, respect for, and understanding of Sqwá and Stó:lō culture, traditions, language, and community values is considered a strong asset.
• Experience developing or implementing culturally grounded curriculum, learning opportunities, or educational programming is considered an asset.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

• Valid BC Driver’s Licence.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including any required vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required for meetings, conferences, professional development, and community events.
  
  

Compensation & Work Schedule

• Status: Full-Time, Permanent
• Salary: $115,000-$140,000 per year
• Benefits: Comprehensive Group Health Benefits and Pension Plan
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, with some evenings and weekends required
• Location: Sqwá First Nation, Chilliwack, BC
• Professional Development: Sqwá First Nation supports lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.
  
  

To Apply

Sqwá First Nation is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry, pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates who are members of Sqwá First Nation are encouraged to identify their membership in their application.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter in confidence to:

Trimark People Solutions

Executive Recruitment Search

Office 1210; 104 - 32615 South Fraser Way

Abbotsford, BC V2T 1X8

Email: careers@trimarkps.ca

Online: Director of Education Career Posting

For more information or a confidential discussion about this leadership opportunity, please contact Trimark People Solutions at Tasnia.Buchanan@skwah.org or call 250-699-0379.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Sqwá First Nation is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Applicants who require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process are encouraged to let us know. Reasonable accommodation will be provided based on individual needs and in accordance with applicable human rights and accessibility requirements. Accommodation requests will be handled respectfully, individually, and with appropriate regard for privacy and confidentiality.

Trimark People Solutions is a national Managed HR, Staffing, and Executive Recruitment firm that helps organizations build strong workplaces and leadership capacity. Guided by our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous partnership, we deliver practical people solutions to clients across Canada. For more information, visit www.trimarkps.ca.