Manager, First Nations Partnerships

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $95,000.00 Annually

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s vibrant working harbour. GVHA operates on the traditional unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, the xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation and Songhees Nation. Since GVHA’s inception in 2002, both Nations have held seats on the Board of Directors and continue to guide major strategic and policy decisions.

We are seeking a Manager, First Nations Partnerships to work alongside the xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees Nation in advancing shared priorities within a complex, working harbour. Grounded in trust, reciprocity, and respect, this role supports joint priorities, collaborative planning, and pathways toward co-management — advancing key initiatives and ensuring that Nation perspectives and priorities are meaningfully integrated into GVHA’s operational and long-term planning.

This role is designed for someone who brings lived experience, cultural understanding, or long-standing professional practice working alongside First Nations communities.

This position carries organizational influence and works closely with senior leadership to advance shared priorities—reporting directly to the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Innovation and providing day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and support to GVHA’s First Nations Engagement Coordinator.

• Build and maintain consistent, respectful, and transparent relationships with the xʷsepsəm Nation and the Songhees Nation leadership, staff, and community members.
• Support regular meetings, joint work planning, and co-developed initiatives.
• Ensure GVHA commitments, agreements, and protocols are understood and upheld across the organization.
• Lead GVHA’s participation in the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program, including reporting and internal working group coordination.
• Lead the development of GVHA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, in collaboration with Nation partners and internal teams.
• Support Nation-led programming, cultural practices, and ceremony within GVHA spaces, and coordinate GVHA participation in community events and initiatives.
• Advance placemaking initiatives that reflect lək̓ʷəŋən language, culture, history, and presence across GVHA managed lands and facilities—ensuring alignment with Nation leadership and community values.

• Work collaboratively with the xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees Nation economic development teams to identify and support initiatives that contribute to the economic prosperity of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, including seeking external funding where appropriate.
• Identify and advance opportunities to support Indigenous owned businesses, including GVHA procurement and partnerships.
• Develop, implement, and maintain GVHA’s lək̓ʷəŋən job shadowing program.
• Oversee GVHA’s First Nations Revenue Contribution Fund, including program policies, guidelines, and implementation processes.
• Provide guidance and support to GVHA’s First Nations Economic Development (FNED) Board Committee, including preparing reports and meeting materials, delivering presentations, and ensuring accurate documentation of decisions and outcomes.

• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate Nation perspectives early and meaningfully into planning and decision-making.
• Provide culturally informed guidance on projects, policies, and engagement approaches.
• Identify and coordinate learning opportunities for GVHA staff and Board to deepen understanding of Nation histories, governance, rights, and priorities.
• Advise the CEO and Leadership Team on appropriate protocol for events and engagements.
• Develop internal tools and resources that support culturally safe and respectful practices.
• Office-based role with eligibility for a hybrid schedule (up to two days per week from home).
• Regular visits to GVHA sites during project and event delivery.
• Regular off-site meetings at xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees…