Chief Operating Officer

Position: Chief Operating Officer Job Posting
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, also known as the Squamish Nation, was established in 1923, and its vast territories include the Burrard Inlet, English Bay, False Creek, and Howe Sound watershed. As a member of the MST Development Corporation, the Squamish Nation leads and participates in some of North America’s most significant economic and real estate development projects, including Senákw, Canada’s first large-scale net-zero operational carbon housing development.

On October 8, 2019, with a vision to house every Squamish person within a generation, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) approved the creation of a housing society called “Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society” (“Hiy̓ám̓ Housing”), which means “The Squamish Are Coming Home.”

Headquartered in North Vancouver, Hiy̓ám̓ Housing is a not‑for‑profit organization mandated to lead the development and management of non‑profit housing for the Squamish People, with a focus on affordable housing for low‑to‑moderate income families and supported housing. It is an arms‑length organization overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for hiring and supervising Hiy̓ám̓ Housing’s CEO, who leads the organization’s day‑to‑day operations.

Hiy̓ám̓ Housing currently manages 9 buildings, including two supportive housing sites and 282 homes, with an additional site and 203 homes planned for immediate construction. The recently approved Build 600 Affordable Homes Action Plan will guide this work.

For more information, visit their website.

The Opportunity
Chief Operating Officer

Hiy̓ám̓ Housing has created a non‑profit organization of excellence that welcomes a new vision and leadership, while building on the successes of the past. The Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) must have the ability to take Hiy̓ám̓ to the next level and manage existing commitments.

The primary undertaking for the COO is to increase opportunities for Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh members to live full lives by providing high‑quality, well‑managed affordable housing and a range of supportive services. They will also work to increase Hiy̓ám̓’s ability to help members achieve stability through an array of culturally appropriate resident supports and services that address specific barriers that affect our target populations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead organizational operations across Hiy̓ám̓ Housing's portfolio, including tenanting, rental policies, housing services, human resources, and frontline operations.

This is a new leadership role focused on operational excellence, cultural and community alignment, and building a foundation for sustainable growth.

The COO will partner closely with the CEO, support the Executive Leadership Team, and attend and present at Board meetings as a key member of the Board's Operations Committee. As the organization is in a start‑up and high‑growth chapter, the COO will also be assuming responsibilities typically held by a Director, in addition to their strategic and board‑interfacing function, with a plan to hire a Director at the appropriate time.

Until then, the COO will directly oversee seven direct reports (a Senior Manager of Operations for Supportive Housing, a Human Resources Generalist, two Property Managers, a Building Manager, and a Tenant Support Worker).

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

Oversee and unify operations across all housing types (supportive and independent), ensuring alignment with Hiyām̓ Housing’s mission, community needs, and strategic plan.

Lead the design, development and implementation of equitable, efficient, and culturally appropriate operational policies, systems, and technologies.

Ensure operational readiness for the next phase of housing development and community growth.

Set performance metrics and accountability standards across operational teams.

Provide transparent and timely reporting to CEO, the Board and any related operational committees.

Program Design & Implementation

Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure program quality, compliance, and safety.

Collaborate with Human Resources on the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of…