Health Director

Health Director First Nation Community

Health Director

Interior British Columbia (onsite – Hybrid can be discussed)

$125,000 to $155,000 + relocation allowances

About the employer

Our client is a self-governing Indigenous Nation with a strong commitment to community wellbeing, cultural stewardship, and long-term sustainability. Through strategic leadership and community engagement, the Nation delivers programs and services designed to support healthy individuals, families, and future generations.

As the organization continues to strengthen and expand its services, community wellness remains a strategic priority. The Nation is investing in programs, partnerships, and leadership that improve access to services, build organizational capacity, and create positive outcomes for members.

About the role

The Health Director is responsible for leading the Nation’s health and wellness services, ensuring programs, resources, and priorities are aligned to support the needs of community members. Working closely with leadership, staff, community representatives, service providers, and funding partners, the role oversees departmental operations, strategic planning, and the continued development of culturally relevant programs and services.

As a senior leader within the organization, the Health Director contributes to organizational planning, decision-making, and relationship-building across the community and beyond. Success in this role requires a balance of strategic leadership, operational oversight, financial stewardship, and a commitment to delivering responsive, community-centred services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of health and wellness strategies aligned with community priorities and organizational objectives.
• Establish departmental plans, goals, performance measures, and service priorities.
• Assess emerging trends, risks, funding opportunities, and community needs.
• Support emergency preparedness, response planning, and service continuity initiatives.

Health Programs & Service Delivery

• Oversee the delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of health and wellness programs.
• Ensure services are culturally safe, trauma-informed, and responsive to community needs.
• Monitor program outcomes, service standards, and funding requirements.
• Promote holistic and culturally grounded approaches to wellness and healing.
• Provide leadership during emergencies, crises, or critical incidents.

Financial Stewardship & Funding

• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets and resources.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, financial policies, and reporting obligations.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Pursue funding opportunities and partnerships that strengthen services and long-term sustainability.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and mentorship to departmental staff.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and culturally grounded workplace culture.
• Promote employee engagement, wellness, and continuous professional development.

Governance, Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies, standards, and funding requirements.
• Lead reporting, accreditation, quality assurance, and policy development activities.
• Maintain effective systems, documentation, and controls that support accountability and audit readiness.
• Provide advice and recommendations to leadership on health and wellness matters.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, leadership, Elders, and partner organizations.
• Collaborate with Indigenous organizations, health authorities, government agencies, and service providers.
• Advocate for community health priorities and improved access to services.
• Represent the Nation in health-related initiatives, partnerships, and forums.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Health Department.
• Ensure facilities, systems, resources, and infrastructure effectively support service delivery.
• Lead departmental projects, operational improvements, and service enhancements.
• Support the efficient and sustainable delivery of health and wellness services.

Skills and Qualifications

Education & Experience

The ideal candidate brings a combination of education, leadership experience, and a demonstrated commitment to improving community wellness outcomes.

• Post-secondary education in health administration, nursing, public health, social work, community development, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Progressive leadership experience within healthcare, social services, wellness programming, community services, or a related field.
• Experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams, operational planning, budgets, and program delivery.
• Knowledge of funding agreements, reporting requirements, and accountability frameworks.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, governments, organizations, or partner agencies is considered a strong asset.
• Experience building relationships and collaborating with leadership, community members, service providers, and external stakeholders.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Lead teams through collaboration, coaching, mentorship, and accountability.
• Balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational leadership.
• Make sound decisions in complex and evolving environments.
• Foster positive workplace culture and support staff development.
• Build trust and credibility with diverse audiences.
• Navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and service enhancement.
• Manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on organizational and community objectives.

Technical Knowledge

The Health Director should possess:

• Knowledge of community wellness principles and health service delivery models.
• Understanding of culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches to program development and service delivery.
• Familiarity with budgeting, financial management, funding administration, and reporting practices.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, and professional standards affecting community health and wellness services.
• Understanding of program evaluation, performance measurement, and quality improvement practices.
• Proficiency with workplace technology and reporting systems.

Personal Attributes

Thee ideal candidate is:

• Relationship-focused and community-minded.
• Respectful of diverse perspectives, cultures, and ways of knowing.
• Adaptable, resourceful, and solutions-oriented.
• An effective communicator who listens, engages, and builds consensus.
• Committed to integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership.
• Passionate about supporting healthy individuals, families, and communities.
• Dedicated to ongoing learning, personal growth, and professional development.

This is an opportunity to lead the Nation’s health and wellness services and support positive outcomes for community members. As a key member of the leadership team, the Health Director provides strategic and operational leadership across health and wellness services, helping to strengthen programs, develop staff, build partnerships, and advance community priorities while contributing to the long-term success of the community.

This permanent, full-time position is based primarily within the community, with hybrid flexibility considered based on operational requirements. The organization offers a competitive compensation package that includes comprehensive benefits, employer-matched RRSP contributions, four weeks of vacation to start, a paid winter holiday shutdown, and relocation support for candidates moving to the area. Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required to support community events, meetings, training, and special initiatives.

Please submit your application through MNP’s official online process. To maintain the confidentiality of this search, we ask applicants not to discuss their application publicly. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected to move forward will be contacted. If you have further questions, please email [email protected].

In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code and Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, preference may be given to qualified candidates with Aboriginal Ancestry.