Senior Lead, Indigenous Relations

Marketing Statement

A career at TransLink and our family of companies means working with people with a wide range of skills and perspectives, all teaming up towards a common goal: preserving and enhancing the region's world-envied quality of life. Together, we connect the region and enhance its livability by providing a sustainable transit and transportation network, embraced by our communities and people.

At TransLink we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace, recognizing the unique value and skills every individual brings.

Looking for a great place to work where your contributions are valued and you can make a difference in a vibrant city? At TransLink, one of BC’s Top Employers, you'll help make Metro Vancouver a better place to live, built on transportation excellence. Put your future in motion!

Responsibilities

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Participates as a team member to provide input and implement the overall Indigenous Relations program for the enterprise based on the values of the Indigenous Relations Vision Statement and Guiding Principles. Manages and leads Indigenous consultation and engagement grounded in evolving best practices, on a number of diverse and complex projects and a broad range of strategic initiatives to successful completion while developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Builds strong working relationships with enterprise staff to provide expert advice for better understanding of Indigenous history, culture, opportunities, and concerns to influence and promote inclusivity of Indigenous communities in our work.

Primarily focuses on management and leading a number of complex and high-risk projects throughout the project lifecycle involving Indigenous consultation and engagement strategies and plans, grounded in evolving best practices to advance reconciliation. Work collaboratively with Indigenous Relations team members and staff from multiple departments to assess impacts and assist in developing environmental mitigation and monitoring programs.

Develops and implements Indigenous Relations initiatives, policies, and procedures to be inclusive of Indigenous communities within enterprise work and fulfil TransLink’s Reconciliation Action Plan and the Regional Transportation Strategy.

Leads trusting, strategic relationships through open dialogue with Indigenous communities to advance reconciliation while contributing to enterprise business goals.

Meets regularly to lead and facilitate consultation and engagement for programs, initiatives, and projects with Indigenous communities, including meetings and presentations with Indigenous leadership, staff, small group, and community meetings.

Develops Indigenous plans for the project life-cycle stages including scope, budget, schedule, funding agreements, procurement opportunities, studies, field monitoring and reporting.

Plans and coordinates fulfillment of legal, regulatory, and funding requirements for consultation and engagement by tracking and responding to Indigenous issues and interests. Provides oversight and support for the implementation of agreements to meet commitments with Indigenous communities.

Monitors the work of third-party contractors and consultants on behalf of TransLink, including contract administration.

Works with HR and unions to increase Indigenous representation within the enterprise by reviewing staff hiring processes to identify and remove systemic barriers.

Produces updates, reports, and briefing notes including sensitive or confidential material. Presentations for senior leadership inclusive of the TransLink Board of Directors, Mayors’ Council, and committees/working groups.

Assists with planning and organization for Indigenous events, celebrations and community engagement with enterprise staff and Indigenous Peoples.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEC

The competencies for this position are acquired through successful completion of a university degree in a related field plus a minimum of six (6) years of progressive experience in Indigenous Relations with direct consultation and/or engagement with Indigenous Communities, or equivalent experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Solid knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Indigenous Relations consultation and engagement processes and related functions with basic understanding of the transportation industry and how it may impact Indigenous Nation communities

Excellent understanding of Indigenous Relations, issues management with a demonstrated track record of positive relationships with local Indigenous Nation communities, community leadership, senior staff, and community members.

Extensive knowledge of concepts related to Indigenous history, anti-racism and decolonization.

Strong interpersonal and relationship skills with the ability to recognize and manage key internal and external relationships.

Advanced presentation skills with the ability to build reputation, motivate, and influence outcomes for key internal and external audiences.

Advanced planning and organizational skills to develop and lead Indigenous relations strategies, plans, and programs. Highly collaborative, to ensure alignment across internal and external audiences, with the ability to effectively motivate and drive multi-jurisdictional projects forward.

Solid problem solving, mediation and decision-making skills to carry out a key role in Indigenous Relations and to act decisively and independently in high pressure, time sensitive situations.

Advanced leadership skills to lead Indigenous Relations initiatives, including those involving enterprise-wide implementation.

Other Information

Recruitment Process: An applicant will be required to demonstrate their suitability for this position by meeting the minimum level of qualifications and experience in order to be invited into the selection process. A standard interview format will be used including general, scenario and behavioural descriptive interview questions.

Work Schedule

37.5 hours per week.

Work Designation

Hybrid

This position offers the flexibility of working both on-site and remotely within B.C.

Rate of Pay

The salary for this position ranges from $91,840 - $137,760per annum. Actual salary offered will be based on education, experience, skills, and qualifications as they relate to the role.

We aim to provide competitive pay that reflects your professional background and expertise. We want to ensure our offer will align with your strengths considering experience, skills, and internal equity to offer a fair and equitable salary. The Total Compensation Package, which includes Extended Health, Dental, Transit Pass and enrollment in the Public Service Pension Plan as well as other employment offerings will be discussed in detail as your application progresses.

How to Apply

Please click the 'Apply' button at the top right corner of the page or go to http://www.translink.ca/careers to apply for this position and view instructions on the process.

INSTRUCTIONS: Please save your (1) cover letter, and your (2) resume as one pdf document prior to uploading your application on-line.

Posting Date: August 31, 2026
Closing Date: Open until filled

Please note that only those short listed will be contacted.

Having trouble applying? Please view the System Requirements & FAQ's by going to http://www.translink.ca/careers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TransLink is committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce, representative of the customers we serve and the many communities in the Metro Vancouver region. We welcome and encourage Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities to apply. Learn more about TransLink's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, simply email us at [email protected].