MANAGER OF POLICY AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Full Time Regular

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a modern Treaty First Nation with significant local government authorities and responsibilities in the Lower Mainland; it has been self-governing since 2009. Our vision is to build a strong community through self-government, the development of a sustainable economy, significant infrastructure investment, and the implementation of positive, effective community programming.  Using the opportunities and jurisdiction provided under its Treaty, TFN has been working towards that vision through an effective governance framework based on laws, regulations, policies, and sound management.  TFN’s governance framework supports effective decision-making, and creates an exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced environment. 

TFN is seeking a leader to join one of the most dynamic local governments in Canada.  TFN is in a major growth phase as it builds a progressive economic and governance foundation to support a bright future for our Members, residents and partners. We are seeking a leader with natural skills in relationship-building who can provide the Tsawwassen Government with sound management and stewardship of critical strategic initiatives through ongoing policy development and analysis and effective coordination of TFN’s intergovernmental relationships.

The Manager will work collaboratively with other Tsawwassen Government departments, and at the direction of the Chief and Executive Council, to advance TFN’s strategic interests. The Manager will be expected to use their effective communication and interpersonal skills to build mutually beneficial working relationships with a view to achieving Tsawwassen Government goals and objectives, including the long-term goals in TFN’s five-year strategic plan. The Manager will represent TFN in various capacities and lead negotiations with other governments and external partners.  The Manager will provide strategic policy advice to other Departments, senior managers and elected officials, and will oversee the development of new policy at TFN, including the policy basis for new laws and regulations.

This position currently has leadership of nine employees. The number of reports and distribution of tasks may vary to reflect business needs within a rapidly growing government and community.

 Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide strategic analysis and advice to senior managers and elected officials, including Executive Council, on policy, intergovernmental affairs
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government officials and external partners
• Lead the coordination, development, research and evaluation of new and existing policies, and provide policy support to other TFN departments in developing new Tsawwassen law and regulations
• Lead or oversee negotiations with other governments and external partners on intergovernmental files
• Represent TFN at external meetings, including the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty First Nations and the Land Claims Agreements Coalition
• Proactively monitor and research topics relevant to TFN and brief senior managers and elected officials on new developments and opportunities
• Develop written materials for internal and external use; including but not limited to policies and regulations to support TFN’s strategic objectives and briefing materials for elected officials
• Lead a team of professionals with diverse skills and qualifications, and provide supervision and oversight in a manner that supports capacity building and professional development for team members

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in political science, public administration or related field
• A minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience working in policy-based or advocacy related roles, or a senior position within government or similar field, plus 5-8 years of progressively more responsible management experience in government; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of Canada’s federal and provincial political systems and local governments in British Columbia
• Experience presenting complex issues and opportunities to high-level officials and third-party stakeholders
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with government officials, elected representatives and staff
• Ability to synthesize information and provide a balanced perspective of complex issues
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write, evaluate and edit a variety of documents such as reports, policy papers and position statements

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment.  Off-site travel is occasionally required to attend meetings, committees, conferences and training events.  Work often involves managing confidential information of a sensitive nature, occasionally with intergovernmental or business confidentiality requirements.  Work will involve some evening or weekend work based on operational needs.

Wages:  $59.43 to $66.42/hr ($115,888 to $129,519 per annum) commensurate with qualifications with excellent benefits including enrolment in the BC Municipal Pension Plan.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. 

Pursuant to the Tsawwassen First Nation Government Employees Act, first priority in hiring among qualified applicants will be given to Tsawwassen Members, second priority to spouses (as defined in s. 3 (1) of the BC Family Law Act) of Tsawwassen Members, and third priority to members of other First Nations. If you fall within one of these categories and you wish to have this voluntary information considered as part of your application, please indicate the applicable category in your cover letter.