Director, Indigenous Relations

Project:

The Woodfibre LNG Project is located approximately 7 km west-southwest of Squamish, British Columbia. It involves the construction and operation of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on the previous Woodfibre pulp mill site, which would have a storage capacity of 250,000 m3 and would produce approximately 2.1 million tonnes per year of LNG. Woodfibre LNG Limited is a privately held Canadian company based in Vancouver and a subsidiary of Pacific Energy Corporation Limited.

Position:

Reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Relations, the Director of Indigenous Relations leads, implements and oversees Woodfibre LNG’s Indigenous Relations program and Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) with the Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The Director develops consultation and engagement strategies, advises senior leadership and oversees regulatory and policy alignment related to Indigenous rights and consultation. The Director supports fostering positive, long-term relationships with Indigenous governments and key external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will:

• Lead the development and implementation of Woodfibre LNG’s Indigenous Relations program, and oversee the Indigenous Relations team;
• Advance Indigenous cultural awareness within the company in partnership with First Nations an Woodfibre LNG’s Indigenous trainers, Indigenous Floatel Cultural Managers, Indigenous Workforce Development Manager and others;
• Build and enhance meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities, government, and staff;
• Provide advice to the senior leadership on Indigenous engagement, consultation and reconciliation;
• Oversee governance, management and continuous improvement of IBA commitments using outcome-based metrics and scorecard approaches;
• Oversee the development and review of regulatory submissions related to Indigenous consultation and engagement;
• Monitor emerging legislation, policy, and case law related to Indigenous rights, consultation, and reconciliation, assess implications, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership;
• Represent Woodfibre LNG in negotiations, working groups, and committees related to IBAs and major partnership initiatives;
• Provide executive oversight of issues resolution and risk mitigation related to Indigenous relations and regulatory compliance;
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with senior leaders across the company to ensure Indigenous relations considerations are embedded in corporate strategy, project planning, and operations;
• Mentor, coach, and develop the Indigenous Relations leadership team, fostering a high-performance and culturally informed organizational culture;
• Approve and oversee major communications, presentations, and materials for senior-level and external engagements.

Required Experience:

• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultural protocols, as well as Indigenous relations experience with communities in British Columbia;
• Indigenous lived experience or a post-secondary diploma or degree in a field such as Business, Science, Social Science or Indigenous studies is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Ten (10) or more years of progressive experience in Indigenous relations, including leading consultations, negotiations and/or agreements;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships and work collaboratively with Indigenous governments and representatives;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong public speaking;
• Ability to tactfully manage conflicts and resolve issues through negotiation and consensus-building to build lasting relationships;
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues;
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing teams.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience working with the Squamish Nation and other Coastal First Nations is a strong asset;
• Experience working in a major project or large, complex, multi-disciplinary environment is an asset;
• Ability to be creative and vision-oriented with demonstrated ability to undertake strategic planning and implementation;
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks, and change priorities within tight time frames;
• Proficiency with standard computer software (e.g., MS Office);
• A valid driver’s license and passport is required;
• The position is based in Vancouver, BC, with required travel to Squamish and other areas.

Only qualified candidates legally entitled to work in Canada will be contacted.

Woodfibre Management Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary range: CAD 160,000 - 185,000 /yr