Director, Advocacy for Indigenous Women

Job summary

The Director of Advocacy for Indigenous Women will lead efforts to advance conditions for Indigenous women by positioning key recommendations at the center of internal and external decision-making. The role involves building relationships with stakeholders, representing the organization in coalition work, and serving as an educator on issues impacting Indigenous communities.

Job details

About DEWC The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) exists to support and empower women and children, living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, injustice and injury. Through low barrier Drop-In Centers and Emergency Shelters, DEWC provides basic need services, programs, and specialized supports to over 1000 women and children daily to help them survive the conditions that surround them. See website (www.dewc.ca [http://www.dewc.ca]) for details on our mission and mandate as well as programs and services. The Opportunity The Director of Advocacy for Indigenous Women will support efforts to advance conditions for Indigenous Women by clearly and consistently positioning the discussion and recommendations identified within Red Women Rising [https://dewc.ca/resources/redwomenrising] at the front and center of decision-making both internally to DEWC and externally. The role will have a strong focus on building and maintaining relationships with decision-makers, organizations, and community and DEWC members. Working in collaboration with the Indigenous Women’s Project Coordinator and the leadership team, the Director of Advocacy for Indigenous Women will serve as the primary lead and representative for DEWC in related coalition work; community engagement and serve as an educator on issues impacting Indigenous women, families, and communities. About You * You have at least 3 years of experience in non-profit management, including experience in an executive management position. * You have a strong understanding of the issues impacting Indigenous women in the DTES, including gender-based violence, MMIWG, mental health, homelessness, and addictions. * You are able to work effectively in a busy, chaotic, and crisis-driven environment, managing multiple demands and prioritizing tasks. * You have strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including record keeping, scheduling, and managing competing responsibilities. * You have experience providing assisted referrals and are familiar with support services, agencies, and community resources in the DTES. * You have, or are willing to obtain, First Aid Certification and NVCI training. Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team Healthcare: Extended health & dental coverage including vision; prescription medications; alternative therapies; EAP; life insurance; and long-term disability. Paid time off: 3 weeks paid vacation in the 1st year, 4 weeks after 1 year; 13 paid statutory holidays; 12 paid sick days annually; and access to time off to handle family or personal situations. For your Retirement: Enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan with a matching contribution from DEWC. Other perks: Compressed work schedule; employee loan program; regular staff development days; and DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions. POSITION DETAILS: * Permanent, full-time, 9-day fortnight schedule * Excluded position: Salary Range: $103,721 to $120,192.80 /per annum based on experience. * Application Closing Date: October 2nd, 2026 / Start Date: ASAP For full job description visit: https://dewc.ca/get-involved/careers/ [https://dewc.ca/get-involved/careers/] Indigenous women and women of colour are strongly encouraged to apply / Additional languages spoken an asset. **While we thank all applicants for their interests, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**

What you’ll do

The Director of Advocacy for Indigenous Women will lead efforts to advance conditions for Indigenous women by positioning key recommendations at the center of internal and external decision-making. The role involves building relationships with stakeholders, representing the organization in coalition work, and serving as an educator on issues impacting Indigenous communities.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in non-profit management, including executive-level experience. A strong understanding of issues such as gender-based violence, MMIWG, mental health, and homelessness is required, along with the ability to work effectively in a crisis-driven environment.

Benefits

• Extended health coverage • Dental coverage • Vision care • Prescription medications • Alternative therapies • Employee Assistance Program • Life insurance • Long-term disability • Paid vacation • Paid statutory holidays • Paid sick days • Municipal Pension Plan • Employee loan program • Staff development days

Listed skills

• First Aid · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• record keeping · Preferred
• crisis management · Preferred
• scheduling · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Non-profit management
• Executive management
• Advocacy
• Community engagement
• Relationship building
• Crisis management
• Problem-solving
• Organizational skills
• Record keeping
• Scheduling
• Assisted referrals
• First Aid
• NVCI training
• Management
• Problem Solving
• Support Services
• Training And Development
• Leadership
• Decision Making
• Time Off Management
• Record Keeping
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Medical Prescription
• Mental Health
• Loans
• First Aid Certification
• Non-Profit Organization
• Alternative Therapies

Job areas

• Social Services
• Management & Leadership
• Government & Public Sector
• Director of Advocacy
• Non-Profit Executive Director
• Managing Directors and Chief Executives
• Chief Executives