The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government is a modern treaty government located in the community of hitac̓u on the west coast of Vancouver Island, on the eastern shore of Ucluelet Inlet.

The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government is a member of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society and, through the Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement, is a modern treaty Nation operating with a government-to- government relationship with Canada and the province of British Columbia. As a Self-Governing Indigenous Government, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government continues to promote education and community programs that enhance Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ identity.

Position Summary

The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (YG) is a Modern Treaty Nation operating under the Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement with established government-to-government relationships with Canada and British Columbia. As a self-governing Indigenous government, YG advances Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ identity, values, and strategic priorities across all operations and external relations. The Director of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) provides strategic leadership and coordination of YG’s intergovernmental relationships, ensuring alignment across departments and supporting the implementation of YG’s long-term strategic plan.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director represents YG in negotiations and high-level engagements and provides policy advice to elected officials and senior leadership. The role also supports key cross-departmental initiatives. This full-time position (37.5 hours per week) oversees approximately 4–6 staff, with scope and structure evolving as YG’s governance responsibilities expand.

Primary/Core Responsibilities Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government policies, standards, practices and procedures, as directed by the Chief Administration Officer.

Strategic Leadership & Policy Advice

• Provide strategic analysis and advice to senior management and elected officials, including Executive, on intergovernmental, legislative, and policy matters.
• Proactively monitor and assess emerging intergovernmental developments, briefing leadership on risks, opportunities, and strategic implications.
• Provide guidance on the interpretation, application, and operationalization of YG laws and regulations to ensure consistent and effective implementation across government operations.
• Conduct jurisdictional scans and policy analysis to strengthen internal decision-making and reduce reliance on external legal counsel.

Intergovernmental Relations & Negotiations

• Establish and maintain strong government-to-government relationships with First Nations, Canada, British Columbia, and key external partners, including legal counsel and advisors.
• Lead or oversee negotiations with other governments and external entities, in collaboration with internal and external subject matter experts as directed by Executive.
• Represent YG, oversee YG representation, or support Elected Leadership at external forums and political tables, including the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty First Nations, Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, Land Claims Agreements Coalition, First Nation Leadership Gathering, UBCM, and other G2G forums.
• Lead or coordinate YG participation in major projects within YG Territory to advance YG’s interests and uphold Treaty rights.

Legislative & Regulatory Development

• Provide strategic leadership to strengthen internal legislative and regulatory capacity, including identifying resourcing needs and supporting the development of roles or teams focused on regulatory operations.

• Act as a central conduit between governance, legislation, and departmental operations, ensuring YG laws meaningfully advance government priorities and serve Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens.

• Oversee the administration and fulfillment of Declaration Act Engagement Funding, including:

• Supporting implementation of relevant Declaration Act Action Plan items;

• Advancing legislative alignment with the UN Declaration;

• Coordinating consultation and engagement with the Province on strategic, policy, and legislative initiatives.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the annual planning budget.
• Oversee procurement and management of consultant contracts.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Support funding proposals and grant management related to planning initiatives.

Qualifications Training, Education and Experience

• Undergrad degree in political science, public administration, legal or related field (Masters degree is preferred).
• 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, with 3-5 years of management experience, preferably with a Modern Treaty Nation.
• 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.
• Knowledge and experience of financial matters, including funding and fiscal policy negotiations, would be an asset.
• 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, briefing notes and position statements.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently, set priorities and meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to develop strategic direction and program implementation collaboratively with various stakeholder/community groups.
• Must complete a satisfactory Criminal Records Check.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License.
• A high attention to detail and strong levels of organization in a busy environment with shifting priorities.
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques and principles, combined with skills in mentoring and coaching staff.
• Experience with First Nation communities and cultures; knowledge of YG First Nation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of Modern Treaty governance, including the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, UNDRIP/DRIPA implementation, and the legal and policy frameworks governing Indigenous, provincial, and federal jurisdictions.
• Strong understanding of government-to-government relations, intergovernmental negotiation processes, and the political protocols associated with Indigenous self-governance.
• Advanced strategic thinking and policy analysis skills, with the ability to interpret legislation, assess multi-jurisdictional issues, and translate complex concepts into clear operational and strategic advice.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting high-level negotiations, facilitation processes, and intergovernmental engagements on sensitive or high-profile matters.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefings, policy papers, and recommendations for elected officials and senior leadership.
• Strong political acuity, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex governance environments while maintaining discretion and professionalism.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities, including mentoring, performance oversight, and building internal legislative and regulatory capacity.
• Effective organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex files, coordinate cross-departmental initiatives, and build collaborative relationships across governments and external partners.

Working Conditions

This is hybrid position, travel and visits to hitac̓u as required. Off-site travel is 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.

Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer

Department: Department of ʕatinkinʔaała (we are always connected) - Intergovernmental Affairs

Direct Reports: 5

Position pay range: The pay range reflects the minimum and maximum annual base salary based on full-time equivalent hours. Employees are typically hired, transferred, or promoted within the minimum to midpoint of the range, based on their knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience relative to the role requirements. The top 10% of the pay range is reserved for individuals recognized as industry experts in the position, demonstrating exceptional experience and competencies required to perform all duties and responsibilities at a superior level.