Marine Planning & Stewardship

Position: Marine Planning & Stewardship Program Manager
Organization: Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance (CCIRA)
Location: Remote work. Living in the Vancouver, Vancouver Island area is preferable.

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following materials to cyndi.hanuse@ccira.ca with the subject line: Application - Marine Planning & Stewardship Program Manager

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with CCIRA’s mission and values
• A current CV or résumé (PDF format preferred)

Application Deadline: July 7, 2025
Start Date: As soon as possible, ideally by early fall

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

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Full Job Description:

Position Title: Marine Planning & Stewardship Program Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
Collaborates with: Stewardship Directors, Director of Finance & Operations, marine program team members, Nation staff, CCIRA contractors and staff, and partners
Direct Reports: Coordinates marine program staff and contractors; provides day-to-day supervision in alignment with Nation direction and CCIRA policies.
Financial Scope: Day-to-day program budget oversight within approved workplans and direction from the ED/Stewardship Directors

Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance

The Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance (CCIRA) was established by the Central Coast Nations - Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Nuxalk, and Wuikinuxv - to provide coordination and technical support in fisheries management, marine spatial planning, and science. CCIRA’s work is grounded in the stewardship values and governance objectives of the Central Coast Nations and is rooted in the Central Coast Integrated Marine Plan.

A central pillar of CCIRA’s work has been its involvement in marine planning. The organization began with community-based marine use planning and has since played a key role in the development of the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP) for the North Pacific Coast, working alongside other First Nations and provincial governments to build on their comprehensive marine plans. This work is central to CCIRA’s mission of advancing Indigenous governance and stewardship of marine and coastal environments.

ROLE CONTEXT & GOVERNANCE OVERSIGHT

This position responds to a clear need identified by the CCIRA Board and Central Coast Nations to increase internal coordination capacity for marine planning and stewardship. It exists to support the implementation of Nation-led marine governance priorities, operating under the strategic direction of the Stewardship Directors and reporting to the Executive Director.

The Program Manager enables integrated program delivery, supports staff and contractors, and helps ensure marine planning work reflects Nation direction. The role also contributes to rebalancing responsibilities across the team following recent staff transitions, helping ensure that all roles are aligned with CCIRA’s evolving structure and strategic mandate. Success in this position will be measured by the ability to foster coordination, build trust, and reinforce existing Nation leadership.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Marine Planning & Stewardship Program Manager is a coordination-focused leadership role within CCIRA, held by an individual with deep subject matter expertise in marine planning, Indigenous governance, and multi-jurisdictional marine management. The position was created to address the increasing complexity and capacity demands across marine planning, stewardship, and governance initiatives on the Central Coast.

As part of CCIRA’s organizational evolution, marine planning responsibilities have shifted across the team to reflect changing capacity and strategic priorities. The Program Manager provides a dedicated leadership function to coordinate key marine planning initiatives, rebalance team workloads, and realign responsibilities across CCIRA’s evolving structure.

This role leads CCIRA’s coordination of Nation-led marine initiatives including: marine use plan updates, the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP), the Marine Protected Area Network (MPAN), Coastal Marine Strategy (CMS), the Hecate Strait MPA, and components of the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP). It also supports the implementation of other Nation-led marine priorities and helps ensure integration with stewardship, monitoring, and policy and governance functions.

Working across CCIRA’s programs, the Program Manager helps realign responsibilities previously held on an interim basis, enabling staff and contractors to focus on their core mandates. You will work to strengthen collaboration, reduce duplication, and support effective leadership across teams through strong coordination with other managers and leads. As CCIRA transitions to an employee-based structure, this role plays an important part in supporting the well-being, cohesion, and professional growth of marine program staff, while escalating formal HR decisions to the Executive Director (ED) and Director of Finance & Operations (DoFO). The Manager also provides day-to-day coordination and culturally grounded, supportive leadership, helping staff navigate organizational change in a good way.

The role prioritizes relational leadership, Nation-aligned delivery, and integrated support across the marine program. The Program Manager also contributes to the strategic development of marine planning content and ensures technical deliverables are grounded in both Indigenous knowledge traditions and scientific approaches. Flexibility and adaptability will be essential as CCIRA’s internal structures, staffing, and Nation priorities continue to evolve.

KEY FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Marine Planning & Stewardship Program Manager position is responsible for the following four (4) key functions.

Coordination of Nation-led Marine Planning & Stewardship (40%)

• Provide dedicated coordination and delivery support for Nation-led marine planning initiatives, including marine use plan updates (MaPP), MPAN, Hecate Strait MPA, and elements of the PFP
• Ensure delivery timelines, workplans, and intergovernmental engagement are aligned with Nation direction and Board-approved strategies
• Support cross-program coordination to ensure marine planning is integrated with science, monitoring, and policy and governance efforts
• Lead or contribute to the development of technical products (e.g., spatial plans, planning documents, policy briefings) that reflect both Indigenous and scientific knowledge systems.
• Collaborate with program team members to provide support as needed on integration, communications, and external coordination
• Provide logistical and technical coordination support for marine planning deliverables, reporting, and contracts
• Track regional and federal policy developments relevant to marine planning
• Facilitate integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Western science into marine initiatives
• Support alignment with Nation-led marine governance frameworks and engagement in intergovernmental policy processes
• Contribute to the development of spatial plans, technical products, and policy deliverables that integrate Indigenous and scientific knowledge systems

Program Rebalancing & Team Integration (20%)

• Support the clarification and redistribution of team responsibilities across the marine program to reflect current capacity, areas of expertise, and strategic priorities
• Coordinate with the ED and Stewardship Directors to confirm updated roles, responsibilities, and deliverables across the marine program team
• Enable marine team members to focus on their core functions by clarifying scopes and relieving interim responsibilities

Relationship Management & Facilitation (20%)

• Build trusted, collaborative relationships with Nations, government agencies, NGOs, and marine partners
• Liaise with the ED, Stewardship Directors, and marine team members to ensure strategic alignment
• Represent CCIRA at technical, planning, and funding tables when delegated, ensuring Nation priorities remain centered
• Support the development of clear and respectful communications materials to share progress and outcomes with Nations, partners, and funders

Project & Program Oversight (20%)

• Oversee integrated work plans, program deliverables, and supports contribution agreement tracking and preparation of reporting materials for marine-related projects, in collaboration with program staff, the DoFO and ED
• Lead day-to-day coordination of marine program contractors and staff; manage onboarding, scheduling, and task prioritization
• Work closely with the Director of Finance & Operations to ensure compliance, budget integration, and reporting
• Provide ongoing, supportive supervision to marine program staff, including regular check-ins, professional development support, and culturally grounded coaching in collaboration with the ED and DoFO
• Support team development by identifying growth opportunities, offering mentorship, and enabling collaborative learning across CCIRA’s marine program
• Foster collaborative and culturally grounded practices that strengthen internal systems and enhance delivery of marine initiatives

SCOPE OF AUTHORITY & DECISION-MAKING

• Leads day-to-day marine planning coordination and team supervision
• Assesses and recommends realignment of marine work based on contractor capacity and programmatic needs
• Supports external engagement and funding relationships as delegated
• Does not assume governance, Nation decision-making, or strategic authority
• Escalates complex decisions to the Executive Director and/or Stewardship Directors

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required

• Post-secondary degree in marine planning, Indigenous governance, conservation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex marine or Indigenous stewardship programs (5–7+ years).
• Demonstrated experience leading marine planning, including spatial planning, governance-based planning, or marine use plan development.
• Demonstrated experience providing team leadership and day-to-day coordination, including mentorship, cohesion-building, and support in organizational transition contexts.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with Indigenous Nations, including knowledge of Indigenous governance, stewardship priorities, and relational approaches.
• Demonstrated experience integrating Indigenous Knowledge systems into marine planning, policy, or research processes.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, work planning, and contractor or staff supervision.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and coordination skills.
• Strong commitment to CCIRA’s mission, values, and Indigenous-led stewardship.
• Successful criminal record check.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications.

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience contributing to or negotiating co-governance or shared decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with provincial and federal marine policy frameworks (e.g., Oceans Act, NMCA Act, Fisheries Act).
• Understanding of Indigenous data sovereignty and respectful knowledge-sharing practices.
• Familiarity with funding compliance and contribution agreement tracking.

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The following five core competencies are grounded in Indigenous leadership values and informed by adapted elements of the Korn Ferry framework and are used during hiring and performance evaluation. Each competency assesses both technical capacity and relational, cultural, and adaptive leadership.

• Relational Leadership: Builds trust-based relationships across Nations, staff, and partners. Leads with empathy, humility, and collaboration rather than control. Creates space for others to lead and contribute.
• Cultural Fluency: Understands and operates within Indigenous governance systems, protocols, and knowledge traditions. Embeds Indigenous laws, worldviews, and Nation priorities in implementation and decision-making.
• Strategic & Adaptive Thinking: Navigates complexity with awareness, responsiveness, and clarity. Adapts to change while maintaining alignment with Nation direction, shared strategy, and evolving realities.
• Integrated Program Delivery: Coordinates across teams and files to ensure cohesive and timely delivery of work. Breaks down silos, aligns internal and external efforts, and supports others to lead within shared mandates.
• Supportive People Leadership: Demonstrates emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and effective interpersonal communication. Supports a healthy team dynamic, builds team resilience through mentorship, and navigates challenges and informal conflict resolution with care.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following abilities, aligned with CCIRA’s core competencies and cultural values:

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, including supportive supervision, mentorship, and collaborative performance development in a values-based environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in marine spatial planning, policy, or governance, with a proven track record of delivering technical outputs aligned with Indigenous Nation priorities in multi-jurisdictional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to align program planning and delivery with Indigenous Nation priorities and organizational strategy, while adapting to evolving structures and systems.
• Demonstrated skill in facilitation and intercultural communication, including respectful community engagement and relationship-centered leadership within Indigenous contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to reflect Indigenous governance principles and scientific methodologies in marine planning.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing program budgets, tracking expenditures, and preparation of contribution agreement reporting for multi-partner projects.
• Demonstrated experience with inclusive and equity-informed HR practices, including culturally grounded recruitment, onboarding, and collaboration with senior leadership to support team well-being and belonging.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

CCIRA operates in a distributed work environment, with team members based across the Lower Mainland, Central and South Coasts, and Vancouver Island. Candidates must be based in British Columbia and able to work remotely with reliable access to a home office and internet. Regular computer use and periods of sedentary work are expected.

This position requires regional travel within the Central Coast and to Vancouver, including occasional field visits. Flexibility in working hours may be needed to accommodate Nation meetings and project timelines. Equipment support may be available in accordance with CCIRA’s HR policies. Approved travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Candidate Evaluation Criteria

Candidates will be assessed based on the following:

• Required and Preferred Experience, as outlined in the position qualifications.
• Core Competencies, including relational leadership, cultural fluency, strategic thinking, integrated program delivery, and supportive people leadership.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), with emphasis on demonstrated ability to contribute within Indigenous-led, cross-functional marine program contexts.

These criteria guide the hiring process and support a transparent, strengths-based selection approach.

Remuneration
This is a full-time employee position with a salary range of $105,000 to $112,000, depending on experience in relation to the responsibilities of the role. CCIRA is committed to fair and transparent compensation. The position includes flexible work arrangements and reimbursement of approved travel costs. A benefits package is currently under development, and the successful candidate will be eligible once it is implemented.

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following materials to cyndi.hanuse@ccira.ca with the subject line: Application - Marine Planning & Stewardship Program Manager

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with CCIRA’s mission and values
• A current CV or résumé (PDF format preferred)

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Application Deadline: July 7, 2025
Start Date: As soon as possible, ideally by early fall

CCIRA is committed to equitable hiring practices and to fostering a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment grounded in Indigenous values and governance. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and may prioritize Indigenous applicants.

If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please contact cyndi.hanuse@ccira.ca in confidence. We are committed to working with applicants to ensure an accessible and respectful process.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.