Community Programmer (Indigenous Community Programs)

Requisition ID: 46740 

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

The Community Programmer (Indigenous Community Programs) develops, implements, and coordinates programs and partnerships to serve patrons of the Carnegie Community Centre (‘Centre”), including people who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental illness, and/or addictions. The Community Programmer oversees the day-to-day operations of Indigenous arts, cultural, educational and recreational programs and special events, including but not limited to: recruiting, supervising, training, and scheduling staff, program instructors, and volunteers in the Centre; managing conflicts and enforcing the Centre’s code of conduct using exceptional communication and conflict resolution skills; fundraising, and maintaining program budget and supplies; monitoring and evaluating programs through data collection and analysis; leading programs and activities including out trips and special events; and developing and sustaining community partnerships to achieve program objectives.

The position reports to the Manager of Reconciliation and Relationships. The Community Programmer supervises and directs the work of one or more subordinate staff. Work is reviewed by the Director, the Carnegie Community Centre Association, Manager of Reconciliation and Relationships and the public in terms of attainment of desired results and services rendered.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Establishes a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, instructors, volunteers, and community members to engage in the delivery of arts and education programs.
• Develops, plans, implements and evaluates Indigenous arts, cultural, educational and recreational programs and activities that meet both Centre and patrons’ needs.
• Upholds the Centres mandate by developing programs and opportunities that foster an environment that values the social, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of patrons.
• Plans, develops and implements an ongoing recruitment strategy for Program staff, instructors, and volunteers.
• Personally leads or instructs patrons in various activities and programs, including special events and out trips.
• Consults and collaborates with Centre programmers, Centre partners (Capilano University and Vancouver Public Library), Centre board, and community members and agencies to develop programs and services to meet the current and emerging needs of the Centre and its patrons.
• Staff representative to the Centre’s Indigenous Advisory Committee. Works with community members and agencies in identifying community recreational, cultural and social needs and to discuss ways in which these can be met.
• Supervises, provides work direction, and supports staff, instructors &/or volunteers, including planning, coordinating and/or delivering related training and orientation.
• Assists patrons experiencing crisis; provides support or referrals as required.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, records, correspondence and promotional material.
• Carries out Indigenous focused programming at the Balmoral space.
• Provides information to patrons, community members, groups and agencies to promote and encourage participation in Centre, Oppenheimer Park, Balmoral space activities and services.
• Assists in developing Centre policies, regulations and procedures; deals consistently and tactfully with groups or individuals who fail to observe them.
• Writes grants and maintains operating and administrative records; ensures programs operate on budget allocation.
• Plans, assigns, supervises and evaluates the work of one or more subordinates.
• Performs well in a stressful and demanding work environment and responds to emergencies responsibly.
• Supports and participates fully in the Carnegie senior leadership team through demonstrated leadership and action on strategic priorities, initiatives and collaborations.
• Leads activities where lifting, walking and assisting others may be required.
• Acts as a resource to staff.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned. 

Qualification
Education and Experience:

• University graduation in social sciences, social work, adult education, or a related discipline and a minimum of two years related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Relevant lived experience combined with a broad perspective lens on reconciliation and decolonization, is preferred.
• Strong relationships and experience working with Indigenous communities, including local First Nations xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and urban Indigenous peoples considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the philosophy, methods and objectives of asset-based community development.
• Considerable knowledge of multi-cultural, low-income, inner-city environments and of the interests, issues, and needs of systemically oppressed populations.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, equipment and practices involved in conducting community-based, low-barrier programs.
• Considerable knowledge of the practices, protocols, and principles of Indigenous programming and cultural practices.
• Working knowledge of program administration, fundraising and record keeping
• Working knowledge of non-profit associations and committee development methods
• Ability to instruct and participate in a variety of recreational, social, educational and cultural activities, and/or arts and crafts.
• Ability to recruit, train, assign and review the work of instructors, professional contractors, and volunteers.
• Strong skills convening and facilitating groups, synthesizing ideas, and providing effective and accessible feedback.
• Ability to manage budgets and grants; maintain statistical and clerical records to track outputs and evaluate outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels of literacy, with demonstrated ability to write reports and produce promotional material.
• Ability to work cross culturally with Indigenous, Chinese and other cultures and community groups utilizing services at Carnegie Centre, Oppenheimer Park and Balmoral space.
• Ability to perform in a stressful and demanding work environment and to respond to emergencies responsibly.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A Police Information Check is a job requirement and must not have any criminal charges or convictions that would relate to your selection for this position.
• A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License or higher with a safe driving record are required. The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities.

Business Unit/Department: Arts Culture Community Service 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: October, 2026 

Salary Information: Pay Grade 20: $38.08 to $44.82 per hour

Application Close: September 13, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories

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