NEW EMPLOYMENT NOTICE — Senior Manager, Food Systems Program

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established for the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous people by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Métis Chartered Communities, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia. Starting in April 2022, the First Nations Health Authority is transferring the Food Systems Program (FSP) to I·SPARC. I·SPARC is pleased to begin implementing the FSP within its Healthy Living programming.

Introduction to the Food Systems Program:
The Program started in 2009 under the name First Nations Food Systems as part of B.C.’s Access to Produce in Rural and Remote Communities initiative, previously funded by the Ministry of Health and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2014, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) took over funding of the Program and it has been administered by the Heart & Stroke Foundation to date. The FSP has provided communities with seed funding as well as in-community planning and technical support for small-scale agriculture projects. It has grown from 17 to over 70 B.C. First Nations communities, driven by community demand to improve access to fresh vegetables and fruit and, through that, improved food security. The FSP has since expanded its scope, now moving toward an Indigenous-led model. With FSP’s transition to I·SPARC, there is opportunity to continue evolving the program to deepen alignment with community needs and incorporate more traditional and Indigenous-led approaches to food, food security, community engagement, ceremony and respect for the lands.

General Description
The Senior Manager is a new position responsible for leading and providing overall strategic and operational direction for the FSP program, a new program to the I·SPARC portfolio. There will be a significant opportunity to positively influence the vision and direction of the program. The Senior Manager will report to CEO with support from an internal Strategic Oversight Group and will work closely with FSP’s management team, Advisory Committee, and other divisions of I·SPARC to ensure program success for all communities involved. The Senior Manager will continue to evolve the program in terms of services offered, program partnerships, and scope of community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and implementation of a new Vision and Operational Plan for FSP based on recommendations coming out of recent consultation work;
  • In collaboration with the I·SPARC management team, develop and implement additional fundraising activities in alignment with a new Vision;
  • Oversee funding Contribution Agreement processes and any new partner agreements;
  • Provide oversight and supervise any newly required FSP program performance management actions including collection of metrics, evaluation, review, reporting, and change management;
  • Ensure that key risks are identified and reviewed and mitigated throughout the program cycle;
  • Support Human Resource activities including hiring, supervising a team of employees/contractors; conducting annual people performance reviews; and support conflict management and resolution processes as required;
  • Lead FSP stakeholder relations for I·SPARC with organizational partnerships and funders. Represent FSP and act as primary point of contact for any strategic internal and external partner or community engagement (e.g., provide program updates and presentations to I·SPARC senior management team and Board of Directors as required).

Education and Knowledge

  • Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or some other discipline directly related in addition to at least five (5) years’ management experience; OR,
  • Degree in Indigenous Health, Land and Food Systems, Horticultural Studies, Food and Resource Economics or related combined with five (5) or more years’ experience in the provision of senior-level program management; OR,
  • An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered;
  • A minimum of five (5) years or more of experience establishing collaborative relationships with community leaders, elders, senior management team and leading organizational change associated with implementation;
  • Experience in business planning, contract management, and financial management;
  • A lived understanding and/or experience with Indigenous communities, history, values and culture;
  • Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health and its connections to Indigenous health and food systems, cultures and backgrounds;
  • Has led work that honours, respects and ensures the self-determination of Indigenous communities;
    and
  • Has successfully completed a criminal and vulnerable sector records check.

Term: This is a full-time, 1-year contract.

Salary: The salary range is $70,000-$78,000 annually, which includes a comprehensive health benefits package.

Location: Office space will be established in a British Columbia location central to the successful candidate. Flexibility in work location with an ability to travel throughout the province to events/forums.

To Apply: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references (name, title, relationship, and contact info) to the attention of Rick Brant, CEO at: isparc@isparc.ca.

All applications are appreciated, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry.

 

Please find the PDF version of the job posting here.