ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

On behalf of Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) we are seeking a visionary, culturally grounded Executive Director to provide internal leadership in Merritt, BC.  Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) is an Indigenous-led organization based in Merritt, BC, serving the Nlaka'pamux and Syilx peoples. Formed in 1993 when five Nicola Valley bands united to end colonial control over their children, SCFSS is guided by traditional strength, wisdom, and the inherent rights of nłeʔkepmx and syilx peoples. 

SCFSS is family-centered and culturally grounded, committed to keeping children connected to their families and communities. Through a monumental shift from protection to prevention, the organization focuses on early intervention, community-based support, and culturally relevant programs for youth, caregivers, and families. These programs emphasize cultural identity, Elder wisdom, and community decision-making to address historical trauma and build strong, resilient families. Their collective goal is clear: empower children, young people, and families by strengthening family and community capacity, ensuring children remain with their families and stay rooted in their culture. They build strong children and families. 

The successful candidate will join SCFSS during a time of pivotal changes, community-led period of growth—advancing the shift from protection to prevention and strengthening family services rooted in nłeʔkepmx and syilx traditional knowledge for the Nlaka'pamux and Syilx peoples.  

ABOUT THE ROLE

Accountable to the Board of Directors and reporting directly to the Board President, the Executive Director provides strong internal leadership to ensure the Society’s programs, services, and operational practices are culturally grounded and community‑informed. The role focuses on strengthening organizational systems, building staff capacity, and improving synergy and flow between departments and planning processes to ensure effective alignment with Board‑approved strategies and priorities. 

The Executive Director provides direct supervision and leadership to the Society’s senior management team and internal leadership roles, overseeing all departments and programs. They lead strategic planning, organizational development, and the delivery of holistic, integrated services that reflect the strengths, values, and needs of the communities served. 

This role requires a values‑driven leader who embodies Indigenous principles, builds and sustains meaningful relationships with member communities, and champions culturally safe, community‑led practices across the organization. 

OVERVIEW OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Governance & Strategy 

• Ensure organizational operations align with the Society’s Strategic Plan and guiding directions. 
• Partner with the Board and CEO on strategic planning, priorities, and organizational performance. 
• Translate strategic direction into clear operational plans and report on progress and risk. 

Cultural & Community Leadership 

• Provide internal leadership to ensure culturally grounded, community‑informed services. 
• Integrate nłeʔkepmx and syilx ways of knowing into leadership, decision‑making, and operations. 
• Ensure culturally safe, strengths‑based practices across programs, policies, and staff practice. 
• Support respectful engagement of Elders and community voices in service design and delivery. 

People & Organization 

• Lead, develop, and hold accountability for senior leaders and staff across the organization. 
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and workforce wellbeing. 
• Foster a healthy, respectful, and restorative workplace culture. 

Operations & Service Delivery 

• Oversee effective, compliant day‑to‑day operations, programs, and service delivery. 
• Ensure legislative, policy, and delegated‑authority compliance. 
• Drive integrated, prevention‑focused services and continuous improvement. 
• Ensure strong internal coordination, information flow, and operational readiness. 

Financial Stewardship 

• Provide oversight of financial management, budgeting, and internal controls. 
• Monitor financial performance and ensure transparent reporting to the Board. 
• Ensure resources are allocated to support service quality, sustainability, and community outcomes. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Proven senior leadership experience in Indigenous social service organizations. 
• Demonstrated understanding of the historical and systemic impacts of colonialism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and child welfare systems, with the ability to apply this understanding in leadership practice, policy, and staff development. 
• Strong ability to support culturally grounded operations by embedding Indigenous values and teachings into organizational systems, service delivery, and internal decision‑making. 
• Experience leading complex organizations and multidisciplinary teams, including coaching, mentoring, and change leadership. 
• Sound judgement and experience navigating disciplinary and termination processes in alignment with legislation, organizational policy, and restorative principles. 
• Commitment to building leadership capacity and succession readiness within an organization. 
• Working knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) requirements and compliance expectations. 
• Experience in financial management, policy development, and strategic planning. 
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and public‑speaking skills. 
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and governance structures. 
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field (a Bachelor’s degree with five or more years of leadership experience may be considered). 
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in Indigenous social services. 
• Minimum of five years experience supervising staff and managing budgets. 

This is a full‑time, on‑site leadership role based in Merritt, BC, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. It will appeal to a relational leader who brings people together across functions and perspectives and supports integrated, organization‑wide approaches through thoughtful long‑term planning. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates living outside the area. The role requires flexibility to attend evening and weekend Board, Executive, and Community meetings, as well as occasional overnight travel. 

SCFSS offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $141,323 to $172,900 ($77.65 to $95.00 per hour), commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive total rewards package that includes participation in the Public Service Pension Plan, additional paid time off (including cultural leave), benefits and education reimbursement. 

As an Indigenous organization serving the nłeʔkepmx and syilx communities, SCFSS prioritizes the hiring of nłeʔkepmx and syilx community members. Following community member priority and pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry. 

Please submit your application through MNP’s official process and avoid making speculative approaches to SCFSS or its staff members, as such approaches will not support your application. 

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