Are you a strategic HR leader who believes in the power of people and culture to drive organizational success? Are you passionate about creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces where everyone can thrive? We’re looking for a Director of People and Workplace Culture to join our team and lead with heart, purpose, and professionalism. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, you’ll play a key role in shaping our people strategy and workplace culture, grounded in Ktunaxa values, equity, and community wellbeing.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of People and Workplace Culture provides visionary and strategic leadership in shaping a high-performing, inclusive, and values-aligned organizational culture. This role is responsible for the design, execution, and continuous improvement of comprehensive human resources strategies that support the mission, vision, and values of the organization, including the cultural context of the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation and the broader Ktunaxa Nation.

The Director champions a people-first approach, integrating equity, diversity, and belonging across all aspects of human capital management. This role provides executive-level HR expertise across a broad range of functional areas, including talent strategy, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, total rewards, compliance, and workforce planning. As a strategic advisor and collaborative partner, the Director works closely with the CAO, departmental leaders, and the broader leadership team to enable a thriving and resilient workforce. The position requires a balance of day-to-day HR operations and strategic planning.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (″ʔAFN″) is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. ʔAFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the ʔAFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Note: This position is full-time with a set weekly schedule (35 hrs/week, Monday – Friday), with the requirement to be available after hours outside of the standard workweek as needed.

The primary responsibilities include:

Strategic HR Leadership

• Lead HR strategies aligned with organizational goals, values, and Ktunaxa First Nation culture.
• Advise senior leadership on people strategy, workforce planning, and organizational design.
• Promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging across all HR practices.

Culture, Engagement & Employee Relations

• Foster a respectful, collaborative, and safe work environment.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives, including surveys and action plans.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and provide senior-level HR support.

Recruitment & Talent Development

• Oversee inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Support job postings, interviews, and offer processes for senior roles.
• Lead performance management, training, career development, and succession planning.
• Coach managers to strengthen leadership and team performance.

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute to strategic planning and cross-functional leadership initiatives.
• Represent HR in community and interdepartmental projects.
• Champion employee wellbeing and workplace health.

Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards

• Oversee compensation structures and ensure internal equity and market competitiveness.
• Manage benefits administration and recommend improvements.
• Lead or support compensation reviews and benchmarking.

HR Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain HR policies and ensure compliance with all applicable legislation.
• Provide guidance on accommodations, return-to-work, and health and safety.
• Lead or coordinate workplace investigations with fairness and due process.

HR Systems & Reporting

• Manage the HRIS (e.g., BambooHR) and ensure accurate data and reporting.
• Provide HR analytics to inform strategic decisions and budgeting.

Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Admin, or related field (Master’s or CPHR is a plus)
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including HR leadership roles
• Deep knowledge of employment legislation (Canada Labour Code) and HR best practices
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and coaching skills
• A passion for people, inclusion, and meaningful organizational impact
• Strong communication skills, specifically verbal and listening
• Experience working in Indigenous or culturally diverse environments is a strong asset
• Knowledge of language, history and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation is an asset
• NOTE: A criminal check will be conducted on the successful applicant

What we offer:

• Starting salary between $100,000 to $112,000, depending on experience
• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year
• Paid annual vacation and sick days
• Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, health spending account, Employee Assistance Program, Disability coverage, available after 3 months of service
• Matched pension plan with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service
• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application.