Executive Director, Indigenous Health Cultural Safety and Transformation

 

Indigenous Health Cultural Safety and Transformation

Vancouver, BC

 

Pursuant to Section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry. We invite applicants to self-identify within their cover letter and/or resume. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to reach out to Sanya'k ?ula (Indigenous Recruitment and Employee Experience) for support, advice, and guidance on the PHSA hiring process.

In accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Executive Director, Indigenous Health Cultural Safety and Transformation reports to the Vice-President Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety and is accountable for leading a portfolio of Indigenous Health (IH) and Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) programs for PHSA, and provides executive level leadership to further the overall enhancement, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the overall PHSA IH roadmap. The ED provides strategic Indigenous thought leadership and planning, calls out and supports work to address Indigenous Specific Racism at both a systemic and interpersonal level, to bring impactful change at the point of care and to health outcomes, and to enhance cultural safety. Provides leadership and management expertise in senior ICS practice and programming, and in developing leading-edge strategies that effectively support the delivery of the highest quality services to the Indigenous people of British Columbia.

The Executive Director leads the development of PHSA internal partnerships and maintenance of strong working relationships to ensure a consistent strategy across the programs and services; implement, coordinate and integrate IH strategies and initiatives; support direct service delivery for health service improvements at the point of care; and to eradicate Indigenous specific racism and enhance cultural safe care. Drives the cultivation of collaborative relationships with the corporate portfolios of people and culture plus finance. Leads the support for the PHSA IH teams involved in direct service delivery across the organization through either direct or matrixed reporting to provide for a safe Indigenous Space, strategic level dialogue and planning as well and to support leadership development and coaching. The ED oversees the PHSA provincial youth wellness initiative.

The ED liaises provincially and nationally including directors at regional health authorities, the First Nations Health Authority, BC Ministry of Health (MoH), and key BC stakeholders and associations and across Canada, and senior Federal government staff to discuss new trends, initiatives, and policy directions. Functions as the primary IH representative on various PHSA corporate, health sector-wide or practice area initiatives, advisory groups and/or committees. The position is responsible for building the strength of their leadership team and the IH portfolio; driving the development, implementation and evaluation of appropriate policies and procedures for the organization; ensuring consistency and standardization of policy and practices; and ensures that strategies are aligned with the overall PHSA business needs, strategic direction and mandates. The ED models the PHSA values of respecting people, being compassionate, daring to innovate, cultivating partnerships, and serving with purpose. Develops and approves operating budgets and allocates scarce resources in a fiscally prudent manner.

 

What you’ll do 

• As part of the IH senior leadership team, make key contributions to the overall IH strategies across PHSA; work horizontally and vertically within the organization and closely with the Executive Leadership Team including the President and CEO. Hold the PHSA ecosystem accountable for clear measurable priorities to demonstrate progress against the In Plain Sight report recommendations and to advance Indigenous Health forward from a rights based perspective consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples as affirmed by the provincial Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
• Lead internal partnerships to support PHSA direct service delivery to address health service improvement at point of care to eradicate Indigenous specific racism and enhance cultural safe care through PHSA programs and services including BCEHS, BC Cancer, BC Children’s and Women’s, BCMHSUS, and BCCDC. Support and collaborate with the ELT members and their respective leadership teams and portfolios including the clinical service delivery and public health and wellness programs and services.
• Lead the support for all the internal Indigenous health teams involved in direct service delivery through either a direct or dotted line of reporting across PHSA to Indigenous Health to provide for a safe Indigenous Space, strategic level dialogue and planning as well and to support leadership development and coaching
• Support work with EVP Business Operations to establish and implement an agenda of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples from both economic and health improvement perspectives. Support work as part of the IH agendas for the VP, People and Culture on areas like Indigenous recruitment and retention, and VP Finance and CFO on confirming increased investment into Indigenous Health and any other ELT members as appropriate.
• Actively guide, contribute and work in partnership with the VP in the overall strategic leadership and the planning, development, implementation, management and evaluation of the IH strategy, goals and objectives for PHSA and its program areas. Make decisions that have broad implications and complexity, ensure consistency with PHSA’s overall strategic plan, alignment with the MoH priorities, and work within the boundaries of government legislation and policies as well as provincial standards and agreements.
• Provide strategic leadership and expertise, develop long and short-term plans for the portfolio areas and aligns them to the overall strategic direction of IH within PHSA. Forecast pending issues/concerns for PHSA and develops/recommends strategies. Set priorities for planning and implementing strategies in conjunction with corporate partners. Ensure the development, implementation, administration and evaluation of IH programs and services.
• Lead staff in growing partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, and facilitate consensus to plan and deliver on specific programs and services. Develop, build and maintain mutually beneficial working partnerships, and represents PHSA and their interests across various audiences and stakeholder groups. Collaborate and liaise within PHSA and various external groups including regional health organizations and health authorities, the Director of Aboriginal Health at the BC Ministry of Health (MoH), the First Nations Health Council, other central agencies, provincial/national associations, and across provincial networks. Negotiate both internally and externally to PHSA on a formal basis, enter into contracts and letters of understanding on behalf of PHSA, and make decisions involving complex and diverse issues.
• Oversee the portfolio teams to successfully deliver the IH programs, and to embody and support PHSA values. Provide leadership to staff through coaching, guiding and modeling key behaviours/strategies, encouraging dialogue and providing guidance and advice to facilitate resolutions to work issues. Build and mentor the portfolio leadership team and assists team members to define shared and individual goals, meet target dates and ensure alignment of team goals with client needs. Foster team spirit, trust and mutual respect. Recruit, develop and recognize staff; outline expectations, determine training requirements; and evaluate individual and team performance in collaboration with appropriate internal stakeholders and leaders. Define a vision and guide individuals and groups towards the vision; motivate teams towards attaining their maximum potential and encourages professional development.
  • Develop and monitor an annual budget including operating, project/temporary funding, and budgets related to any delegated provincial initiatives. Monitor overall portfolio budget performance, plan and adjust operations and/or staffing to meet projections and annual targets, and approve expenditures and prepare summaries for fiscal reporting in collaboration with the portfolio’s program leaders.

What you bring

 

Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Master’s degree in a related discipline supplemented by a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively more senior experience with a minimum of five (5) years at a leadership level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility. Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts, underpinned by significant expertise in Indigenous-specific mandates. This includes a clear understanding of and commitment to eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination. Additionally, it involves embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility, and an advanced expertise and unwavering dedication to engaging with diversity, centering equity, and advancing inclusion (DEI).
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Indigenous Health Cultural Safety and Transformation contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, Anti-Racism Data Act, BC Human Rights Code - and how they intersect across the health care system.

Pursuant to Section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry. We invite applicants to self-identify within their cover letter and/or resume. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to reach out to Sanya'k ?ula (Indigenous Recruitment and Employee Experience) for support, advice, and guidance on the PHSA hiring process.

 

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging and Indigenous Cultural Safety. Demonstrates action-oriented practices addressing Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as confronting/addressing broader issues of racism and discrimination. Exhibits strong DEI and anti-racism competencies/skills to lead by example fostering a culture of continuous learning, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Leadership capabilities in the areas of leading self, engaging others, driving change, achieving results, developing coalitions and system transformation are required. Solid understanding of best practices and policies for areas of specialty. Expertise to define and guide individuals and groups towards a vision while maintaining group cohesiveness, motivation, commitment and effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to influence change and decision-making at senior levels of an organization. Able to respond to the needs of stakeholders while being aware of the impact of actions on a system. Ability to influence system improvements within the programs and services of PHSA including direct health service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to innovatively solve problems with a global perspective, make decisions and facilitate resolution of issues. Sound acumen to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with business partners as well as other external stakeholders, including MoH and senior leaders of other health organizations, throughout high profile endeavours.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to facilitate and persuade others. Proven ability to negotiate and mediate resolutions to complex situations. Excellent organizational skills including the ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and coach staff. Demonstrates a solid commitment to the value of continuous learning. Ability to deal effectively with all levels of staff. Ability to approve, develop and oversee an annual budget.
• Demonstrated deep understanding of their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Able to articulate and share this journey to motivate and inspire others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the social, economic, political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples in social and health contexts as well as knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments in the foundational documents: Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

 

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Salary Range: $143,969 - $206,956. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1333 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G9
Closing Date: Applications Accepted Until Filled
Hours of Work: 08:00-16:00 Monday-Friday
Requisition #: 200496E

 

What we do

 

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

 

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

 

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

 

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

 

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

 

Attention current employees of PHSA:

 

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

 

The internal job posting expires on June 26, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

 

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

 

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.