Municipal Affairs Manager

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

Position Summary

The Municipal Affairs Manager is responsible for leading a sub department that oversees all municipal and Nation to Nation files related to Musqueam’s inherent title and rights. This management role ensures Musqueam’s strategic priorities and interests guide all work. Sharing information and engaging with relevant internal departments and keeping council and SR management informed is key to the success of this role. 

This position will be tasked with creating a new sub department under Intergovernmental Affairs and it will manage a team dedicated to ensuring Musqueam is appropriately engaging and asserting themselves across the entire SOI.  

Roles & Responsibilities 

Representation, engagement and consultation with municipalities & other nations  

• Represent Musqueam in alignment with its mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. 
• Build Musqueam’s influence by engaging municipal and N2N partners and maintaining positive relationships. 
• Provide strategic advice and briefings to SR management and council. 
• Develop negotiation strategies and participate at negotiation tables. 
• Lead and participate in working groups and forums, ensuring decision-makers have accurate information. 
• Create departmental tools and documentation. 
• Identify business and wealth generation opportunities. 
• Manage conflict resolution and issue management. 

Municipal File & Project Management 

• Establish and maintain systems that enable the team to effectively serve as the primary points of contact for Musqueam on municipal partner files, while overseeing agreement compliance and implementation 
• Establish a set of ‘standards’ and foundational documents for engagement across Musqueam’s SOI and CARA 
• Optimize workflows to ensure a seamless municipal referrals process, meeting timelines and engaging all relevant departments 
• Collaborate with other T&R departments to represent Musqueam in environmental, archaeological, and fisheries matters, ensuring that potential impacts on Musqueam title and rights are effectively communicated. 
• Develop mitigation measures and conditions and negotiate benefits that advance Musqueam’s interests  
• Identify impacts and community interests; facilitate engagement and communication with stakeholders. 
• Manage deliverables, and complex timelines; ensure milestones are achieved. 
• Ensure the department maintains proper meeting notes and correspondence and detailed records for legal and organizational purposes. 
• Design and implement work plans and project management tools for internal and interdepartmental coordination. 
• Manage budgets & capacity funding agreements, financial tracking, and invoicing. 

CoV UNDRIP Action Plan 

• Oversee & manage Musqueam’s participation across all Action Groups to ensure successful implementation of deliverables.
• Act as a member of the MSTV UNDRIP Action Plan Steering Committee. 

MST Technical Team Representation 

• Hold an official seat at the MST Tech Team Table. 
• Represents Musqueam’s interests at this important G2G table and advance issues to the Steering Committee.
• Ensure Musqueam’s title, rights and interests are protected in this sphere. 
• Communicate developments from this table to the Chief & Council, ensuring that all information and recommendations presented to the Steering Committee are consistent with Musqueam’s priorities and objectives. 

Team Management, Training & Supervision 

• Effectively manage the Municipal and N2N Affairs Team. 
• Train, supervise, and delegate tasks to team members, co-op students, or interns. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Skill and knowledge attained by successful completion of a post-secondary degree in Political Science, First Nations Studies, or a related field. Possession of a master’s degree is preferred (or equivalent life/work experience). 
• A minimum of five years’ experience in a closely related field (or equivalent life/work experience). 
• Strong understanding of Indigenous politics and law. 
• Cultural competency and knowledge of Musqueam culture and interests or an ability to develop this. 
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Understanding project management methods and skills and the ability to lead files. 
• Exceptional communicator with excellent writing skills. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to be discrete, use tact, and good judgment. 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, be self-directed and complete tasks/project in accordance with stated deadlines. 
• Criminal record check. 

Working Conditions 

• The work is performed in an office environment. 
• Some evening work may be required. 

Why work for Musqueam? 

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused. 

• Competitive salary 
• Training and career development 
• Business casual environment 
• Community fitness and gym access 
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan 
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services