Director of Programming & Operations

Position: Director of Programming & Operations

Location: Vancouver, BC (Hybrid)

Type: Full-time, contract (35 - 37 hours per week)

Salary: $40 / hour depending on experience

Deadline: March 31, 2026 or until position is filled

The Organization

IAKE (Indigenous Arts Knowledge Exchange) is an Indigenous-run and led non-profit organization supporting Indigenous artists through flexible, values-based learning and knowledge exchange. Guided by an active Council, IAKE is seeking an experienced Director of Programming & Operations to provide organizational leadership and advance its mandate.

The Role

Director of Programming & Operations will lead the development and delivery of Indigenous-led learning and exchange initiatives, including mentoring, virtual platforms, land-based learning, and in-person programming. Working closely with the IAKE Council, Indigenous artists, community and sector leaders, and cultural partners, the role serves as a key connector across communities and disciplines.

This position combines strategic leadership with hands-on implementation, overseeing program design, coordination, delivery, evaluation, and reporting, alongside core organizational functions such as administration, grant development and management, and basic financial oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Coordination

• Work in meaningful consultation with Indigenous arts organizations, Knowledge Keepers, artists, Elders, mentors, and educators to develop and co-develop Indigenous-led arts programming, knowledge exchange initiatives, and collaborative partnerships.
• Oversee and coordinate partnerships and community engagement activities
• Lead project development from concept through delivery, evaluation, and reporting
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver all artistic programs, events, and projects
• Act as the primary point of contact for artists, partners, venues, collaborators, and stakeholders across all programs and projects
• Coordinate schedules, timelines, and work plans for all programs and projects
• Draft and manage contracts with artists, contractors, and other stakeholders
• Manage program budgets and track expenses in coordination with overall organizational finances
• Coordinate logistics including venues, technical requirements, travel, and accommodations
• Ensure all program deliverables, contractual obligations, and funder requirements are met
• Collect documentation, data, and evaluation materials for reporting and archival purposes

Administration & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization
• Develop, monitor, and manage the organization’s annual budget, including revenue projections and expense planning
• Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and funding requirements
• Serve as a public spokesperson for IAKE, working alongside Council leadership to represent the organization in community, public, and sector settings
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, and documentation for Council members
• Coordinate Council meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions
• Manage and supervise contractors and consultants, including bookkeepers and auditors
• Oversee contracts, invoicing, payments, expense tracking, and financial documentation
• Research, write, submit, and manage grant applications across municipal, provincial, federal, and other funding sources
• Track grant deadlines, funding agreements, and reporting requirements
• Prepare interim and final grant reports

Qualifications

• In alignment with IAKE’s mandate as an Indigenous-led organization, this position is open to Indigenous applicants (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis).
• Experience working in ways that respect Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and relationship-based practices
• Experience working with Indigenous artists, communities, Elders, and cultural knowledge holders
• Background in arts administration and Indigenous education through lived experience, community work, and/or formal training
• Familiarity with land-based learning, mentorship, and Indigenous knowledge exchange approaches
• Strong communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organization and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with care, accountability, and flexibility within a small organizational setting
• Ability to work collaboratively with various groups and to adapt to changing dynamics and priorities

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

About IAKE

The Indigenous Arts Knowledge Exchange (IAKE) is an Indigenous-run and led non-profit supporting Indigenous artists through flexible, values-based learning and knowledge exchange. Guided by the 5 R’s, Respect, Responsibility, Relevance, Relationality, and Reciprocity, IAKE works toward a vision where Indigenous artists thrive in self-determined arts spaces that honour Indigenous knowledge, practice, and protocol. Established in 2019, IAKE was created to strengthen the responsiveness of arts training systems to the needs of Indigenous artists and training organizations.