Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

The Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program is a 23-month initiative that supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth (ages 14–30) in East Vancouver to grow as leaders, cultural knowledge keepers, and community changemakers. Through a cohort-based model, participants engage in cultural camps, personal development workshops, civic engagement activities, and flexible service placements. The program is rooted in Indigenous values and focuses on reconciliation, community connection, and youth resilience.

 

We’re building a team of passionate, grounded people to help bring this vision to life. Check out the current employment postings below!

Program Manager

Type: Full-Time Contract
Duration: June 2025 – March 2027
Compensation: $40/hr | 35 hrs/week
Location: Hybrid (mix of remote and in-office work), with flexible hours

About the Role

The Project Manager leads the delivery of ALIVE’s Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program. This is a leadership role that supports a small, committed team working alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in East Vancouver. The role requires a balance of organization, heart, and accountability to community, rooted in Indigenous values and cultural safety. You will guide the design and implementation of 8 youth cohorts, support mentorship, and ensure activities reflect what youth and community say they need.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead planning, delivery, and evaluation of all program phases
  • Supervise project staff and facilitators, and ensure cultural safety practices
  • Develop and maintain work plans, schedules, and budgets
  • Oversee youth recruitment, engagement, and learning
  • Track participation data and outcomes for funder reports
  • Liaise with Elders, community organizations, and funders
  • Submit quarterly and final reports on activities and outcomes

What You Bring

  • Experience leading community or youth-based initiatives (paid or unpaid)
  • Understanding of Indigenous governance, cultural safety, and reconciliation
  • Skilled in managing people, timelines, and multiple moving parts
  • Comfortable with budgeting, reporting, and team leadership
  • Strong communication, relationship-building, and decision-making skills
  • Experience working in community-led or non-profit environments

Lived experience and/or deep understanding of urban Indigenous realities is a strong asset

Program Coordinator

Type: Full-Time Contract
Duration: June 2025 – March 2027
Compensation: $30/hr | 35 hrs/week
Location: Hybrid (mix of remote and in-office work), with flexible hours

About the Role

The Program Coordinator is responsible for organizing the day-to-day logistics that keep the Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program running smoothly. You’ll help schedule workshops and events, support youth and facilitators, and track activities and data. This role is for someone who’s highly organized, collaborative, and passionate about supporting youth and community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate scheduling and logistics for workshops, events, camps, and meetings
  • Support youth recruitment through community outreach and partnerships
  • Book facilitators, spaces, catering, and supplies
  • Maintain records of participant data, hours, and feedback
  • Assist with report writing, data collection, and evaluations
  • Keep the team connected by tracking decisions and sharing updates

    What You Bring

    • Experience coordinating programs, events, or projects (paid or volunteer)
    • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
    • Experience supporting or working with Indigenous youth or communities
    • Familiarity with trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, or decolonial practices
    • Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively
    • Comfort using basic digital tools for scheduling, file sharing, and record keeping

    Cohort Leader

    (2 roles available)

    Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program
    Type: Part-Time Contract
    Duration: June 2025 – March 2027
    Compensation: $28/hr | 20 hrs/week
    Location: Mostly remote, with some in-person meetings and events in Vancouver

    About the Role

    Cohort Leaders walk alongside youth participants as facilitators, mentors, and cultural supporters. You will lead two youth cohorts each year and help create safe and inclusive spaces for learning, growth, and collective action. This is a people-focused role for someone who values relationship-building and holds lived or learned experience in navigating Indigenous youth realities.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Facilitate weekly cohort meetings and workshops
    • Guide youth in planning community-based projects
    • Provide one-on-one and group support to participants
    • Coordinate with facilitators, Elders, and community guests
    • Lead outreach and recruitment for new cohort intakes
    • Participate in cultural and civic events with youth as needed

      What You Bring

      • Experience supporting or mentoring youth, especially Indigenous youth
      • Ability to lead group conversations and create safe learning spaces
      • Familiarity with Indigenous traditions, teachings, and protocols (or openness to learning)
      • Strong communication, time management, and team collaboration skills
      • Ability to work independently and remotely while staying connected

      How to Apply

      We honour non-traditional learning and leadership pathways and know that not everyone uses resumes, and that’s okay. If you don’t have a resume, we invite you to tell us about yourself in whatever way feels right to you. This might include:

      • A short written introduction with your name, contact info, and a bit about your experience

      • A video or audio message sharing your story and what draws you to this work

      • A sample of past community, cultural, or creative work

      • References from people who know your strengths

      Please send your expression of interest to alive@nwindigenous.org by June 9, 2025.

      These positions include a mix of remote and in-office work. Our shared office space is located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Please note: travel to and from the office is not covered, but approved travel to project sites, events, or out-of-community gatherings will be reimbursed.

      We appreciate every submission only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community transformation.