Manager of Culture and Heritage

Position Title: Manager of Culture and Heritage

Department: Culture and Heritage

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Inuvik or Fort McPherson

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date: December 12, 2025

PURPOSE

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, The Manager of Culture and Heritage plays a key leadership role in advancing the Gwich’in Tribal Council’s mission to preserve, promote, and protect Gwich’in culture, language, and traditional knowledge. This position is responsible for overseeing a range of community-driven cultural programs and research initiatives across the Gwich’in Settlement Region. As a strategic and hands-on leader, the Manager works closely with Elders, youth, researchers, and community partners to ensure that Gwich’in heritage is documented, celebrated, and passed on to future generations. The ideal candidate brings strong project management skills, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems and community empowerment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the delivery of cultural heritage initiatives, including oral history projects, land-based knowledge research, and cultural camps.
• Supervise and support a team of staff and contractors working across the Gwich’in Settlement Region.
• Collaborate closely with Elders, youth, community organizations, and external partners to ensure programming and research reflects Gwich’in cultural values and priorities.
• Maintain and expand digital and physical cultural archives, ensuring appropriate ethical and cultural protocols are followed.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, funding proposals, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure all activities align with the Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge Policy and other internal policies and guidelines.
• Represent the Culture and Heritage Department at community meetings, conferences, and intergovernmental forums as required.
• Support the Department of Culture and Heritage in strategic planning, interdepartmental collaboration, and long-term visioning.
• Manage the Department’s responses to and participation in various land, water, and research licensing and permitting processes.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Cultural Resource Management, History, Linguistics, or a related discipline (equivalent experience will also be considered).
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in cultural heritage or community-based research, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Equivalencies will be considered.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, preferably in the North or in a similar cultural setting.
• Strong understanding of Gwich’in culture, values, and traditions, or willingness to learn with cultural humility.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to work collaboratively across communities and agencies.
• Ability to travel regularly to Gwich’in communities and participate in land-based or culturally significant activities.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
• Clean Criminal Record Check

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.