Cultural Events and Program Support Coordinator

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to fostering career development and employment opportunities within the community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking an Cultural Events and Program Support Coordinator to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the coordination and delivery of community and staff events.

Under the direction of the Events Team Lead and the Manager of Custodial and Venue Operations, Cultural Events and Program Support Coordinator will be responsible for planning and coordinating community events (e.g., Seabird Festival, school events, dinners) and also serving as the Band’s primary contact for funeral coordination and cemetery management. This includes supporting grieving families, organizing burial logistics, liaising with departments and vendors, and maintaining cemetery records. This role requires a high level of cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and administrative ability.

What You'll Do

Event Coordination

• Plan, organize, and manage Seabird events, including (but not limited to): Seabird Festival, Band dinners, school events, and open houses.
• Coordinate all event logistics such as scheduling, set-up, tear-down, registration, venue booking, catering, and evaluations.
• Advertise and market events in collaboration with Communications and the Events Team.
• Maintain event calendars, booking systems, and a list of caterers with required documentation (e.g., Food Safe).
• Ensure events are planned in accordance with budget, timelines, and cultural practices.
• Troubleshoot day-of-event issues to ensure smooth delivery.
• Liaise with clients and internal departments to assess needs and provide professional event support.

Funeral and Cemetery Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for funeral and burial arrangements at Seabird Island.
• Provide compassionate and empathetic support to grieving families, guiding them through the funeral process.
• Coordinate across departments (e.g., Public Works, Health, Membership, Lands, Communications) to arrange funeral services.
• Support families in completing required documentation, permits, and interdepartmental submissions.
• Oversee cemetery operations including:
• Coordinate with families and Seabird to identify and document burial plots and maintain accurate cemetery records.
• Grounds maintenance coordination with Public Works.
• Cemetery mapping and record-keeping (digital and hard copy).
• Enforcement of safety protocols and cemetery regulations.
• Facilitate community events and traditions related to funerals and memorials, such as graveyard clean-ups and cultural knowledge sharing between elders and youth.

Community Engagement & Cultural Protocol

• Organize and participate in cultural and ceremonial events.
• Collaborate with the Cultural Committee and Elders to ensure all activities and ceremonies are respectful and appropriate.
• Maintain an understanding of cultural traditions surrounding burial and mourning practices.

Administrative & Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date electronic and hardcopy records for funerals, events, and cemetery use.
• Ensure compliance with Seabird Island policies, safety standards, and applicable regulations.
• Submit relevant records (e.g., death certificates) to Membership and Lands departments.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
• Strategic planning.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively attend events, trainings, workshops, etc. at other locations.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

What You Bring

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in event planning, community engagement, or related coordination roles.
• Previous experience supporting families through sensitive life events such as funerals or memorials is strongly preferred.
• Experience with administrative record-keeping and booking systems.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Able to manage multiple responsibilities in high-pressure or emotional situations.

Preferred:

• First Nations candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Familiarity with Seabird Island’s traditions, teachings, and governance systems.
• Knowledge of funeral customs, cemetery management, and ceremonial protocols

Cultural Competency:

• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
• Understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

How to Apply

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email [email protected].
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.