Who We Are

Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver area for over 30 years. As a respected non-profit, charitable organization, we recognize Indigenous youth as experts in their own lives and strive to provide youth with programs and opportunities that are relevant and meaningful to them.

UNYA is dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through a comprehensive range of advocacy, preventive, and support services tailored to address their immediate and future requirements. With over 20 programs, a team of 100 staff members, 175 volunteers, and a network of 300+ community partners, UNYA remains committed to ongoing program development and service expansion and also offer multiple 24-hour options specially designed for Indigenous youth.

At UNYA we have developed a Philosophy of Care foundation, drawing from best practices. Our key philosophies are Trauma-Informed practice, Two-Eyed Seeing, Harm Reduction, Youth/Person Centered care, and Culture as Therapy. These philosophies are the grounding framework that shapes all of our decisions and every interaction we have with the youth we serve.

Highlights of this Opportunity

UNYA is seeking a passionate and experienced individual, who strongly aligns with our values, to join our team as the Manager, People & Culture (MPC). This role is pivotal in nurturing a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment while ensuring that our organization attracts, retains, and develops top talent focused on doing meaningful work.  Reporting to the CEO and the Director of Operations, the MPC oversees UNYA’s Human Resources program ensuring alignment with our vision, mission, and philosophy of care. They will also work to develop and implement strategies to enhance organizational culture, and further diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives where required.  

In close partnership with UNYA’s Administration Team, the MPC modifies, develops, and implements HR practices that are consistent with UNYA’s work culture, and that suit its needs as Vancouver’s largest Indigenous youth serving non-profit.  Areas of responsibility include HR strategy and workforce planning, full-cycle recruitment, onboarding and orientation, employee relations, coaching, retention and recognition, collaborative conflict resolution, compensation and benefits, training and development, safety, employee wellness, and performance management.

What it’s Like to Work Here

Working with us at UNYA is more than just a job—it's a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous youth. At the heart of our organization lies the deep-rooted value of taking care of people. And that starts with our staff.

From the moment you join our team, you'll experience an environment built on acceptance, respect, and non-judgment. We understand the importance of self-care, both personally and professionally, which is why we provide extensive support to ensure your well-being. Our Elder in Residence is available with set hours each week, offering personal, cultural, and spiritual guidance. But it's not just about individual support—it's about building a strong team. We're dedicated to continuous learning and positive team dynamics. Every month, the entire UNYA team gathers for professional development, followed by shared meals and fun activities. This not only enhances our skills but also strengthens our bond as a team.

Our approach to supporting Indigenous youth is holistic and inclusive. We recognize that every young person is unique, so we offer a wide range of tailored services, resources, and opportunities. Our approach integrates Indigenous and western perspectives, honoring traditional teachings and cultural practices. Central to our work is a deep understanding of trauma and a commitment to accepting youth without judgment. We empower our staff to make decisions and take action, recognizing their vital role in achieving our mission.

Moreover, our HR practices are unique and different from the traditional, rule-bound approach. While we ensure compliance with regulations, our instinct isn't to default to the rulebook at every turn. Instead, we prioritize empathy and flexibility, understanding that each situation is nuanced and requires a thoughtful, human-centered response similar to our Philosophy of Care. We believe in empowering our team members to voice their concerns and ideas, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Joining UNYA isn't just about employment; it's about joining a part of a community dedicated to positive transformation and empowerment. Together, we can make a real difference and inspire greatness in the lives of Indigenous youth across all Nations.

Qualifications and Conditions

• Diploma or Degree in HR, Management or a related field and/or comparable work experience. A CPHR designation or CPHR candidate is preferred.
• Minimum 7 years’ of progressively responsible experience in generalist HR roles.
• In-depth knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of contemporary family and societal challenges experienced by Indigenous communities, with a specific focus on the intergenerational repercussions of the residential school system on families and communities. Previous experience working within an Indigenous organization or community-based service organization is an asset.
• Solid understanding of HR practices and administration, as well as applicable legislations including BC Employment Standards, Human Rights, Privacy, Occupational Health & Safety Act, etc.
• In-depth understanding of HR management and its link to organizational strategy. Ability to work at both a strategic and operational level.
• Experience developing Human Resource infrastructure and programs including the development of metrics to measure success.
• Highly effective coaching, facilitating, presentation and influencing skills. Ability to deal with conflict or difficult situations and work with parties to find appropriate solutions using mediation and conciliation.
• Extensive experience in employee relations including conducting investigations, mediation, leading performance management and corrective action discussions.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal and successful track record in working with staff at all levels.
• Intermediate to Advanced computer skills in MS Office.
• Current B.C. Driver’s License and satisfactory Criminal Records Check.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages a range of Human Resource programs and initiatives and ensures alignment to UNYA’s vision, mission and philosophy of care.
• Works collaboratively with the Administration Team to support organizational growth and development through effective planning, development and implementation of HR initiatives and systems.
• Maintains and interprets employment policies, procedures and the Employee and Manager’s Handbooks, in line with UNYA’s culture and current employment related legislation.
• Oversees and administers the recruiting and selection function to attract and hire talented employees. Develops and maintains a progressive and proactive candidate sourcing strategy.
• Ensures effective and culturally aligned onboarding and orientation of new team members.
• Anticipates, identifies and coaches managers regarding employee relations issues and opportunities.
• Serves as a resource to employees in all aspects of the employment relationship.
• Leverages and maximizes UNYA’s performance management tools to coach managers regarding their staff’s development/performance. Assists with drafting performance improvement plans and coaches managers through performance conversations.
• Manages HR administration including onboarding and orientation, benefits administration, leave tracking, employee files.
• Assists the Administration Team to coordinate FUNYA, other team-building, and social events.

What We Offer

Taking care of people is our priority, and this includes our staff. Together, we strive to create an accepting, respectful, and non-judgmental work environment.  Having a self-care plan in place is important to your well-being, both personally and professionally, and we have a number of supports in place to help our staff with this.  Our Elder in Residence has set hours every week to meet with staff for personal, cultural, and spiritual support.

We are committed to ongoing learning and positive team building, and the entire UNYA team comes together once a month for a morning of professional development, followed by a shared meal and an afternoon of fun activities.

• $85,000 – 93,000 per annum, wage to commensurate with education, knowledge and experience
• Flexible hybrid workplace
• Paid Vacation, Sick days and Wellness days. Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health, Dental, Vision, LTD and Life insurance (completely paid by employer)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which consists of no-cost counselling services to staff
• Support from UNYA’s Elder in Residence for cultural and spiritual guidance or teachings
• Monthly Staff development
• The opportunity to be part of an amazing team doing work that matters

If you are aligned with our values and are committed to supporting the work we do, please submit your resume and cover letter indicating why you want to work with UNYA to , with the position title in the subject line.

We encourage applicants to submit applications as soon as possible, as applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference.