The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I•SPARC) is a provincial organization established for the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous people by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I•SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Métis Chartered Communities, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.

Introduction to the Food Systems Program

As part of I•SPARC’s Healthy Living programming, the Food Systems Program (FSP) supports Indigenous communities in reaching their food security and food sovereignty goals. The FSP distributes grants and provides support with capacity building, technical training, networking, and cultural sharing. I•SPARC is committed to being inclusive of all aspects of food relations while offering a low-barrier, community-led approach.

General Description

The Provincial Coordinator, Food Systems Program, is primarily responsible for managing the full lifecycle of grants and operational metrics for the Food Systems Program. Reporting to the Manager, Food Systems Program, this role ensures the seamless delivery of tiered FSP grants.

A central focus of this position is maintaining our commitment to a low-barrier approach, providing high levels of support and flexibility to community applicants to reduce administrative burdens. The work will be approached through an Indigenous lens, embracing traditional foods, cultural knowledge, and holistic well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Low-Barrier Grant Delivery: Manage the application, adjudication, and results communication for grants while providing high-touch support and flexibility to applicants.
• Financial Operations: Administer FSP Funding Relationship Commitment agreements, prepare finance batches for grant payments, and manage internal budget tracking and reporting for grants
• Platform Management: Lead the setup and troubleshooting of the GoodGrants platform, ensuring all review processes, applications, and reports are recorded digitally.
• Adjudication Leadership: Assemble adjudication teams, lead review meetings, and compile results for final decision-making.
• Data & Evaluation: Manage contact information for grantees; update final report templates and collect metrics, quotes, and project highlights to feed into the annual Evaluation and Impact Report.
• Community Advocacy: Act as the primary technical point of contact for grant-related questions, maintaining an approachable, helpful presence for all community partners.
• Communications: Update grant information on the website and collaborate with the Engagement Coordinator to prepare grant announcements and social media content.

Education and Knowledge

• Degree or equivalent in Indigenous Health, Land and Food Systems, Indigenous Studies, Food and Resource Economics, or a related field combined with three (3) or more years’ experience in program leadership.
• Specific Experience: Demonstrated experience in the delivery and management of grants, including proficiency with granting platforms (direct experience with Good Grants is highly preferred).
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience establishing collaborative relationships with community leaders, Elders, and senior management teams.
• A lived understanding and/or experience with Indigenous communities, history, values, and culture.
• Knowledge of social determinants of health and their connections to Indigenous food systems.
• Successful completion of a criminal and vulnerable sector records check.
  

Term: April 1st, 2026 – March 31st, 2027 (Maternity Leave Contract).

Salary: The salary range is $63,000 – $68,000 annually, including a comprehensive benefits package.

Location: The role offers the flexibility of remote work or the establishment of a local office space within British Columbia, based on the successful candidate’s location. The ability to travel throughout BC for events and forums is required.