Director, Advocacy for Indigenous Women
Required skills
- Indigenous women
- non-profit management
- executive management
- gender-based violence
- MMIWG
- mental health
- homelessness
- addictions
- DTES
- referral services
Nice to have
- Red Women Rising
- coalition work
- extended health
- dental coverage
- vision coverage
- prescription medications
Role summary
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) seeks a Director, Advocacy for Indigenous Women to advance conditions for Indigenous women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. This role involves positioning "Red Women Rising" recommendations at the forefront of decision-making, building relationships with stakeholders, and representing DEWC in coalition work. The Director will also serve as an educator on issues impacting Indigenous women, families, and communities. The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of non-profit and executive management experience, a strong understanding of issues affecting Indigenous women, and experience in crisis-driven environments with strong organizational and referral skills.
About DEWC
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) exists to support and empower women and children, living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, injustice and injury. Through low barrier Drop-In Centers and Emergency Shelters, DEWC provides basic need services, programs, and specialized supports to over 1000 women and children daily to help them survive the conditions that surround them. See website (www.dewc.ca) for details on our mission and mandate as well as programs and services.
The Opportunity
The Director of Advocacy for Indigenous Women will support efforts to advance conditions for Indigenous Women by clearly and consistently positioning the discussion and recommendations identified within Red Women Rising at the front and center of decision-making both internally to DEWC and externally. The role will have a strong focus on building and maintaining relationships with decision-makers, organizations, and community and DEWC members. Working in collaboration with the Indigenous Women’s Project Coordinator and the leadership team, the Director of Advocacy for Indigenous Women will serve as the primary lead and representative for DEWC in related coalition work; community engagement and serve as an educator on issues impacting Indigenous women, families, and communities.
About You
- You have at least 3 years of experience in non-profit management, including experience in an executive management position.
- You have a strong understanding of the issues impacting Indigenous women in the DTES, including gender-based violence, MMIWG, mental health, homelessness, and addictions.
- You are able to work effectively in a busy, chaotic, and crisis-driven environment, managing multiple demands and prioritizing tasks.
- You have strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including record keeping, scheduling, and managing competing responsibilities.
- You have experience providing assisted referrals and are familiar with support services, agencies, and community resources in the DTES.
- You have, or are willing to obtain, First Aid Certification and NVCI training.
Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team
Healthcare: Extended health & dental coverage including vision; prescription medications; alternative therapies; EAP; life insurance; and long-term disability.
Paid time off: 3 weeks paid vacation in the 1st year, 4 weeks after 1 year; 13 paid statutory holidays; 12 paid sick days annually; and access to time off to handle family or personal situations.
For your Retirement: Enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan with a matching contribution from DEWC.
Other perks: Compressed work schedule; employee loan program; regular staff development days; and DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions.
POSITION DETAILS:
- Permanent, full-time, 9-day fortnight schedule
- Excluded position: Salary Range: $103,721 to $120,192.80 /per annum based on experience.
- Application Closing Date: October 2nd, 2026 / Start Date: ASAP
For full job description visit: https://dewc.ca/get-involved/careers/
Indigenous women and women of colour are strongly encouraged to apply / Additional languages spoken an asset.
**While we thank all applicants for their interests, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**
