SOCIAL ENTERPRISE PROGRAM MANAGER

Location: Vancouver, BC

Employment Type: Full-Time (40 hrs/week); one year contract (possibility of extension)

Salary Range: $39.00 – $41.00 per hour

ABOUT US

Join the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) and be part of a community-driven organization making a meaningful impact in the lives of Urban Indigenous people. As a non-profit charitable organization, VAFCS provides culturally rooted programs and services that foster cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development. Operating across three locations in Vancouver, we deliver 23 programs designed to support and uplift our community. We are currently seeking a passionate, highly organized, and self-motivated individual with strong ties to the urban Indigenous community to join our team and help drive positive change.

Our social enterprise initiatives support economic reconciliation by creating employment and training opportunities while promoting Indigenous food sovereignty and traditional knowledge.

POSITION OVERVIEW

VAFCS is seeking a Social Enterprise Program Manager to lead and expand our social enterprise initiatives. This role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, business development, marketing, and community engagement aspects of our social enterprises, ensuring they are both financially sustainable and aligned with Indigenous values. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with experience in business operations, social impact initiatives, and Indigenous community engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic and Business Development

• Develop and implement a strategic business plan for social enterprise growth, sustainability and long-term impact.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, target audiences and new opportunities.
• Establish operational systems and structures to support enterprise launches and ongoing efficiency.
• Identify growth opportunities, including new products, markets and funding sources.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of the VAFCS social enterprise initiatives, ensuring smooth daily operations and long-term sustainability.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Oversee and manage all aspects of VAFCS social enterprise programs, ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Manage a small team to support business operations, including training and mentorship.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, financial policies, and operational guidelines.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen the impact of our social enterprises.
• Work with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to ensure cultural integrity in products and services.
• Collaborate with VAFCS leadership and funders to align social enterprise initiatives with organizational goals, mission and values.
• Implement impact measurement and process evaluations.

Financial & Funding Management

• Prepare and manage budgets, track financial performance, and develop reports on social enterprise impact.
• Seek grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities to enhance program sustainability.

Employment & Training Support

• Provide mentorship and training opportunities for Indigenous community members, especially those facing barriers to employment.
• Develop employment pathways and partnerships with Indigenous training programs.
• Support employees in skill-building, professional development, and long-term career success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Business, Social Entrepreneurship, Non-profit Management, or related field or, equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in business management, nonprofit management, or social enterprise development (minimum 3-5 years preferred). Experience in a start-up environment is an asset.
• Proven experience in business development, financial management and project management skills.
• Solid ability to build and maintain community partnerships.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience leading teams
• Strong financial literacy, computer, budgeting, and business planning skills.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultural protocols.
• Passionate about creating sustainable social impact and systems transformation.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead meaningful, community-driven social enterprises.
• A workplace that values Indigenous culture, economic empowerment, and reconciliation.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
• A chance to contribute to long-term, sustainable change for Urban Indigenous communities.

Join us in creating economic opportunities and cultural connections through social enterprise!  Apply today!

The Vancouver aboriginal Friendship Centre encourages members of equity-seeking groups to apply. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. 

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for interview. Thank you to everyone who applies.