Chief Operating Officer, North Vancouver
About Hiy̓ám̓ Housing
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, also known as the Squamish Nation, was established in 1923, and its vast territories include the Burrard Inlet, English Bay, False Creek, and Howe Sound watershed. As a member of the MST Development Corporation, the Squamish Nation leads and participates in some of North America’s most significant economic and real estate development projects, including Senákw, Canada’s first large-scale net-zero operational carbon housing development.
On October 8, 2019, with a vision to house every Squamish person within a generation, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) approved the creation of a housing society called “Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society” (“Hiy̓ám̓ Housing”), which means “The Squamish Are Coming Home.”
Headquartered in North Vancouver, Hiy̓ám̓ Housing is a not-for-profit organization mandated to lead the development and management of non-profit housing for the Squamish People, with a focus on affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families and supported housing. It is an arms-length organization overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for hiring and supervising Hiy̓ám̓ Housing’s CEO, who leads the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing currently manages 9 buildings (including two supportive housing sites), including 282 homes, with an additional site and 203 homes planned for immediate construction. The recently approved Build 600 Affordable Homes Action Plan will guide this work.
For more information, visit their website.
The Opportunity
Chief Operating Officer
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing has created a non-profit organization of excellence that welcomes a new vision and leadership, while building on the successes of the past. The Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) must have the ability to take Hiy̓ám̓ to the next level and manage existing commitments.
The primary undertaking for the COO is to increase opportunities for Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh members to live full lives by providing high-quality, well-managed affordable housing and a range of supportive services. They will also work to increase Hiy̓ám̓’s ability to help members achieve stability through an array of culturally appropriate resident supports and services that address specific barriers that affect our target populations.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead organizational operations across Hiy̓ám̓ Housing's portfolio, including tenanting, rental policies, housing services, human resources, and frontline operations.
This is a new leadership role focused on operational excellence, cultural and community alignment, and building a foundation for sustainable growth.
The COO will partner closely with the CEO, support the Executive Leadership Team, and attend and present at Board meetings as a key member of the Board's Operations Committee. As the organization is in a start-up and high-growth chapter, the COO will also be assuming responsibilities typically held by a Director, in addition to their strategic and board-interfacing function, with a plan to hire a Director at the appropriate time. Until then, the COO will directly oversee seven direct reports (a Senior Manager of Operations (supportive housing), a Human Resources Generalist, two Property Managers, a Building Manager, and a Tenant Support Worker).
Key Responsibilities
The new COO will play a pivotal role in organizational culture, accountability, leadership development, and operational systems design.
1. Operational Leadership & Strategy:
Oversee and unify operations across all housing types (supportive and independent), ensuring alignment with Hiyāṃ Housing’s mission, community needs, and strategic plan.
Lead the design, development and implementation of equitable, efficient, and culturally appropriate operational policies, systems, and technologies.
Ensure operational readiness for the next phase of housing development and community growth.
Set performance metrics and accountability standards across operational teams.
Provide transparent and timely reporting to CEO, the Board and any related operational committees.
2. Program Design & Implementation:
Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure program quality, compliance, and safety.
Collaborate with Human Resources on the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of staff.
Oversee staff training and development, ensuring alignment with Hiyám̓ Housing’s values and operational goals.
Conduct research into best practices for supportive and independent Indigenous housing providers, emphasizing safety and cultural sensitivity for our target populations.
Partner with Squamish Nation departments to deliver services that meet the needs of residents.
Collaborate with Program Managers and Cultural Manager to integrate cultural programming into housing initiatives.
3. Operational Systems & Reporting:
Design, implement, and maintain internal reporting systems, policies, and procedures that support operational efficiency and transparency.
Ensure compliance with operational agreements and timely submission of all funding reports.
Monitor and evaluate organizational goal progress in alignment with strategic plans set by the CEO, Board of Directors, and Squamish Nation Council.
4. Management & Staff Development:
Support the development and implementation of performance planning systems for teams and individual staff members.
Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and growth within the team.
Design and facilitate comprehensive training programs for staff, focusing on operational procedures, Squamish Nation values, and community-centered care.
5. Financial Management & Budget Oversight:
Lead the preparation of operational budgets for new developments and work closely with the finance team to secure budget approval.
Manage housing program services related to subsidies and home loan programs.
Collaborate with the Director of Finance to ensure sound fiscal management and accountability across all projects.
6. External Relations & Partnership Development:
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders, housing agencies, non-profits, and for-profit organizations to leverage resources and funding.
Build partnerships that support Hiy̓ám̓ Housing's mission and enhance its ability to deliver impactful services to the community.
7. Community & Legislative Awareness:
Stay informed about community trends, needs, and emerging issues that may affect the organization’s programs and services.
Monitor legislative, policy, and regulatory changes at local, provincial, and federal levels that impact Hiy̓ám̓ Housing’s operations.
8. Administrative Oversight:
Lead the training and support of administrative staff in rental calculations and related operational tasks.
Prepare and present regular reports on housing data, financial performance, and other key metrics.
Essential Qualities and Experience
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive operations experience and leadership with affordable housing organizations with functions including property management, site-based services, HR, policy and systems development, and risk management. Experience with Indigenous housing will be a major asset.
Education: An undergraduate degree is required. A graduate degree in business, finance, urban planning, real estate development, or a related field is preferred.
Proven Leadership: Demonstrated success in improving operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and driving organizational growth, with an emphasis on people management, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and change management.
Financial & Budget Management: Strong experience in financial oversight, budget creation, and resource allocation, with a focus on accountability and sustainability.
Stakeholder Management: Excellent relationship-building skills, with experience engaging internal and external stakeholders, including staff, families, clients, Indigenous communities, healthcare professionals, and funders.
Non-Profit & Indigenous Knowledge: In-depth understanding of leadership and management principles within non-profit organizations, particularly in the context of Indigenous communities.
Legislative & Policy Awareness: Familiarity with federal and provincial legislation applicable to non-profits and Indigenous organizations, with an ability to navigate and apply relevant policies.
Community-Centered Approach: Ability to build a culture that supports a relationship-based, client-centered practice, ensuring residents’ needs are met from survival to wellness.
HR & Financial Management: Solid understanding of human resources and financial management principles, with the ability to develop and manage performance systems, budgets, and compliance standards.
Technology Proficiency: Strong computer skills, particularly in office automation software (MS Office Suite, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and familiarity with database management and reporting tools.
Cultural awareness: Respect for Indigenous values, governance, and knowledge systems (knowledge of Squamish Nation is a plus)
Compensation and Search Process
Hiy̓ám̓’s COO position is a strategic leadership role and is budgeted to pay competitively within the sector, depending on experience, with a salary budgeted between $160,000-$180,000, in addition to excellent benefits including a defined contribution pension plan with up to 8% employer matching, vacation, and leave bank (flex/wellness) days.
The search process may include conventional longlist, shortlist, and committee interview stages. We will request for finalists to offer comprehensive references and a complete and thorough background check. We expect to complete our first review of applications by September 12, 2025.
Our client values diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring and organizational policies and practices. We encourage candidates who require any accommodations to contact us directly with related questions, which can be addressed in confidence as appropriate.
To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to: info@mosaicsearch.ca
You are also welcome to email:
Alana Briggs (alana@mosaicsearch.ca) or
Dave Namkung (dave@mosaicsearch.ca) with any related questions.
