Indigenous Arts Coordinator

Summary Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Indigenous Arts Coordinator supports the implementation of YFNCT's Strategic Plan by strengthening Yukon First Nations arts and culture capacity, supporting community-led and Nation-led arts and cultural initiatives, and increasing opportunities for Indigenous artists, cultural practitioners, cultural centres, and communities across the Yukon.

The Indigenous Arts Coordinator works closely with Yukon First Nations governments, artists, artisans, performers, storytellers, language practitioners, knowledge keepers, cultural centres, cultural organizations, industry partners, and funding agencies to support artist development, member readiness, cultural programming, market access, partnership development, and sector coordination.

Through relationship-building, outreach, communications, event coordination, and project delivery, the Indigenous Arts Coordinator helps connect members to opportunities, funding, training, mentorship, partnerships, and promotional opportunities that contribute to cultural vitality, community well-being, and the long-term success of Yukon First Nations artists and cultural practitioners.

The Indigenous Arts Coordinator plays a key role in advancing YFNCT's role as an Indigenous-led connector, convener, advocate, and sector-builder by strengthening relationships, supporting member success, increasing visibility and participation opportunities, and fostering collaboration across the Yukon First Nations arts and culture sector.

Employment

Permanent Full Time (37.5 hours/week) - subject to continued funding.

Characteristics

The successful candidate:

• Demonstrates respect for Yukon First Nations cultures, values, traditions, languages, and self-determination;
• Is passionate about Indigenous arts, cultural revitalization, cultural sharing, and community well-being;
• Understands artist development, cultural programming, market access, partnership development, and community engagement;
• Builds strong relationships with Yukon First Nations governments, artists, cultural practitioners, cultural centres, communities, and partners;
• Is organized, collaborative, and solutions-focused;
• Possesses strong communication, facilitation, event coordination, and project management skills; and
• Thrives in a dynamic and evolving work environment.

Responsibilities

The Indigenous Arts Coordinator is responsible for:

Indigenous Arts & Culture Coordination

• Support implementation of YFNCT's Strategic Plan, annual work plans, arts and culture priorities, and organizational objectives;
• Coordinate the review and enhancement of the Yukon First Nations Arts Program, including program direction, eligibility criteria, application processes, promotional materials, artist supports, communications, and marketing activities;
• Work directly with artists, artisans, performers, storytellers, language practitioners, knowledge keepers, cultural centres, and Yukon First Nations governments to identify opportunities, challenges, and support needs;
• Support artist readiness through mentorship, grant navigation, referrals, professional development opportunities, and connections to partner programs and services;
• Assist with the development and delivery of arts, culture, and cultural sharing initiatives;
• Coordinate artist gatherings, training opportunities, networking events, and information sessions;
• Support initiatives that preserve, celebrate, and share Yukon First Nations cultures, languages, traditions, and artistic expression;
• Identify and share funding opportunities, resources, professional development opportunities, and sector information relevant to members;
• Monitor trends, opportunities, and emerging issues affecting Yukon First Nations artists and cultural practitioners;
• Support YFNCT's role as an Indigenous-led connector, convener, advocate, and sector-builder through collaboration, partnerships, and information sharing.

Member and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with Yukon First Nations governments, artists, cultural practitioners, cultural organizations, cultural centres, community representatives, and sector partners;
• Support engagement activities to identify member priorities, opportunities, challenges, and barriers;
• Coordinate arts and culture newsletters, opportunity alerts, member spotlights, and outreach activities;
• Facilitate communication and information sharing between members, communities, and partners;
• Organize meetings, workshops, networking opportunities, artist gatherings, and peer learning activities;
• Support community-led and Nation-led arts and cultural priorities through engagement, coordination, referrals, and partnership development;
• Support regional outreach and engagement activities throughout the Yukon.

Market Access, Visibility and Cultural Promotion

• Support opportunities that increase artist visibility, audience development, sales opportunities, and market access through showcases, exhibitions, retail opportunities, digital promotion, and partner-led initiatives;
• Coordinate member spotlights, storytelling initiatives, promotional opportunities, and opportunity-sharing activities that increase awareness of Yukon First Nations artists and cultural practitioners;
• Support the development of authentic storytelling, artist profiles, promotional assets, and cultural marketing tools;
• Connect artists and cultural practitioners with showcases, exhibitions, festivals, retail opportunities, and partner-led market access initiatives;
• Promote Yukon First Nations arts and culture through digital, community, and partner channels.

Cultural Programming and Event Delivery

• Support Adäka Cultural Festival future model development, including feasibility work, stakeholder engagement, artist participation, and program delivery as directed;
• Coordinate artist participation, communications, registrations, logistics, and event supports;
• Support cultural showcases, exhibitions, performances, artist markets, workshops, demonstrations, and cultural sharing opportunities;
• Support opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer between Elders, youth, artists, and cultural practitioners;
• Promote participation and engagement among Yukon First Nations artists, cultural practitioners, and communities.

Partnerships and Sector Relations

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with Yukon First Nations governments, cultural organizations, museums, arts organizations, funding agencies, and community partners;
• Represent YFNCT at meetings, conferences, workshops, gatherings, festivals, and events as required;
• Support collaborative projects that strengthen Yukon First Nations arts, culture, language, and cultural sharing opportunities;
• Identify and advance partnership opportunities that benefit Yukon First Nations artists and cultural practitioners;
• Connect members with partner organizations, funding programs, training opportunities, and sector supports through established referral pathways;
• Participate in relevant sector initiatives, committees, and working groups as required.

Project Coordination and Administration

• Coordinate arts and culture projects from planning through implementation and reporting;
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and reporting requirements;
• Maintain project files, databases, statistics, and records;
• Collect and track member feedback, participation statistics, program outcomes, and impact measures to support evaluation and continuous improvement;
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, presentations, funding updates, communications materials, and Board reports as required;
• Support the administration and delivery of arts and culture programs, projects, and services;
• Contribute to annual work planning, budgeting, and organizational reporting processes.

Funding and Resource Development

• Research and identify funding opportunities related to arts, culture, artist development, and cultural capacity building;
• Assist with gathering information and supporting funding applications and project reports;
• Maintain records and documentation required for funding and reporting purposes;
• Track reporting deadlines and support project monitoring and evaluation activities;
• Support the Executive Director with funding administration and reporting requirements.

Skills

The Indigenous Arts Coordinator:

• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and professionalism;
• Builds respectful and productive relationships with diverse stakeholders;
• Understands Indigenous arts, culture, language revitalization, cultural programming, artist development, and community engagement;
• Communicates effectively with diverse audiences;
• Facilitates collaboration and relationship-building among partners and members;
• Manages multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities;
• Maintains cultural awareness, humility, professionalism, and confidentiality;
• Works collaboratively to achieve organizational goals and member priorities; and
• Focuses on practical solutions and measurable outcomes.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in arts administration, cultural programming, event coordination, community development, Indigenous relations, or a related field;
• Experience working with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities, artists, or cultural practitioners;
• Experience coordinating projects, events, partnerships, engagement activities, or programs;
• Strong written, verbal, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Experience building relationships and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, virtual meeting platforms, and standard business software;
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence; and
• Ability to travel within Yukon as required.

Assets

• Knowledge of Yukon First Nations governments, cultures, histories, languages, traditions, and communities;
• Experience working in arts administration, cultural programming, Indigenous arts and culture, community development, or related sectors;
• Experience supporting artists, cultural practitioners, festivals, exhibitions, artist markets, or cultural initiatives;
• Experience supporting mentorship, professional development, or artist support programs;
• Experience preparing funding applications and project reports;
• Experience organizing festivals, workshops, conferences, gatherings, or cultural events;
• Knowledge of arts and culture funding programs and sector resources; and
• Knowledge of Yukon arts and culture organizations, programs, and partners.

Specifics of Employment

The Indigenous Arts Coordinator:

• Reports directly to the Executive Director;
• Supports implementation of YFNCT's Strategic Plan and annual arts and culture work plans;
• Supports YFNCT's role as an Indigenous-led connector, convener, advocate, and sector-builder;
• Works closely with Yukon First Nations governments, artists, cultural practitioners, cultural centres, communities, and partners;
• Supports community-led and Nation-led arts, culture, language, and cultural sharing initiatives throughout the Yukon;
• Coordinates member outreach, engagement, mentorship, partnership development, and cultural programming activities;
• May be required to travel throughout the Yukon; and
• May be required to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings, events, and gatherings.

Salary range: $75,075–$92,625 annually (equivalent to $38.50–$47.50 per hour), based on qualifications and experience.

Information on benefits, probationary period, and employment term is available upon request.

Other

• Preferential hiring practices will be honoured.
• Applications may be retained for future opportunities.

Values

Working at YFNCT means sharing values of Yukon First Nations, teamwork, innovation, integrity, learning, and community impact.

Signature of Acceptance

Upon hiring, the job description will be reviewed and signed by the employee and Executive Director.

About YFNCT

The Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization committed to growing and promoting vibrant and sustainable arts, culture, and tourism sectors grounded in Yukon First Nations values and stories.

YFNCT works as a connector, convener, advocate, and sector-builder, bringing together Yukon First Nations governments, artists, cultural centres, tourism operators, development corporations, funders, and partners to strengthen relationships, build capacity, increase visibility, improve market access, and support community-led and Nation-led development across the Yukon.

Through collaboration, partnerships, and member-focused services, YFNCT supports opportunities that contribute to cultural vitality, economic prosperity, community well-being, and the long-term success of Yukon First Nations arts, culture, and tourism.