Indigenous Cultural Experiences Manager

Employment Opportunity: Indigenous Cultural Experiences Manager

Location: Halifax, NS

Offices: MNFC 209-2021 Brunswick St. / Sitamuk 1597 Lower Waterfront St.

Salary Range: 55,000 – 60,000 / year (Pro-rated to start date)

Employment Term: 12-month contract / Full time 35 hours/week (opportunity for extension)

Start Date: Immediate

General Description

The Indigenous Cultural Experiences Manager (ICEM) will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Sitamuk Kjipuktuk Cultural Trading Post and contribute to the strategic Cultural Tourism planning. The role requires the cultural knowledge necessary to respect Indigenous traditions, history, and communities while growing tourism & retail offerings. The objective of Sitamuk is to promote Mi’kmaq & Indigenous people’s culture and identity by offerings authentic products, and experiences. During the summer season (May-Oct) Sitamuk will operate under tourism industry hours which includes after standard business hours and weekends as well as offsite locations to maximize vending opportunities. This position will supervise the storefront team as well as oversee in-person/online sales. While this position is not expected to deliver cultural experiences, they will facilitate and support the delivery of positive and meaningful cross-cultural experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Property & Retail

• Ensure the operation of MNFC storefront and all relative service delivery is aligned with the MNFC’s mission, vision, and philosophy.
• Train, onboard and manage storefront staff this includes use and implementation of the POS systems, online sales, and quality standards of service
• The Indigenous Cultural Experiences Manager will be a key holder expected to perform/instruct all opening and closing duties, to ensure that the float, store inventory, and facility is secure.
• Maintain consistent store front operating hours including creating and managing staff schedules (track employee vacation, sick time, etc.)
• Ensure that the storefront is adequately stocked with authentic Mi’kmaq & other Indigenous products
• Create a transparent consignment agreement for all vendors, performing regular inventory checks, contracting new vendors and suppliers, providing consistent communication to all contract holders
• Manage pricing strategies, product displays, and promotions to maximize sales
• Maintain active communication with storefront property lease holder on any building maintenance, updates, or any changes to the property.

Culture & Tourism

• The Indigenous Cultural Experiences Manager and storefront team will lead in-person experience bookings/inquiries that will require a comprehensive knowledge of products and experiences
• Promote cross-cultural experiences by ensuring an inviting environment for various levels of visitor understanding and comfortability
• Create and implement procedures that maintain integrity and authenticity of cultural tourism offerings
• Maintain communication with MNFC leadership and staff on ongoing planning, evaluation of tourism offerings
• Focus during off season (Nov-April) will shift to strategic development, planning and evaluation of tourism & storefront activities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, Elders, partners, local business, stakeholders, and funders
• Seek funding and collaboration opportunities that strengthen Indigenous led- tourism

Qualifications And Skills/Experience

Education & Training

• Diploma or degree in Retail Management, Tourism & Hospitality, Business Administration or another related field (preferred)
• 3+ years of retail, sales, and/or customer service experience.
• Previous Managerial or Supervisory experience required

Skills & Experience

• Strong foundational knowledge of Mi’kmaq & Indigenous teachings, traditions, values, and history with an active willingness to learn
• Excellent interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication
• Leadership & conflict resolution skills
• Understanding and ability to effectively manager social media & store website
• Strong financial literacy required for inventory management, cost analysis, and forecasting
• Experience using Microsoft Office (word, excel, outlook, access, power point)

Other Requirements

• Valid Drivers License + Reliable means of transportation & willingness to work evenings & weekends
• Required Background & Vulnerable Sector Check must be provided prior to start of position
• For this position, being indigenous is an asset please self-identify

Application Deadline: June 8th, 2026

Submit Cover letter & Resume to:

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel working within this job title.

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is an equal opportunity employer; and complies with all fair employment practices laws. We are committed to providing a workplace free form unlawful discrimination and harassment and prohibit the same against employees, applicants or other covered persons by co-workers, supervisors, managers, or third parties based on a person’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veterans status, disability unrelated to job requirements, ethnicity, genetic information, military service, political affiliation, marital status and pregnancy or other protected status.

Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) reserves the right to refuse all applications for employment. The MNFC will not assume any expenses related to this or any job application process included and not limited to travel, relocation, and application development.

• We thank all applicants, though only those who are screened in for an interview will be contacted.