Community & External Relations Manager - Whitehorse Office

Hecla Mining • Elsa, YT

76d • Onsite

About The Position

Join us as the Community & External Affairs Manager at Keno Hill, where every day is an adventure in building bridges and making a difference! You'll be the dynamic voice of our company, engaging with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, local communities, and sharing Hecla’s efforts to build strong, respectful and transparent relationships with Indigenous governments, local communities, and external stakeholders. This role bridges community engagement and strategic external affairs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, cultural protocols, and the company’s commitment to responsible mining in Yukon.

The Manager will report directly to the General Manager of Keno Hill, with a dotted line to the corporate Director of Social Performance.
The position will be based in the Whitehorse office and will be expected to spend time at the Keno Hill site with occasional travel to other sites, the corporate office and other locations as needed.

Imagine organizing exciting events, managing impactful collaborative initiatives, and fostering meaningful relationships with rights holders and stakeholders. You'll be at the heart of our community, fostering positive change and ensuring our initiatives shine. If you're passionate about communication, community, and making a real impact, you would be a great fit for this role!

The Keno Hill mine, located within the Keno Hill Silver District in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Keno Hill, is one of the highest-grade silver districts in the world, is situated 350 kilometres north of Whitehorse, and lies within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. It comprises 242 square kilometres (km2) with numerous mineral deposits and more than 35 historical past-producing mine sites. Keno Hill is expected to produce ~3.0 million ounces of silver in 2026.

The mine is owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Established in 1891, Hecla has a rich history as a distinguished
and
respected
precious
metals
producer.
Winner
of
numerous
safety
and
environmental
awards, Keno Hill is seeking new team members committed to professional growth and success.

The primary purpose of this role is to plan, lead and conduct indigenous, community and governmental relations programs to ensure Keno Hill’s accomplishments, initiatives and points of views are understood and appreciated by stakeholders, with the advice and direction of the General Manager and Director of Social Performance. This role will interact closely with site managers to ensure compliance with CCBA.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Communications, Public Policy, or a mining related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, or external affairs, preferably in the resource sector.
• Knowledge of Yukon First Nations governance, land claim agreement, and cultural protocols.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel to remote communities and project sites.
• Aptitude for critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Can independently carry out job duties in an accurate manner.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities in Northern Canada.
• Understanding of Yukon’s mining regulatory environment and permitting processes.
• Pre-Employment Testing (drug & alcohol, blood lead, and audiogram)
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
• Clean Driver’s Abstract
• Complying with all necessary requirements put in place to prevent safety or environmental incidents, injuries, or losses.
• Ensuring the safety and health of themselves and others in the workplace by being responsible for their actions and taking due care while performing their work.
• Following all environmental requirements and maintaining integrity to ensure environmental compliance.
• Ensuring all spills are reported in accordance with spill reporting procedures.
• Identifying, eliminating, and reporting hazards as soon as practicable.
• Reporting incidents and accidents as soon as practicable.
• Disclosing all information regarding incidents and cooperating in incident investigations.
• Assisting in the resolution of health and safety matters in a positive and timely manner.
• Using and maintaining PPE.
• Providing suggestions for improving work processes.
• Assisting Management by supporting change to achieve desired targets.
• Ensuring that plant and equipment operate within their safe working limits.
• Ensuring that correct equipment is used for the job.
• Participating in risk assessment methodology.
• Participating in safety initiatives.
• Receiving training and instruction as required.
• Maintaining good housekeeping standards

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with ESG reporting and social performance frameworks is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage engagement activities with Na-Cho Nyak Dun government, Keno City, Village of Mayo, community organizations, NGOs, and residents. You’ll be at the forefront of our community engagement efforts.
• Facilitate community meetings, open houses, and attend cultural events to promote dialogue and collaboration.
• Manage the implementation and compliance of the Comprehensive Cooperation and Benefits Agreement (CCBA) and Participation Agreements.
• Review and support CCBA commitments with department managers who have responsibilities in supporting compliance on a regular basis.
• Maintain records of engagement activities and ensure timely follow-up and record of community concerns and resolutions.
• Manage and maintain records in engagement tracking software. Make recommendations for development improvements to the software as required.
• Support the Director of Social Performance in updates and managing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan.
• Monitor and report policy developments related to mining, Indigenous relations, and environmental permitting.
• Manage and maintain stakeholder maps and community support spending through committee on donation decisions.
• Prepare briefing materials, stakeholder maps, and engagement reports for internal and external audiences.
• Advise on community relations projects and major events. Your insights will guide our community engagement strategies.
• Lead the development of external communications including newsletters, media releases, what we heard reports for permitting, and stakeholder updates.
• Coordinate responses to public inquiries supporting operations and permitting.
• Lead in organizing public forums, site tours, and stakeholder events.
• Advise on company representation at career fairs, trade shows, and exhibits.
• Ensure documentation of engagement activities aligns with ESG and social performance standards.
• Ensure all external engagements are organised, documented and tracked in a timely manner including entering and managing software inputs.
• Lead engagement efforts and reporting to support major permitting as required.
• Review and update of strategic engagement goals, objectives and KPI’s annually.
• Contribute to regulatory filings and reporting requirements related to community and stakeholder engagement.
• Track and report on key performance indicators for social license and stakeholder relations.
• Ensure the safety of yourself and others in the workplace. You will take due care while performing your work.

Benefits

• competitive pay based on experience
• comprehensive benefits package including medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 6% RRSP matching program
• remote site features a gym and a welcome center
• Health Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager