Sr. Advisor, Indigenous Relations | City of Surrey, BC
Search Overview
Organization:
City of Surrey
Sector:
Municipal Government
Location:
Surrey, British Columbia
Mandate Type:
Confidential Leadership Search
Leadership Function:
Sr. Advisor, Indigenous Relations
Search Scope:
Targeted National Search
Engagement Focus:
Indigenous Relations and Strategic Community Engagement Leadership
Confidentiality:
Confidential Leadership Search Engagement
The Organizational Context
The City of Surrey engaged KIRAH to support the appointment of a Sr. Advisor, Indigenous Relations within its Economic Development division during a period of continued growth, regional collaboration, and evolving community engagement priorities.
As one of Canada’s fastest growing municipalities, Surrey required a leader capable of helping strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities while supporting respectful, long term collaboration across economic development initiatives and broader stakeholder engagement efforts.
The role required an individual who could operate effectively within a highly visible public sector environment where relationship stewardship, diplomacy, communication, and trust were essential.
The mandate carried significant importance as the City continued advancing initiatives involving community engagement, partnership development, and regional collaboration across multiple stakeholder groups.
The Leadership Requirement
The City was seeking far more than a traditional stakeholder engagement professional.
The role required a strategic advisor capable of building authentic relationships, navigating complex conversations, and contributing meaningfully to long term Indigenous engagement initiatives within a municipal environment.
The ideal candidate required strong emotional intelligence, executive communication capability, and the ability to work collaboratively across Indigenous communities, municipal leadership, economic development stakeholders, and external partners.
Equally important was the need for an individual who could approach engagement with professionalism, cultural awareness, authenticity, and long term relationship focus.
The Search Mandate
KIRAH was retained to conduct a focused and confidential search for the Sr. Advisor, Indigenous Relations position within the City of Surrey’s Economic Development team.
The search process concentrated on identifying leaders with demonstrated experience across Indigenous relations, stakeholder engagement, public sector collaboration, and economic development related environments.
Rather than relying solely on active applicants, the assignment involved targeted outreach and direct engagement with professionals operating within highly specialized relationship driven roles.
Given the sensitivity and visibility of the position, the search required a thoughtful, consultative, and discreet approach throughout all stages of the process.
The Search Strategy
KIRAH conducted focused outreach across Indigenous organizations, municipal and public sector networks, economic development environments, and stakeholder engagement communities throughout Western Canada.
The process emphasized identifying individuals with strong relationship credibility, communication capability, and long term partnership orientation.
The search was managed with a high level of confidentiality throughout the engagement process.
Candidate discussions focused heavily on leadership maturity, collaborative approach, stakeholder navigation capability, and alignment with the City’s vision around meaningful engagement and partnership development.
The evaluation process extended well beyond technical qualifications.
Candidates were assessed on communication style, diplomacy, relationship stewardship, executive presence, and their ability to represent the City effectively within diverse and evolving stakeholder environments.
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying a leader capable of fostering trust while contributing strategically across both internal and external engagement initiatives.
The Appointment
The search resulted in the successful appointment of Carilynn Siemens as Sr. Advisor, Indigenous Relations for the City of Surrey.
Carilynn brought a strong combination of stakeholder engagement experience, relationship building capability, and strategic advisory strength aligned with the City’s broader economic development and community engagement priorities.
Her ability to foster meaningful partnerships, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and contribute collaboratively across engagement initiatives positioned her strongly within the organization’s leadership structure.
The appointment represented an important addition to Surrey’s Economic Development team as the City continued strengthening long term Indigenous relations and partnership efforts.
The Outcome
Strengthened Indigenous Relations Leadership
Supported the appointment of a trusted advisor capable of fostering meaningful community relationships and supporting long term engagement initiatives.
Enhanced Municipal Stakeholder Engagement
Helped strengthen the City’s ability to navigate complex relationship environments through collaborative and partnership driven leadership.
Specialized Public Sector Search Execution
Delivered a highly targeted and confidential leadership search process within a specialized municipal recruitment market.
Strategic Community Partnership Alignment
Identified a leader aligned with the City’s vision for relationship stewardship, collaboration, and sustainable community engagement.
Key Outcomes
Municipal Leadership Search
Targeted outreach conducted across Indigenous relations, public sector, and economic development environments.
Confidential Search Execution
Discreet leadership search managed throughout all phases of the engagement.
Relationship Driven Candidate Evaluation
Comprehensive leadership assessment focused on communication capability, diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and cultural alignment.
Successful Leadership Appointment
Completed the successful placement of Carilynn Siemens into the City of Surrey’s Economic Development division as Sr. Advisor, Indigenous Relations.