Indigenous Relations Specialist

Company: Infrastructure Ontario

Position Purpose: 

Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, this role will support the execution of an overall strategic program, reflective of a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, focused on opportunities for IO to engage with the Indigenous communities of Ontario. You will play a specific role in  the oversight of the procedural aspects of Duty to Consult. In addition, you will support Indigenous literacy and education and implement processes to enable IO employees to understand the unique legal, historical and cultural significance of Indigenous peoples, for the purpose of promoting appreciation, understanding and effective relationships.  

What You Will Do: 

• Partner with the Director, Indigenous Initiatives and the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, to oversee Duty to Consult and Indigenous engagement on a portfolio of projects.   
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with consultation offices, and on occasion, elected officials, of the Indigenous communities across Ontario.  
•  Serve as subject matter expert and liaison to the business to ensure appropriate partnerships, communications, efforts and track the impact of our commitments as well as driving marketplace efforts within the Indigenous Communities within Ontario.  
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with other Indigenous Relations leads within government agencies, economic development organizations and businesses which IO partners with.  
• Execute IO's Indigenous Action Plan based on the guiding commitments and targets under the pillars of Education, Employment, Inclusion and Economic Empowerment.  Ensure time appropriate execution, sustained actions and working with different areas within IO to ensure the plan’s initiatives are adopted.  
• Assist in the development and delivery/procurement of equity and diversity education programs and policies contributing to the development of programs and initiatives focused on Indigenous affairs, embedding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in all processes for IO internally.  

What We Are Looking For: 

• Before reviewing the qualifications listed below, we want you to know that we understand you may not meet all the qualifications described, but still encourage you to apply, as you may have other relevant expertise and experience that you can bring to the role.   
• Candidates who self-identify as Indigenous with lived experience preferred and are encouraged to apply. 
• A few years of progressive work experience, in culturally appropriate Indigenous relations and engagement, stakeholder relations, land or environment. 
• In-depth knowledge of the history of Crown-Indigenous relations, treaties and relevant case law. Knowledge of the regulatory process as it pertains to Indigenous engagement would be an asset 
• A keen understanding of Indigenous communities, relevant cultural and business awareness, with ability to collaborate effectively with community partners to build lasting relationships. 
• Ability to intuitively understand/anticipate how specific actions/messages will impact on different Indigenous rightsholders. 
• Experience with Indigenous knowledge systems and values and the ability to provide guidance and support on cultural context and protocol across IO. 
• Develops and maintains close internal relationships with the Human Resources, Legal, Procurement and other interdisciplinary groups that can affect and influence Indigenous relations. 
• Knowledge of an Indigenous language would be an asset. 

What We Offer:

• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that promotes a sense of belonging and represents and reflects the needs of the communities we serve.
• A defined contribution pension plan, where IO contributes the equivalent of 5% of a full-time employee’s annual salary, with an option for IO to match an additional 5% contribution made by the employee. IO also offers a Group Retirement Savings Plan and Group Tax Free Savings Account, designed to help IO colleagues plan and save for their future.
• A comprehensive package that covers health, dental, vision, out-of-country care, paramedical services, and more.
• A pregnancy and parental leave program that offers expecting, eligible employees a top-up to 95% of their annual base salary for 31 weeks, and our parental leave program offers eligible employees a top-up to 95% of their annual base salary for 15 weeks.
• Access to our $1000 Healthcare Spending Account to top up expenses not covered in the benefits program and a Lifestyle Account that expands the eligibility of health and wellness options and can include coverage for gym memberships and fitness equipment, nutrition counselling or financial planning.
• Support for professional development opportunities for all colleagues through a broad range of learning programs that include in-person and online training, leadership development, and support for colleagues’ well-being. IO will also cover the costs associated with up to two membership and license fees per year for eligible colleagues if directly related to the employee’s role.
• Access to a suite of virtual healthcare options to support non-urgent medical needs.
• A convenient, central location at 1 Dundas St West, easily accessible by public transit.

We offer a competitive salary range of $82,800 to $124,100 (P4 level), pay will align with skills, knowledge and experience of the candidate.

This posting will close on October 30, 2025 at 12pm.

Interviews will occur on a rolling basis until the role is filled.