Program Advisor, Indigenous and Northern Communities

Company: Toronto Metropolitan University

Program Advisor, Indigenous and Northern Communities

About Toronto Metropolitan University 

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our Academic Plan.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

About the Future Skills Centre

The Future Skills Centre – Centre des Compétences futures (FSC-CCF) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. We partner with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, employers and labour, and post-secondary institutions to solve pressing labour market challenges and ensure that everyone can benefit from relevant lifelong learning opportunities. 

We are founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The Conference Board of Canada, and are funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Program.

The Centre’s work focuses on solutions to help address the needs of equity-deserving groups, particularly those who are underserved, including women, youth, Indigenous people, newcomers, racialized people, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from rural, remote and Northern communities.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Program Advisor, Indigenous and Northern Communities to join the Future Skills Centre (FSC). Working closely with the Senior Manager, Programs, the Program Advisor provides subject matter expertise and advice in the development and oversight of the FSC’s Indigenous and Northern portfolio. This role will oversee a diverse set of new and existing partnerships with Indigenous and Northern communities and organizations. The Program Advisor will lead program and project development and design, partner relations, and provide advice to FSC staff on knowledge mobilization, research priorities and program evaluation related to Northern and Indigenous initiatives, with the ultimate goal of sustaining long term partnerships. Additionally, the Program Advisor conducts qualitative and quantitative research and analysis to support program development.

Responsibilities include:

• Program design, development and Implementation
• Relationship and partnership development with Indigenous and Northern communities, community leaders, organizations and stakeholders
• Full-cycle management of funded projects 
• Supporting, research, knowledge mobilization, evaluation and learning. 
• Providing advice and support to the FSC Executive Director and management team. 

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in program development, preferably programs related to Indigenous and Northern peoples and communities.
• Prior experience working in partnership with Indigenous communities, organizations, or students, and lived experience relevant to the position and/or strong Indigenous community connection required.
• Completion of a Master’s Degree in Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field. Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• Experience planning and overseeing complex, multi-partner projects.
• Experience coordinating project teams across departments.
• Experience in economic development, skills development or workforce innovation.
• Familiarity with public sector, not-for-profit funding program environments.
• Strong cultural and intercultural competence, demonstrated expertise in building relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities, and applying culturally informed program design ideas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience delivering presentations and representing organizations in public settings.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and professionalism, with the ability to foster trust, navigate sensitive issues, and lead difficult conversations with tact and sound judgement.
• Fluency in French and/or an Indigenous language(s) is a strong asset.

Please note, this position will be required to travel to Northern and Indigenous communities while building relationships and implementing programs.

Additional details

Additional Notes: 

• Qualified OPSEU candidates will be considered before members of other employee groups.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University’s sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated record of dependability/reliability and a commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.  
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.