Director, Indigenous Relations Office

at  City of Edmonton

Job Number: 50303
We are seeking a dynamic leader to join the City of Edmonton as Director, Indigenous Relations, driving forward our strategic vision to foster strong, inclusive partnerships with Indigenous communities. This pivotal role will shape our City’s commitment to creating a city where all individuals, particularly Indigenous Peoples experience belonging and opportunity.
Reporting to the Branch Manager of Social Development within the Community Services Department, the Director of Indigenous Relations plays a pivotal role in leading a team of professionals dedicated to implementing the city’s strategic direction across multiple programs and projects concerning Indigenous relations on behalf of the organization and Council.

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS:

• Operate as a strategically agile leader able to anticipate opportunities and influence City-wide policy planning and initiatives
• Actively demonstrate the values and behaviours supportive of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Foster an environment of collaboration that leads to strategies that are efficient, effective, and innovative
• Communicate with strong political acumen, strategic planning, issue resolution and decision-making skills
• Influence initiatives and create solutions without positional authority
• Alignment to our Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework
• Commitment to enact the Indigenous Framework through the City’s policies, programs and services (https://bit.ly/3cMgnPU)
• Demonstrate alignment with the Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City’s Cultural Commitments, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture
• Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City’s six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator. For more information on the City’s leadership competencies, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture

Qualifications:

• Lived experience with traditional Indigenous communities, history, culture and current environment. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. If you are Indigenous, we encourage you to self-identify in your application
• Experience in leadership roles within large, complex organizations, including management of community services and program development and organizational change processes
• Experience in community development and intergovernmental relations within an Indigenous relations context
• Knowledge, training, and/or education in Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous communities in the Edmonton region, their history, culture, protocol and current environment
• Understanding of critical strategies and commitments such as: United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice, and other important intergovernmental relationships, agreements, and requirements
• Combinations of education, training, and experience may be considere

• Build strong relationships with community partners, advisory committees, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous organizations
• Act as the main contact with City Council on matters concerning Indigenous communities and partnerships with Indigenous governments, promoting effective policy and initiatives
• Collaborate closely with the City Manager’s Office on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Municipal Response Plan, contributing to city-wide strategies for reconciliation and equity
• Champion municipal advocacy and foster intergovernmental relations, striving for alignment with provincial, federal, and Indigenous government institutions to enhance impact on Indigenous affairs
• Lead and motivate teams while building healthy, respectful and inclusive workplace environments that enable staff to reach their potential while strengthening organizational capacity
• Lead the implementation and stewardship of the City’s Indigenous Framework, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Municipal Response Plan, and Urban Reserve Strategy, ensuring alignment with reconciliation priorities
• Guide corporate committees and negotiations with various government levels and Indigenous Nations to advance intergovernmental relations and agreements
• Champion the integration of reconciliation priorities within the City Plan, ConnectEdmonton, and corporate strategies like the Community Safety & Wellbeing Strategy
• Provide expert guidance on the Duty to Consult and Sec. 35 Rights under the Constitution of Canada, as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring informed and respectful consultation practices across City business units

Qualifications:

• Lived experience with traditional Indigenous communities, history, culture and current environment. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. If you are Indigenous, we encourage you to self-identify in your application
• Experience in leadership roles within large, complex organizations, including management of community services and program development and organizational change processes
• Experience in community development and intergovernmental relations within an Indigenous relations context
• Knowledge, training, and/or education in Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous communities in the Edmonton region, their history, culture, protocol and current environment
• Understanding of critical strategies and commitments such as: United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice, and other important intergovernmental relationships, agreements, and requirements
• Combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered