Lead, Indigenous Initiatives & Training | Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

The Opportunity 

As part of the team at the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), the Lead, Indigenous Initiatives & Training will support DWF’s mission by developing training and education, conducting research, and supporting content development. 

You are a bridge-builder, a connector, and someone passionate about moving reconciliation forward. Your interest in current events coupled with your deep understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories will be critical as you contribute to the continuous development and improvement of DWF’s resources. Your content development expertise and keen research skills will be essential for addressing and conveying complex issues and driving meaningful change in this role. You possess strong communication and facilitation skills, and your empathy and cultural sensitivity allow you to effectively engage diverse audiences.  

Additional Benefits 

• Comprehensive benefits package (after 3-month probation period)    
• Paid wellness days    
• Paid vacation   
• Paid time off during winter holidays  
• Remote and flexible work environment   
• Potential for further advancement within the organization 
• Diverse and inclusive work environment    
• Professional development opportunities 

Your Responsibilities 

Training & Education 

• Develop and deliver reconciliation-based education and training sessions to DWF corporate partners in person and virtually.  
• Develop internal cultural competency training sessions including sourcing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis speakers, managing honoraria, and coordinating logistics.

Research & Evaluation 

• Work closely with the Operations team to support the development DWF’s impact evaluation framework through research, data collection, and analysis. 
• Assist with the interpretation and application of research findings and communicate results to stakeholders and DWF team members through reports, presentations, external assets, and other means.

Content Development & Communications 

• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Team to research and develop educational content for social media and other external communications. 
• Maintain awareness of current Indigenous issues and developments in the reconciliation movement in Canada  
• Support the content development for Legacy Schools and Legacy Spaces toolkits to ensure they are properly vetted through DWF’s advisory groups, culturally informed, and in line with the mission and vision of DWF. 

Preferred Qualifications 

We recognize the value of diverse educational experiences including cultural, academic, work, and lived experience. We encourage those who closely match the qualifications listed below to apply:  

• Combination of lived experience and traditional knowledge and university-level education in Indigenous studies, communications, social sciences, or related education and experience.  
• Demonstrated understanding and experience building relationships and working with educators, corporate partners, and Indigenous communities.  
• Demonstrated expertise in content development for a variety of audiences and media. 
• Demonstrated understanding of social change evaluation models and Indigenous research methodologies. 
• Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, history, and protocols. 
• Must possess strong communication skills including the ability to present to an audience both virtually and in-person confidently. 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Canada throughout the year is required. 
• Current Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening is required. 
• Considered an asset: Working knowledge of an Indigenous language and/or French. 

How to Apply 

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Amanda Charles, Director, Marketing & Communications at amanda@downiewenjack.ca by October 18, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. Please clearly label email subject: Confidential – Lead, Indigenous Initiatives & Training. 

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applications will be considered, however qualified persons of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit ancestry will be given preference. If you require accommodation to participate in the interview process, please let us know. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications will be contacted for an interview. To learn more about DWF, visit downiewenjack.ca. 

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