Manager, Re-SEARCH

Manager, Re-SEARCH - Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness and ReconciliationJoin to apply for the Manager, Re-SEARCH - Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness and Reconciliation role at Hamilton‑Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB).The Hamilton‑Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to decolonizing education, equity, engagement and innovation Guided by our vision, Growing Together, we strive to ensure every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential and build their own future. Our values of Compassion, Dignity, Trust, and Joy guide our daily work and ensure we honour the unique and distinct identities and needs of every student and staff member.About The RoleThe Manager, Re-SEARCH, Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness and Reconciliation reports to the Indigenous Education Lead. The role works inter-relationship with the Governance Family Fire and all Family Fires to revillagize, reclaim, renew, restore, and celebrate Indigenous conceptions and approaches to re-SEARCH, advancing Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness and Reconciliation across HWDSB. Key responsibilities include developing a re-SEARCH framework that is restorative, healing, and aligned with Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and providing strategic advice and systems navigation on specific re-SEARCH policies, practices, processes and projects.Duties IncludeCoordinate family fire meetings to enhance ethical engagement and collaboration with Indigenous students, Knowledge Holders, families, staff and community members.Support Indigenous families to engage HWDSB on the education of Indigenous learners through the Cultivating Community: Reclaiming Our Spaces in Education Parent‑Guardian Edition (CC:ROSE PGE).Support Indigenous learners to engage HWDSB on the advocacy and equitable inclusion of Restorative Indigenous Education through the student‑driven leadership and learning group CC:ROSE.Co‑develop a re‑SEARCH framework to guide policy, process and practice, including Indigenous Research Methodologies and Indigenous approaches to assessment, evaluation and monitoring.Provide strategic advice and systems navigation on specific re‑SEARCH policies, practices, processes and projects.Restore Governance Policies and Procedures, including Indigenous Education Policy and Procedure, Smudging, Voluntary, Confidential Self‑Identification of Indigenous Learners and related data sovereignty protocols.Oversee the production of high‑quality research reports, whitepapers, and presentations that effectively communicate findings and insights to internal and external audiences.Restore cultural humility by affirming Indigenous sovereignty and the Two‑Row governance model.Practice a Two‑Row parallel approach in all governance reviews.Provide Indigenous approaches to leadership, mentorship and orientation.Ensure ethical engagement with Indigenous Peoples with prior consultation and approval of home community/band.Develop, implement, maintain and evaluate Indigenous Education pilot projects and initiatives in the Board Action Plan and IECSAP.Co‑develop a communications strategy to explain Indigenous Education.Restore peace, friendship and respect by including Indigenous Knowledges in HWDSB senior leadership and Trustees.Co‑create a policy to hire, retain and promote Indigenous staff at all levels.Build capacity on Indigenous Cultural Safety and Indigenous Human Rights.Align HWDSB priorities with the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report and the Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness.QualificationsPost secondary degree or diploma in Indigenous Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, or related fields.Minimum of 5 years managerial experience in Indigenous community organizations, education systems or related sectors with focus on equity, inclusion, cultural safety, and community engagement.Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, knowledge systems, and systemic inequities within K‑12 education.Proven experience in research management, strategic planning and collective governance.Proficiency in decolonial, anti‑oppressive and community‑based research methodologies.Highly collaborative across cross‑functional teams; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation of research insights.Knowledge of TRC Calls to Action, UNDRIP and Ontario Indigenous Education policy frameworks.Experience leading research teams and integrating research into strategic decision‑making.Strong analytical, critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills.Valid driver’s license; access to a vehicle required for travel.Ability to work evening hours as required.AssetsFamiliarity with Indigenous‑led organizations and networks in Hamilton and surrounding areas.Experience with Indigenous research methodologies, epistemologies, axiologies, and ontologies.Experience with restorative practices, land‑based education and/or Indigenous pedagogies.Experience providing services to groups who experience discrimination and inequities.Lived experience as a member of an Indigenous nation and/or communities.Deadline for submission4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2025.Employment Equity, Inclusion and Indigeneity StatementThe Hamilton‑Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to building inclusive learning and working environments where students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, staff population, local environmental context and the broader community. We invite and welcome applications from Indigenous Peoples, people of colour, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals and all those who identify as part of historically marginalized groups. HWDSB is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please notify us in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.Land AcknowledgementHWDSB is located on ancestral Anishinaabe and Haudenosauneeacy land as determined by the Dish with One Spoon treaty. #J-18808-Ljbffr