Job Posting – Director of Policy

Application Deadline: January 26th 2026 at 4:30 pm Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer the Director of Policy is responsible for leading the development, analysis, coordination, and advancement of KIM’s policy positions across health, social, and governance domains. The role ensures that all policy work reflects First Nations sovereignty, supports racism‑free and culturally safe systems, and advances KIM’s mandate to transform services for the 23 northern First Nations represented by KIM. The Director of Policy works closely with C‑suite leaders, Directors, program leads, and First Nations leadership to translate community‑identified priorities, evidence, and lived experience into clear, actionable policy positions. This includes internal organizational policy, external advocacy and government‑facing policy, and policy recommendations that inform bilateral and trilateral Health Transformation and Transfer negotiations. The Director of Policy plays a critical role in ensuring policy coherence across KIM by aligning policy development with governance decisions, program implementation, quality improvement, data sovereignty, and accountability to First Nations. The role prioritizes transparency, strong analysis, and relationship‑based engagement with First Nations, governments, and system partners. The ability to speak one of the northern First Nations languages is desirable. Candidates with roots to a northern First Nation community will be given preference. The successful candidate will be responsible for: Provide leadership and administrative support to program and service managers, including budgeting, work planning, performance tracking, and issue resolution, in collaboration with centralized support teams. Supervise health services and program leads, including conducting annual and interim performance reviews. Prepare and deliver high‑quality, audience‑appropriate presentations on KIM programs and services, with a quality assurance and future‑focused Health Transformation lens. Lead the co‑creation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), objectives, and key results for all programs and services using a northern First Nations‑specific perspective. Ensure performance measures explicitly assess racism‑free care and alignment with health and social equity goals. Analyze existing data and collaborate with internal and external partners to support the development of a northern First Nations‑specific data repository. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with government bodies, health sector partners, and service delivery organizations. Support effective, values‑aligned advocacy that reflects KIM’s role as a health system change leader in Manitoba. Contribute to Health Transformation and Transfer efforts by translating program knowledge and lessons learned into recommendations and supporting the development of interim and five‑year health plans under the Trilateral Framework Agreement. The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications: Post‑secondary degree in Public Policy, Indigenous Studies, Health Policy, Political Science, Law, Social Sciences, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in policy development, preferably within Indigenous, health, social services, or public sector contexts. Demonstrated experience working with or for First Nations, Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous governance structures. Experience supporting or engaging in complex negotiations, system transformation, or intergovernmental policy processes is a strong asset. Knowledge and Skills Strong understanding of First Nations rights, self‑determination, and Health Sovereignty. Strong understanding of National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action, UNDRIP, Calls for Justice MMIWG2S+, Joyce’s Principle, Jordan’s Principle, and Brian Sinclair’s Inquest Report. Knowledge of Provincial and Federal Government decision‑making mechanisms, policies, and procedures is desired. Demonstrated ability to apply an anti‑racism and health equity lens to policy work. An understanding of First Nations, and the multiplicity of identities which First Nations hold to create distinct experiences (intersectionality), and overall, the social determinants of Indigenous Health (NCCIH). Ability to lead, engage and participate meaningfully in highly sensitive meetings, including but not limited to our provincial and federal partners. Strong policy analysis, research, and writing skills. Ability to translate complex information into clear, decision‑ready materials. Strong verbal communication and presentation skills. Experience working with senior leadership, Boards, or political leadership. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, evolving environment. High degree of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment. Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual collaboration platforms. The ability to speak one of the northern First Nations languages is desirable. The following are considered conditions of employment: Satisfactory criminal record/vulnerable persons/child abuse registry checks will be required. Must be able to travel to First Nations communities and within Northern Manitoba on occasion, with appropriate notice. Successful completion of Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) training will be required. Must be eligible to work in Canada. For more information or to join our growing team of experts, please submit your resume and cover letter to Trenton Schreyer at trenton.schreyer@kiminoayawin.comApplications will be accepted by email until Monday January 26th, 2025, at 4:30pm. Established in December 2019, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin (KIM) is a northern First Nations‑led aggregate health organization that will work to transform health and wellness services and improve health outcomes for First Nations people. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits structure, and opportunity for advancement. #J-18808-Ljbffr