Indigenous Relations Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Indigenous Relations Manager to join our team at Kaizen Lab Inc. The successful candidate will provide leadership to the Indigenous Relations team and executive support to the Indigenous Director. This is a unique opportunity to work with a dynamic team and contribute to the development of culturally safe and secure environments for Indigenous peoples.

• Provide leadership to the Indigenous Relations team and executive support to the Indigenous Director.
• Implement and oversee all aspects of the Skabes and Knowledge Keepers day-to-day scheduling and activities.
• Responsible for the daily administrative operations of the department and coordinates and monitors cultural programs to other departments of Kaizen Lab Inc.
• Ensure the programs overall operations run efficiently, delivering reliable, consistent and continuous services.
• Responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of program policies, procedures and activities to bring participant experience and outcomes in line with Kaizen Lab Inc.'s mission, values, strategic plan and the Indigenous Relations department annual plan.
• Provides periodic review, evaluation and modification of programs to ensure activities are meeting participant priorities and are in line with Kaizen Lab Inc.'s strategic plan and contractual obligations.
• Responsible for the supervision, development and accountability of program staff, students, volunteers and interns, ensuring their actions and behavior's are in line with Kaizen Lab Inc. mission, goals, and values, and contributing positively to our strategic plan.
• Ensures that programs and activities are peer directed and contribute positively towards advancing Kaizen Lab Inc.'s strategic plan.
• Actively creates a culturally safe and secure environment where people feel safe and draw strength in their identity, culture and community; and can develop relationships that offer structure, belonging, and support ongoing personal and interpersonal development.
• Support community members by ensuring a skilled and collaborative staff environment that can successfully and consistently offer de-escalation, crisis intervention, counseling, case management, client grievance/dispute resolution, outreach, and other service activities as necessary in conjunction with other departments.
• Ensure full staff coverage across all programs.
• Close and active liaison with with Indigenous, Red River Metis, and Inuit partner and agencies.
• Work effectively within the MSP team, coordinating work and activities towards the best outcomes for participants across the organization.
• Resolves administrative problems by analyzing information, identifying and communicating solutions.
• Participates in the development and implementation of appropriate tools and strategies needed for assessments, program planning/development and evaluation including annual work plans, quarterly and annual reporting.
• Organizes, prioritizes and delegates the administrative requests and activities for the agencies Indigenous Relations department including all time sheets, expenses and requests for time off.
• Purchase supplies needed for cultural activities from appropriate vendors.
• Development of relations with external collateral with Office (Circle of Life Thunderbird House) landlord for all office needs relating to TBH.
• Independently oversees daily administrative operations including working closely with administrative support staff in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Maintain Skabe and Knowledge Keepers calendars, including task reminders, of commitments and ensures that all pertinent material/ information is available and organized.
• Prepares notices of assigned meetings, agendas, minutes and relevant background information and distributes in a timely manner (including but not limited to meetings with the Board of Directors, Board Standing Committees).
• Assists in the preparation of proposals, reports and additional documentation as required.
• Assists in development, formatting, proofreading and editing a variety of material including but not limited to: correspondence, minutes, agendas, manuscripts, policies, and preparation of presentations.
• Designs, creates and implements professional and standardized templates, spreadsheets, forms, and letters.
• Maintains regular communication with the Indigenous Relations Director including regular check-in meetings.

• Post-secondary education in a related field; or have the relevant skills in combination Indigenous cultural experience.
• Experience in a supervisor or management position, specific to health care or human services will be considered an asset.
• A person of Indigenous ancestry with strong Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racist lens.
• Awareness of the various Indigenous, Red River Metis and Inuit governance systems and processes.
• Actively engaged in cultural development.
• Ability to consult traditional Knowledge Keepers when needed.
• Strong skills in staff supervision and implementation and development of policies and procedures.
• Familiarity and ease working with issues related to colonialism, poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental health, and trauma.
• Ability to proactively create culturally safe workplace and participant experience including coaching others.
• Strong ability to create and develop successful collaborative relationships with program participants, staff, and other stake holders.
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day work and interactions.
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the detriments of health.
• Deep understanding of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous, Red River Metis and Inuit People.
• Knowledge of TRC Calls to Action, Royal Commission on Aboriginal People, MMIWG Call to Justice, UNDRIP and key reports that could or should inform MSP work.
• Additional languages (Indigenous) are considered an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous organizations and/or communities an asset.
• Strong commitment to Main Street Projects Core Values: Reducing Harm, Truth and Reconciliation, Anti-Oppression, Trauma-Informed.
• Effective written and oral communications skills with people from varied backgrounds.
• Proven working knowledge of Microsoft Office; ability to learn and use program specific software; including HIFIS.
• PHIA and NVCI certifications are considered an asset.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required. The employee will incur the cost. A previous criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates. We are open to discussing your respective circumstances.
• Valid Drivers License.

• Fast paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent situations.
• Work hours subject to program needs to ensure coverage during all hours of operation.
• Exposure to bodily fluids; service to people with experience of trauma, addictions and mental health needs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, grasping, carrying and speaking; occasional reaching, bending and stooping; lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds, with assistance if needed.
• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, copy and fax machine and cell phone.