Project Manager – Pathways Forward Initiative

Job Type: 18-Month Contract Position Salary: $40 per hour Posting Closes: January 25, 2026, 12:00 pm noon LOCATION: Sault Ste. Marie – Office location to be confirmed. While this role is primarily community-based, we recognize the value of flexibility and may consider remote or hybrid arrangements for the right candidate, where appropriate. HEAD OFFICE: Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle, 274 Highway 49, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON, K0K 1X0. REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Immediate supervisor with overall authority to the Executive Director, Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle. SUMMARY: This contract position provides leadership and oversight for the Pathways Forward project; a workforce initiative created for direct response to mass layoffs. These layoffs have had serious impacts on service delivery across Northern Ontario and represents a major loss to the Indigenous-led workforce in the region. The Project Manager is responsible for establishing the project office, managing a team of at least three (3) Counsellors, an Administrative Assistant and coordinating a region-wide strategy to support displaced workers, engage community partners, and promote Indigenous-led workforce development opportunities. This role oversees all planning, implementation, reporting, training initiatives, supervision, and stakeholder engagement activities to ensure that culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and community-led approaches are upheld throughout the project. This description provides an overview of duties, roles, responsibilities, key qualifications, and conditions for the position. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY: Project Leadership & Management Establish and manage the Pathways Forward project office and operational infrastructure. Supervise, support relevant staff delivering frontline services. Develop project workplans, timelines, staffing plans, and evaluation processes. Ensure project activities uphold Indigenous cultural values, trauma-informed practice, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Prepare and present regular updates to the Executive Director, ALFDC Board, and project partners as requested. Support for Displaced Workers Oversee the development and delivery of individualized employment action plans for affected workers. Ensure that Counsellors provide culturally relevant career counselling, mental health supports, and training referrals. Coordinate partnerships for micro-credentials, certifications, and upskilling opportunities aligned with labour market needs. Monitor client progress, training participation, and outcomes; ensure accurate documentation and reporting. Community Coordination & Partnerships Establish and coordinate a working team consisting of relevant Indigenous partners and associates under this project, training institutions, employment agencies, and service organizations. Facilitate collaborative planning to respond to the workforce impacts of the mass layoffs. Support community engagement activities, relationship development, and inter-agency collaboration. Work with First Nations communities and organizations to ensure culturally safe delivery and alignment with local priorities. Employer Engagement & Workforce Development Build and maintain working relationships with employers across Northern Ontario. Identify employer hiring needs and support creation of culturally safe pathways to re-employment for displaced workers. Coordinate wage subsidies, job matching, placement opportunities, and employer education on Indigenous workplace inclusion. Align training and retraining with high-demand sectors such as health care, education, social services, construction, and environmental stewardship. Reporting, Administration & Compliance Maintain accurate project records, statistics, and reports in accordance with ALFDC policies and funding requirements and prepare reports as required. Monitor project budgets, expenditures, and resources; follow ALFDC financial processes. Ensure confidentiality, privacy, and secure data management at all times. Prepare briefing notes, proposals, presentations, and written/verbal reports as required. Oversee risk management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement activities. Other Duties Attend ALFDC meetings, community events, and external briefings as required. Liaise respectfully and effectively with ALFDC staff, Board, LDMs, First Nations communities, councils, and external partners. Other duties related to the position as required. KEY QUALIFICATIONS: Post-secondary education in Project Management, Social Services, Human Resources, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience supervising staff, managing teams, and overseeing complex projects. Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and leadership. Knowledge of issues related to Indigenous workforce development, Indigenous child welfare contexts, and the impacts of mass layoffs. Experience supporting workers in transition, accessing training, and navigating employment programs. Understanding of trauma-informed approaches, culturally safe service delivery, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Strong communication skills (written and oral) and ability to represent ALFDC in community and partnership settings. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in MS Office, data management, email management, virtual meeting platforms, and project documentation. Always maintains confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural integrity. CONDITIONS: Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required. Travel throughout Northern Ontario (Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury) will be required; overnight travel may occur. Valid driver’s license is required; clean drivers abstract preferred. Criminal Record Check is required. Manual dexterity to operate computers, phones, photocopiers, and other office equipment; ability to sit for extended periods. Must report back regularly to the Executive Director and keep ALFDC apprised of all project activities, developments, and concerns. Abusive or inappropriate behaviour (written, verbal, or non-verbal) will result in immediate termination of contract. Expenditures must receive prior approval and other receipts and financial documentation must be submitted with appropriate approvals. Please send cover letter with your resume to Alex Graham at . If you have any questions, please email me. INDIGENOUS ANCESTRY PREFERRED.