Manager, Educational Programming and Indigenous

**About Us**

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems and how humans serve a role in sharing and working with one another to protect these resources.

**Scope**

The Manager, Educational Programming and Indigenous Engagement oversees the development and delivery of educational programming for select target audiences, which may include IISD-ELA visitors, students, organizations, and other targeted audiences. Responsible for the creation of effective learning programs and experiences that support and promote IISD-ELA’s mission and mandate, this position will organize, manage, and evaluate programs to ensure that objectives are achieved. The Manager is responsible for the management, training, and evaluation of programming and educational staff.

Additionally, the Manager, Educational Programming and Indigenous Engagement will have specific responsibilities for Indigenous engagement and relationship building, including collaboration with Indigenous stakeholders in the development of programming. This entails:

- collaborating with Indigenous communities, organizations, and individuals to ensure that programming accurately reflects Indigenous perspectives, histories, and experiences;
- integrating Indigenous Knowledge, traditions, and cultural practices into educational programming to promote understanding, respect, and reconciliation; and
- ensuring that Indigenous voices are represented and amplified within educational initiatives, exhibitions, and public programs.

**Key Responsibilities**
- With the Executive Director, ELA, establish goals, objectives, and priorities for the program that are relevant to and consistent with IISD-ELA’s mission and mandate, including Indigenous engagement initiatives.
- Maintain and develop strategic partnerships by responding to and seeking out beneficial relationships that will advance program goals, including fostering relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Develop and implement appropriate policies, procedures, and guidelines and monitor adherence to ensure programs run smoothly and effectively, including guidelines for respectful engagement with Indigenous stakeholders.
- Oversee the coordination of educational programs and activities to ensure operations are well integrated and efficient, always considering the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and voices.
- Organize and manage program budgets: monitor expenses and ensure the cost-effectiveness of expenditures, including allocating resources for Indigenous engagement initiatives.
- Establish performance objectives for all program staff and monitor accountability; supervise, schedule, train, mentor, and evaluate staff on an ongoing basis, including providing training on cultural competency and sensitivity in Indigenous engagement.
- Assess participant satisfaction and programming effectiveness; recommend relevant modifications to programming, including adjustments to better incorporate Indigenous perspectives and feedback.

**Qualifications**
- University degree, college diploma or certificate in a related field (e.g., environmental science, education, Indigenous studies, or public administration).
- At least 5 years of experience providing leadership in program development and education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**

Required
- Experience developing and implementing educational programs or curricula and providing related training to educators in areas related to outdoor education and/or sciences.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various philosophies and methods of communication and education.
- Proven ability to conceive and achieve programming objectives (e.g., learning objectives, visitor satisfaction targets, etc.).
- Experience providing leadership, coaching, and training to staff.
- Ability to manage various projects or programs simultaneously; strong organization and time management skills.
- A high level of initiative and desire to identify the needs