Director, Indigenous Relations, Diversity

**Director, Indigenous Relations, Diversity and Inclusion**

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ promotes, cares and advocates for a vibrant and inclusive downtown where business thrives and people are drawn to work, live, shop and explore. We host events, promote downtown, keep the neighbourhood clean and attractive and are a voice for the downtown community. Our downtown is on Treaty No. 1 territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

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This brand-new position is part of our senior management team and is key in supporting the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s commitment to Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and our core value of inclusion.

We are looking for a leader who will foster diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and lead the implementation of the organization’s Indigenous Relations Strategy. This work includes a strong focus on building bridges of trust and mutually beneficial relationships between Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, BIZ staff, members and the board.
- The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ recognizes that building awareness around diversity, equity and inclusion and the path to reconciliation is an ongoing journey and a shared responsibility for all. _

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Implement Indigenous Relations Strategy**
Lead the implementation of the organization’s new Indigenous Relations Strategy (developed in 2024) that aligns with Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s overall goals. Oversee its progress, track results and report on its impact.

**Senior Advisor and Strategic Leader**
Serve as a trusted advisor on Indigenous relations within the senior management team, guiding organizational decisions and strategy.

**Build Strong Community Partnerships**
Build and strengthen collaborative relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and diverse communities downtown. Engage leaders and partners, involving them in projects and decisions that affect their communities.

**Policy Development**
Create and put in place policies and processes that promote understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and histories within the organization. Work to remove systemic barriers while recognizing unique challenges.

**Champion Inclusive Workplace Culture**
Lead initiatives and training that increases cultural awareness and appreciation, ensuring a diverse workforce across all levels. Provide guidance to Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s DEI committee, supporting their work and building on their recommendations.

**Advance Truth and Reconciliation Commitments**
Identify and lead actions that support Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord. This includes working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

**QUALIFICATIONS (Essential)**:

- Post-secondary degree in a relevant area of study or equivalent combination of education and related professional and community experience.
- Minimum 3 years' experience effectively leading Indigenous relations strategies and anti-oppression, diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives.
- Personal or community experience as a member of an Indigenous community, or direct involvement with Indigenous cultures, customs, and traditions.
- Experience defining, implementing, and reporting on accountability-focused metrics related to equitable recruitment, hiring, promotion and retention.
- Experience organizing, moderating and facilitating strategic discussions, training, and collaborative opportunities across cultures, disciplines, and belief systems.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage numerous projects and deadlines.
- Demonstrated understanding of reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and familiarity with process, protocols and regulations pertaining to current Indigenous issues.
- A deep understanding of the systemic realities faced by marginalized and underrepresented groups and the Canadian colonial impacts faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.
- Demonstrated ability to enact meaningful and measurable change.
- Ability to speak an Indigenous language. (desirable asset)

**CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT**:

- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

**WORK ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE**

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ embodies a culture of collaboration and customer service. We have a diverse team that is encouraged to provide input and participate on committees to inform workplace values and influence the culture and environment. Working in the heart of downtown, we take time to enjoy the amenities and community around us; through participation in our own programs, staff celebrations, and the endless number of events located downtown. We offer employer paid benefits, numerous professional development opportunities, subsidized transit passes, “Furry Fridays” (bring your pet to work days) and early access to informat