Manager, Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network

The position will lead the management of the Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network collaboration between the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre and the Indigenous Kinship Circle (IKC). The IKC is a cross-boundary community of practice for Indigenous people and allies working to advance the wellbeing of communities across the Central Grasslands of Turtle Island. The position will focus on engagement and outreach, also ensuring the inclusion of IKC Mexican partners and US based IKC members are included as part of the collaborative conversations contributing to the success of the project. The position will provide updates for the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre and the IKC community and participate and contribute to the IKC and Central Grasslands Roadmap working groups.

Primary Purpose: The primary purpose of the Manager, Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network is to contribute to the development and implementation of Indigenous-led Grasslands stewardship efforts by promoting cultural knowledge exchange, peer to peer training and mentorship between First Nations across the three Prairie Provinces, drawing on approaches to stewardship employed in grasslands in the US and Mexico by way of partnership with the Indigenous Kinship Circle (IKC) and its member organizations.

The primary purpose of the position is to provide strategic support and leadership to generate dialogue around policy barriers and possible strategies to advance Indigenous-led efforts and connect these discussions to broader initiatives such as the Central Grasslands Roadmap initiative. The position provides leadership and expertise in the strategic development and management of services. This position provides expertise and advice to the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre and Indigenous Kinship teams in the formulation of engagement strategies with Indigenous communities about grasslands conservation.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director, and Academic Director, kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre, the Manager, works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, as well as First Nation communities to accomplish the objectives of the project. The position is responsible for the efficient administration of the Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network. In addition to working collaboratively with college and university colleagues, the Manager establishes working relationships with industry and partner groups outside of the university. The position must demonstrate leadership in all administrative aspects of planning within the college. The Manager establishes procedures, develops work plans, and carries out strategies specifically related to the Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network. This position requires an in-depth knowledge spanning provincial, national/federal, and international grasslands conservation opportunities to effectively assist and respond to priorities of the project.

The Manager will work independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a variety of integrated team environments to ensure harmonization of these activities. Ability to forge and maintain excellent professional relationships and collaborations with First Nation communities is essential. Effective working relationships will be established and maintained internally and externally, including but not limited to the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre, and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Travel and work outside of normal business hours may be necessary. Travel is extensive.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Identify grasslands conservation collaboration opportunities with First Nation communities, and NGOs/provincial and federal government departments
• Develop workplans that will meet budget requirements of the project
• Lead the development of workshops and other learning opportunities related to grasslands conservation
• Prepare presentations that highlight the project and develop content for the website; collaborate with college and university communications specialists
• Organize and lead events aimed at increasing awareness of the project. (e.g., seminars, presentations, conferences)
• Plan, develop and implement initiatives and projects to effectively support the success of the Nation-to-Nation Mentorship Program
• Develop policy briefs, and comprehensive written reports
• Manage and supervise junior staff

Administrative and people resources:

Hold staff accountable for high standards of performance and outcomes that are aligned with the vision and direction of the college and university; support the success of staff by supervising, mentoring, coaching, and managing performance.

Deal with sensitive and confidential issues using discretion, judgement, and compassion.

Education: An undergraduate degree is required, a Masters or PhD will be considered an asset.

Licenses: Include only if applicable. Authorization granted by a regulatory body which grants permission to do something.

Experience: A minimum of 8 to 12 years of building collaborative teams and multi-disciplinary proposals for national and international projects. Related experience in the preparation of proposals, including budget development is required. Demonstrated experience in fostering effective professional relationships, including communication within and among groups is expected at the time of appointment. Familiarity with project management processes and experience with international contexts would be considered an asset.

Skills: Proven effective interpersonal, mentoring, management, organizational, and financial skills; demonstrated ability to deliver proactive, user-oriented services; excellent communication skills; proven track record in negotiation and project management together with strong critical and analytical abilities; ability to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality; ability to manage competing interests and deadlines of projects; data consciousness; knowledge of and proficiency with relevant computer applications; meticulous attention to detail; and creative problem solving skills; demonstrate leadership skills and possess the ability to: manage staff using career development techniques; recognize opportunities for change/improvements and implement solutions; work independently, plan, set priorities, and manage projects; work with diverse teams and clients using a customer-centric, solution-oriented approach, exercising diplomacy and cultural sensitivity; work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment while being organized, maintaining attention to detail, and effectively managing time; effectively navigate and resolve conflict.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Candice Pete-Cardoso at

Department: College of Agriculture & Bioresources
Status: Term 3 years with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: ASPA

Shift: Standard University Operating Hours M-F 8:00 – 4:30, flexibility required for travel and work outside of normal operating hours

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69, ,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Managerial

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 1/13/2026

Closing Date: 1/22/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.