Indigenous Research Partnership Coordinator

SAIT's Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. Join one of Canada's top applied research colleges, innovate for the future and bring industry-generated ideas and game-changing technologies to life. 

The Opportunity

Job classification: A5068 - Information Officer II

Salary: $72,000 - $80,000

Hours per week: 40

Paid leave: 3 weeks vacation per year

Position End Date: 12 month contract

Deadline to apply: 4:00PM, February 3, 2026

The Indigenous Research Partnerships Coordinator (IRPC) will report to the Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS). This role is dedicated to advancing SAIT's applied research initiatives with Indigenous communities by working with communities to understand their challenges and where applied research might bring innovative solutions. The aim is to foster collaborative opportunities within the Alberta College and Polytechnic: Alberta Research Network. The IRPO will build and nurture relationships with Community leadership, Community and Indigenous companies, industry partners, educational institutions, communities and funding agencies to address challenges through research and innovative solutions. The IRPO will engage with SAIT training opportunities as appropriate.

• Proposal Development & Contract Management
• Collaborate with Indigenous and Inuit communities to identify research needs and partnership opportunities.
• Monitor emerging trends in the applied research ecosystem and align opportunities with institutional priorities.
• Identify suitable funding programs and work with internal teams to develop high‑quality, tailored research proposals.
• Ensure proposals reflect SAIT's commitments to applied research excellence, Indigenous and Inuit Data Sovereignty, Two‑Eyed Seeing, and Traditional Knowledge.
• Review and assess research agreements and contracts for alignment with organizational policies, involving legal teams as required.
• Partner Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with Indigenous and Inuit communities, band offices, businesses, industry, and research partners.
• Spend meaningful time in community to understand goals, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Support ongoing engagement to ensure alignment, resolve issues, and strengthen partnerships.
• Manage Indigenous and Inuit partner portfolios, including relationship care, opportunity development, and coordination of research activities.
• Proactively identify new partnerships through networking, events, and community participation.
• Ensure Traditional Knowledge and Two‑Eyed Seeing principles guide project development.
• Provide community support as requested and aligned with institutional priorities.
• Strategic Collaboration & Coordination
• Develop and implement strategies to grow partnerships and expand applied research initiatives.
• Provide feedback to improve research collaboration processes and workflows.
• Monitor external research activity to identify new collaboration opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with internal partners to support alignment with ARIS priority areas.
• Support project planning, resource allocation, and operational coordination.
• Track and report on partnership activities, progress, and key metrics for senior leadership.
• Maintain CRM systems and ensure all work aligns with Research Office processes.

• Bachelor's degree in business, psychology, anthropology, sociology, or other relevant program
• 3-5 years in building and managing strategic research partnerships, partner engagement, or research development with a strong understanding of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the history of Indigenous and Inuit people in Canada
• 3-5 years experience working with Indigenous or Inuit communities in Alberta
• Strong interpersonal relationships, technical knowledge, business acumen with a high degree of complexity in coordinating various partners, managing risks and identifying market opportunities is required
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team We know being ghosted is the worst, so be assured – you'll hear from us either way. We take time to review each submission carefully and promise not to vanish.  

Together, we build bold futures 

At SAIT, we equip you with the resources you need to shape bold futures for yourself and our communities. We offer a comprehensive package including: 

- Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing 

- SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported 

- Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate 

- Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account  

- Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses  

- Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence 

- Excellent dining options on campus 

- Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes 

And the perks keep on coming  

About SAIT 

At SAIT, we're building bold futures. We're a community of tenacious problem-solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.  

Named one of Alberta's Top Employers, we're driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you're looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you've found it here. 

We're committed to community and belonging  

Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.