Program Manager, Indigenous Strategic Research and Community Partnerships

Program Manager, Indigenous Strategic Research and Community Partnerships RRC Polytech is committed to accessible employment and ensuring our hiring processes are barrier-free. If you require information in an alternate format or an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact Position Details Type: Full-Time Position Salary: $94,036 - $132,537 per annum Eligibility Only applicants who self-identify as Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) will be considered. For more information about our inclusive hiring practices, please visit Duties The Program Manager, Indigenous Strategic Research and Community Partnerships, is a leadership role in Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) reporting to the Director, Truth & Reconciliation and administratively to the Executive Director of RPI. This position leads Indigenous research strategy and community engagement, including the development and administration of Indigenous research projects, funding proposals and strategic initiatives. The Program Manager will implement a strategic plan to grow Indigenous research programming in collaboration with communities, guided by OCAP® principles and UNDRIP to uphold Indigenous data sovereignty. Key responsibilities include building ethical, trust‑based relationships with Indigenous communities, co‑creating research agendas, managing funding opportunities for Indigenous‑led or co‑led applied research, and aligning community priorities with institutional strengths. The role facilitates collaborative proposals, supports areas such as food innovation and sovereignty, energy and cleantech, building efficiency, housing and infrastructure, digital inclusion, early childhood development and education, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, economic development and innovation. The Program Manager also connects communities to internal resources, leads strategic partnerships, evaluates programs for impact and alignment with Indigenous worldviews, advises on decolonizing research practices, builds cultural competencies, and represents the College in Indigenous research networks. All work aligns with TCPS 2, Chapter 9, ensuring ethical and inclusive research practices. Required Qualifications Graduate Degree in a related field of study OR significant lived experience with Indigenous community relationships, building and engagement, and developing research partnerships and collaborative initiatives (a Graduate degree is NOT required). Familiarity with applied research management and program and policy development. Knowledge of the Western Canadian Indigenous investment, business, and cultural landscape, with strong relationships across communities and supporting organizations to foster collaborative research partnerships and ecosystem engagement. Experience in the development of applied research funding proposals and the development of applied research projects. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and networking skills. Demonstrated excellent organizational, analytical, research and creative skills. Strong financial, human resource and project management skills. Experience in applying for and managing research grants. Skills in the development and management of effective data collection, reporting systems and processes. Knowledge of intellectual property. Research dissemination planning and delivery skills. Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of constituents and organizations. Proficiency in acting and representing the College in a professional, collaborative, entrepreneurial manner. Experience building a respectful workplace culture that promotes diversity, learning and continuous improvement. Conditions of Employment Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. This position may require evenings and/or weekends. This position may require overtime. This position may require travel. #J-18808-Ljbffr