Director of Communications, Knowledge

Founded in 2008, Indigenous Youth Roots, formerly known as Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE), is a national Indigenous youth‑led organization. We envision a future where Indigenous youth are empowered and connected as dynamic leaders in vibrant and thriving communities. We collaborate with communities to provide programs, grants and opportunities that are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being and designed to strengthen and amplify the voices of Indigenous youth. Centering Indigenous youth perspectives, we have 7 deeply held principles that guide us in our work and the way in which we relate to each other. Reciprocity Accountability Advocacy Resurgence IYR is a workplace that puts its employees and community first. We are a living wage employer and believe in prioritizing a healthy work‑life balance. We provide opportunities for flexible working hours, time off for ceremony and other life responsibilities and we actively respond to the accessibility needs of those who work with us. We are a results‑oriented working environment, choosing to focus on achieving objectives, rather than promoting the status quo. Purpose of Position The Director of Communications, Knowledge & Impact leads a department responsible for amplifying Indigenous youth voices, advancing organizational priorities through strategic initiatives, and embedding knowledge mobilization and impact measurement into IYR’s work. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, and serving as a member of the Directors Circle, the Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination across communications, partnerships, and knowledge systems. This role ensures IYR’s public presence, storytelling, and evidence of impact are clear, accessible, and aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Summary of Duties and Responsibilities Provide vision, leadership, and direction for the Communications, Knowledge & Impact Department. Participate in the Directors Circle to support collective decision‑making, strategic alignment, and shared accountability across IYR. Champion cross‑department collaboration to ensure communications and knowledge strategies strengthen organizational priorities. Represent IYR with external stakeholders, partners, and funders, positioning the organization as a leader in youth‑centered, equity‑driven communications and impact. Foster an inclusive, culturally safe, and equitable workplace culture rooted in humility, integrity, and collaboration. Lead the planning, development, and delivery of special and large‑scale initiatives prioritized by IYR leadership and guided by the Strategic Plan. Provide executive oversight of IYR’s cornerstone events, including the Youth Gathering, the Celebration, and other high‑profile strategic engagements that advance the organization’s mission and strengthen its visibility. Develop and maintain relationships with external partners to collaborate on shared initiatives that expand IYR’s impact and reach. Provide engagement and event support for ongoing programs in other departments as needed, ensuring alignment with organizational values and priorities. Embed knowledge mobilization practices across all initiatives, translating research, data, and evaluation into accessible resources for youth, partners, and the public. Oversee the development of internal systems and processes that support outreach, impact measurement, and strategic communications. Communications & Public Engagement Ensure IYR’s brand, messaging, and storytelling authentically reflect Indigenous youth perspectives, organizational values, and strategic priorities. Oversee the development and execution of communication strategies across digital platforms, media relations, publications, and events. Lead the preparation and release of organizational documents such as the Annual Report, newsletters, evaluation summaries, and public statements. Direct the planning and delivery of major communication campaigns, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Cultivate and manage constructive relationships with media, partners, and community organizations. Human Resource Management Supervise and support departmental staff, providing direction, training, mentorship, and performance management. Build a culture of learning, feedback, and growth, encouraging innovation and shared ownership. Ensure formal performance evaluations are conducted with a focus on continuous development. Recruit and onboard staff, students, or volunteers as needed, ensuring equity‑driven hiring and culturally safe integration. Address complex employee issues in consultation with the Executive Director and/or Director of People & Culture. Organizational Culture & Operations Promote a collaborative, transparent, and accountable organizational culture that reflects IYR’s values. Contribute to internal systems that strengthen project management, cross‑department knowledge sharing, and organizational learning. Ensure departmental processes, workflows, and decision‑making structures align with the Directors Circle and organizational governance. Participate actively in staff meetings, working groups, and committees to advance organizational goals. Community Engagement Uphold and promote the organization’s cultural values and guiding principles in all workplace practices. Engage with the Indigenous community and support initiatives that strengthen relationships and collaboration. Health, Safety, and Wellness All employees are required to carry out their duties in a manner that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others by reporting allpotential hazards; and all incidents and injuries; as well as co‑operating with any measures introduced in the workplace to improve OH&S. Other Maintain high ethical standards and demonstrate integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness in all endeavours and communications. Support and participate in all IYR staff, department, and team meetings. Participate in external and internal committees, working groups, or projects as required. Undertake other duties as assigned. Qualifications A university degree in communications, public relations, journalism, media studies, evaluation, knowledge mobilization, public policy, or a related field is preferred. A graduate degree in a relevant discipline (such as communications, organizational leadership, or evaluation) is considered an asset. Equivalent combinations of formal education, professional experience, and lived experience will be recognized, particularly where candidates bring deep expertise in Indigenous knowledge systems, community engagement, or impact measurement. At least 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, knowledge mobilization, evaluation, or strategic initiatives, with a minimum of 3–5 years in a senior leadership role managing people, budgets, and strategy. Demonstrated expertise in digital communications, media relations, branding, storytelling, and public engagement. Hands‑on experience with evaluation, impact measurement, and knowledge mobilization, including the ability to translate complex information into accessible formats for diverse audiences. Direct experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, or youth, with a strong track record of embedding equity, inclusion, and anti‑racism into organizational practice. Proven success in setting vision, managing cross‑departmental initiatives, and aligning resources with strategic priorities. Experience cultivating and sustaining relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders in youth‑serving or community‑based contexts. Demonstrated financial management skills, including overseeing departmental budgets and ensuring resource alignment with organizational strategy. Visionary and Strategic Leadership: Ability to set a clear direction, connect strategy to action, and drive implementation in alignment with IYR’s mission and values. Exceptional Communication: Skilled at conveying ideas with empathy, transparency, and adaptability across diverse audiences, including youth, staff, funders, and community partners. Coaching and Mentorship: Proven ability to support staff development, build team confidence, and nurture future leaders. Emotional Intelligence and Integrity: Demonstrates humility, honesty, and self‑awareness, fostering trust and accountability. Innovation and Creativity: Brings fresh thinking to communications, storytelling, knowledge mobilization, and impact measurement, encouraging proactive approaches rather than reactive responses. Equity and Inclusion: Applies equity‑driven approaches, centers Indigenous youth voices, and integrates cultural safety and anti‑racism into all aspects of leadership. Collaboration and Partnership‑Building: Works effectively across departments and with external stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Resilience and Crisis Management: Provides steady leadership during periods of change, risk, or conflict, while supporting staff and organizational stability. Organizational Skills: Balances multiple priorities, manages complex workflows, and delivers results on time. Reporting Relationships Reports to: Executive Director Member of: Directors Circle Supervises: Communications, Knowledge & Impact team (including students, interns, or volunteers as applicable) currently 9 employees total, 3 direct‑reports. Consideration & Accommodations Qualified internal candidates will receive advance consideration, should no internal candidates be identified then external applicants will be contacted for interview. IYR engages internal candidates first as a means to support internal growth, development, and appropriate succession planning. Should you require accommodations to engage equitably with this process, please connect with our Director of HR & Operations, Jesse Ridgley via e‑mail at to discuss your unique needs and how we can support you through this process. #J-18808-Ljbffr