Policy Program Manager (Indigenous candidates preferred)

Remote Position

Job term: Full-time, 1 year contract (possibility of renewal)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Start date: Late February

Closing date: Until filled

Compensation: $71,362-$77,185

Requirements: Minimum 2 years experience with program management, experience with managing a team. Minimum 2 years experience in policy and research (education or combined work experience)

Who we are

Founded in 2008, Indigenous Youth Roots (Formerly known as Canadian Roots Exchange) 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.

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.

Your impact

Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and Research, the Policy Programs Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling in the area of policy and advocacy programs within the Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research. They will ensure the achievement of results through the work of direct reports, managing a team of 2-4 full-time staff and up to 5 part-time staff. This role leads specific objectives in its area of focus:

Summary of Expected Duties & Responsibilities

Managing Policy Education Programs (60%)

• Manage the design and delivery of policy education programs
• Expand the presence of CIPR’s education programming, including but not limited to work in the North, rural areas, and the East and West coasts
• Expand relationships and networks within the Centre that will contribute to increased involvement in and success of policy education programs
• Review and monitor performance measurement and evaluation-based data, and make recommendations for interpretation and adjustments of programming
• Support the preparation of letters, reports, and briefs, as policy responses are required
• Manage the development of proposals in the area of focus.

Management Administration (40%)

Planning

• Proactively prepare for changes in environment or public policy
• Prepare project work plans
• Participate in organization-wide planning
• Define team goals, objectives and priorities

Organizing

• Manage day-to-day operations of area of responsibility by planning, developing, and implementing activities and tactics
• Identify new funding opportunities
• Prepare funding applications and proposals
• Participate in integration activities such as cross-department initiatives, organization-wide events, and recognition

Leading

• Supervise direct reports, including providing direction, advocacy, guidance, coaching, training, performance management
• Act as a role model for staff, volunteers, and participants
• Recommend evidence-based adjustments to projects and programs
• Contribute to public policy responses

Controlling

• Monitor budgets and expenditures
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting requirements
• Produce reports for organizational leadership including project management reports, program progress reports, board reports, staff performance review,
• Contribute to the design of process and operational policies
• Maintain and develop vendor and partner relationships

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in project management
• Minimum of 2 year experience with policy and research (education or combined work experience)
• Experience managing a team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience working with community-based youth programming an asset
• Knowledge and interest in social justice, advocacy, and anti-oppression an asset

This role may require the successful candidate to travel 2-4 times throughout the year, within Canada, with periodic evening and weekend work.

Who you are

• You see the bigger picture: You have a deep appreciation and respect for the history, culture, and autonomy of Indigenous peoples. You have experience working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities/organizations and believe in using your skills and talents to advance reconciliation.
• You are a writer, communicator, and listener: You can clearly convey your thoughts and expectations in writing and verbally, and you can accurately interpret what people tell you.
• Technologically savvy: You’re comfortable using technology to communicate and accomplish tasks. When introduced to a new program you pick it up quite easily and use the resources available to best learn how to use it.
• Well organized & flexible: You like to be prepared and have organized systems for sharing information but don’t get caught up in deviating or adjusting your work when needed.
• Supportive and communicative: You approach work with a focus on how to best support our team. You are comfortable asking for help and making decisions yourself.
• You have a strong commitment to integrity: You always act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Aware of all the details of a task: Not only is the attention to detail and accuracy highly important but you don’t overlook the big picture when preparing initial documents for contracts/projects.
• A problem solver with a solution focused mindset: Roadblocks and unforeseen issues don’t typically phase you and you provide a variety of workable solutions when they come up.
• You are a relationship builder and collaborator: You are focused on people and communities, value personal and professional relationships, and are comfortable working with others.

 Compensation

• Salary: $71,362 to $77,185
• Health benefits: will begin following a 3-month probationary period
• Other: RRSP employer contribution that is 5% of salary
• Vacation: 3 weeks and statutory holidays, in addition to a 2-week winter closure
• Personal Days: 15 days
• Annual Professional Development Benefit: $1500 annually following a 3 month probationary period
• Cultural Days: 5 days annually
• Volunteer Hours: 5 hours monthly at any organization of your choice.
• Flexible Work Week Options: 4 and 5 Day work week options.

Application Method

As a part of your expression of interest, please provide a cover letter that introduces yourself and share your passion for working alongside youth (especially youth in Indigenous, racialized, and newcomer communities) and highlight how your qualifications align with this role. IYR welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you have any questions, you can contact sheneice@indigenousyouthroots.ca.

You can submit a completed application (cover letter and résumé) through the link provided.

Hiring Process

We encourage you to explore some of the work the IYR does to familiarize yourself prior to interviews; https://indigenousyouthroots.ca/

Interviews: Last two weeks of February

Indigenous Youth Roots  is committed to equitable representation and access. Candidates from Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities are encouraged to self-identify in the cover letter.

As a condition for hiring, successful candidates are required to submit a vulnerable sector check.