Anishinaabe Curriculum Manager

Rise People; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental

Company pension

Paid vacation

Christmas time off

Job summary

Oshki-Wenjack is seeking an Anishinaabe Curriculum Manager to lead a team of curriculum experts in developing culturally grounded, accredited programs. The role requires deep knowledge of Anishinaabe language, land-based learning, and IAESC/MCU accreditation standards.

You will collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and partners to ensure materials honour Anishinaabe identity and community priorities. The position is based at the Centennial Square campus with travel to NAN communities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field; master’s preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in curriculum design, program development, or educational leadership.
• Strong understanding of IAESC accreditation processes.
• Knowledge of Indigenous educational approaches (Two-Eyed Seeing, land-based learning).
• Experience with northern First Nation communities is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of curriculum experts to develop culturally grounded programs.
• Ensure alignment with IAESC and MCU accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and partners to embed cultural integrity.
• Oversee curriculum development from writing to assessment design and implementation.

Skills

Curriculum development

Team leadership

Accreditation knowledge

Indigenous education

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Curriculum platforms

Job description

Hours of Work:

Monday to Friday (09:00-5:00)

Reports to:

Senior VP, Academic

Appointment:

Permanent- F/T

MISSION:

Oshki- Wenjack’s mission is building and empowering First Nation Futures

VISION STATEMENT:

Strengthening Nations through First Nation Education

POSITION SUMMARY

In alignment with our mandate and commitment to Indigenous self‑determination, this position is designated for a First Nations candidate. The Anishinaabe Curriculum Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing Indigenous education by leading a team of curriculum experts in the development of high‑quality, culturally grounded, and accredited program offerings. This position requires an in‑depth understanding of Anishinaabe teachings, traditions, language, and worldviews, combined with strong expertise in curriculum and program development, full‑cycle accreditation processes, and educational quality assurance.

The Manager is responsible for ensuring that all curriculum and program materials honour Anishinaabe identity, land‑based learning, and community priorities. Working collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Holders, staff, and external partners, the Anishinaabe Curriculum Manager ensures that all programs meet or exceed IAESC and MCU accreditation standards while supporting the overall mission of strengthening First Nation education.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with Instructional Designers, Indigeogy Specialists, Language Specialists, and Curriculum Writers to develop engaging, holistic, and culturally relevant course content.
• Ensure curriculum authentically reflects Anishinaabe language, land, teachings, stories, and cultural practice.
• Incorporate Anishinaabe pedagogies such as storytelling, experiential learning, seasonal learning cycles, and land‑based education.
• Develop clear and measurable learning outcomes aligned with the Institute’s mission as well as IAESC and MCU accreditation requirements.

Program Development

• Lead the design and development of accredited standalone programs that address community‑identified needs and emerging priorities.
• Conduct needs assessments to ensure programs accurately reflect Anishinaabe learner experiences and labour‑market needs.
• Coordinate the full development cycle, including curriculum writing, assessment design, instructional resources, and cultural integration.
• Engage Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners to embed cultural depth and authenticity in program material

Cultural Competency

• Apply a deep understanding of Anishinaabe identity, culture, traditions, and histories within all aspects of curriculum development.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Anishinaabe kinship systems, governance, language, ceremonies, and community dynamics.
• Ensure cultural safety and respect are foundational in all educational materials and processes.

Accreditation

• Ensure all programs and courses meet and exceed IAESC accreditation standards.
• Prepare accreditation documentation, coordinate reviews, and support all stages of evaluation.
• Maintain precise records related to program approvals, evaluations, and compliance requirements.
• Continuously monitor program quality and implement improvements to uphold accreditation and organizational standards.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and coaching to curriculum staff and subject‑matter experts.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and culturally respectful team environment.
• Develop and manage detailed workplans, timelines, and project milestones.
• Oversee direct reports and ensure all work aligns with approved budgets.
• Prepare interim and final reports for the Director of Academics and relevant stakeholders.
• Support professional growth and capacity building within the curriculum team

Budget Management

• Develop and manage approved budgets related to curriculum and program development initiatives.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure projects remain within approved financial allocations.
• Track expenses related to curriculum development, Elder and Knowledge Keeper honoraria, contracts, accreditation fees, and community engagement activities.
• Prepare budget summaries and financial updates for the Director of Academics and senior leadership.
• Collaborate with Finance and Academic leadership to ensure financial accountability and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure all curriculum and program activities operate efficiently within allocated resources.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with NAN communities to ensure curriculum relevance and reciprocity.
• Attend community events, gatherings, and education‑related forums as a representative of the Institute.
• Engage community members, Elders, and subject matter experts to inform ongoing program development and cultural integrity

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Indigenous Studies, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in curriculum design, program development, or related educational leadership.
• Strong understanding and experience with IAESC accreditation processes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous educational approaches such as Two‑Eyed Seeing, braided learning, land‑based learning, and community‑driven pedagogy.
• 3–5 years of experience working within an Indigenous organization, preferably with northern First Nation communities.
• Fluency in a NAN dialect (Cree, Oji‑Cree, or Ojibwe) is considered a strong asset

Skills and Attributes

• Deep respect for Anishinaabe knowledge, traditions, and protocols.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and team‑building abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects.
• High-level writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of culturally responsive curriculum design.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Elders, community partners, and education professionals.
• Familiarity with digital learning tools, curriculum platforms, and Microsoft Office

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Anishinaabe Curriculum Manager is based at the Centennial Square campus; however, travel to our NAN communities will be required.

In addition to a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference, we offer the following benefits:

• Employee development group activities.
• Personal training opportunities.
• Health and dental.
• Company pension.
• Three (3) weeks Paid vacation.
• One (1) week management leave
• Personal days.
• Stat and Civic Holidays.
• Paid time off at Christmas in addition to paid vacation time.

Schedule

• Monday to Friday

Employment is subject to

• Proof of Education requirements and or experience equivalencies
• Satisfactory criminal record check
• Must be willing to work a flexible 40-hour work week.
• Oshki-Wenjack is committed on implementing measures to protect its community members, staff, and other stakeholders from COVID-19. As a result, Oshki-Wenjack has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. Exemptions will be made for those with a valid medical exemption; proof of the exemption will be required.

We are committed and dedicated in building a workforce that reflects the demographics that we serve.

In alignment with our Mission and Mandate and in accordance with Ontario Human Rights code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry. Candidates are encouraged to self identify as being of Indigenous ancestry (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit).

The above statements are the general functions of the position and should not be interpreted as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may pertain to the job. This position description will be reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to change.