Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 107,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Toronto invites applications for the role of Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network. Reporting to the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives, you will provide strategic leadership for development, coordination, and advancement of the Indigenous Research Network that supports Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Holders, communities and collaborators.

You will foster meaningful relationships, promote ethical research practices, and advance Indigenous research priorities

Qualifications

• Advanced computer skills in Word/Excel/PowerPoint; templates/macros
• Experience with Indigenous communities and education issues in a research context
• Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities within a complex environment

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for development, coordination and advancement of the Indigenous Research Network
• Foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, researchers and external partners
• Promote ethical research practices and advance Indigenous priorities
• Collaborate to develop programs that align with UofT plans and policies

Skills

Advanced computer skills

Indigenous education knowledge

Oral and written communication

Relationship management

Organizational skills

Education

University degree

Master's or Ph.D asset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft SharePoint

Job description

Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network

Description:

Please note that short-listed candidates may be asked to participate in an Indigenous substantiation process.

Indigenous Substantiation | Indigenous University of Toronto

About us:

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives was established in response to the U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Steering Committee’s final report, Answering The Call: Wecheehetowin. The Office’s mandate is to support and guide the U of T community as it continues to work towards reconciliation. Efforts are directed towards listening, coordinating, advising, and collaborating with academic and non-academic communities in addressing the Calls to Action. The Office intersects with areas such as teaching and learning, student experience, Faculty and staff recruitment and engagement, and community-based research. The Office also conducts a regular environmental scan, produces a report to establish the impact and progress of Indigenous Initiatives on campus, and manages the activities of the Council of Indigenous Initiatives and the Elder’s Circle.

Your opportunity:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives, while supporting the vision of the Director, Indigenous Research Network the Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network (IRN) is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the development, coordination, and advancement of the Indigenous Research Network that supports Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Holders, community members and colleagues doing research in and with Indigenous communities. Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, researchers, institutional and external partners, the Assistant Director will foster meaningful relationships, promote ethical research practices, and advance Indigenous research priorities. The Assistant Director will champion and strengthen opportunities for collaboration and partnership that contribute to meaningful outcomes for Indigenous communities.

The incumbent is responsible for leading and/or coordinating initiatives that support the University’s vision, strategic priorities, and objectives that develop and enhance Indigenous presence, supports and programming; providing advice on related matters; fostering relationships and building partnerships with appropriate communities and organizations; developing and implementing activities and projects that advance the University’s commitments as laid out in relevant UofT Plans, policies, guidelines, and reports, including Answering the Call – Wecheehetowin: Report of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The incumbent will work in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The role will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a complex and dynamic environment.

Essential Qualifications:

(MINIMUM)

EDUCATION:

University degree required, professional or post graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions. Extensive experience with the University and knowledge of University policies and procedures and an understanding of the University’s organizational structure, including its governance. Knowledge about media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy and excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community.

Minimum five (5) years related experience working within Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) communities/agencies in a project management, human resources /community development role. Experience working with Knowledge Keepers, learners, faculty, and staff, and an appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the University’s community.

Minimum six (6) years of project management (leading, organizing and tracking the outcomes of complex and multi-stakeholder projects) and senior executive assistant experience required, preferably within a post-secondary or government environment. Experience managing staff, preferably in a unionized environment.

SKILLS:

Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations). Internet, Acrobat, scheduling software and familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint an asset.

OTHER:

Highly developed oral and written communication, research, analytical, relationship management and organizational skills. Demonstrated collaborative approach to problem solving. Demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the University as well as externally, including students, staff, faculty and community partners. High degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities. Must embrace diversity and inclusion as an integral component of a quality university experience. Ability to produce detailed and comprehensive reports from a large volume of complex information.

Strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. Demonstrated relationships with services agencies within Indigenous communities and/or urban centres and governments. Competence in an Indigenous language a definite asset.

Closing Date: 08/19/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.
The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.
If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

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