Engagement and Partnerships Lead (Full-Time)

Thunder Bay; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Northwestern Ontario seeks an Engagement and Partnerships Lead responsible for fostering relationships with Indigenous communities. The role includes leading engagement processes, advising on cultural protocols, and supporting the implementation of an Inclusion Strategy. Candidates should have relevant education and experience in community and government relations, and a commitment to reconciliation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience working with government/community organizations.
• Knowledge of federal, provincial, and municipal government roles.
• Demonstrated cultural competency regarding Indigenous traditions.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Lead engagement processes to inform policy decisions.
• Promote awareness of City services within Indigenous communities.
• Support the Indigenous Relations & Inclusion Strategy.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral communication skills

Written communication skills

Independent judgement

Project management skills

Time management skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in social science or humanities

Diploma in social science or humanities

Post-Secondary diploma with seven years experience

Secondary school diploma with nine years experience

Tools

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Presentation software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Manager- Indigenous Relations, the Engagement and Partnerships Lead represents the City of Thunder Bay in establishing and maintaining relationships between the City and Indigenous peoples, communities, governments, and organizations. Key responsibilities include building and strengthening respectful, reciprocal relationships and partnerships that enhance Indigenous inclusion in civic life and provide voice to Indigenous perspectives and priorities to inform municipal policies, services, and programs.

The Engagement and Partnerships Lead plays a vital role in promoting understanding of Indigenous cultural protocols and perspectives within the Corporation, advising on equitable service delivery, and supporting the implementation and renewal of the City’s Indigenous Relations & Inclusion Strategy.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Builds and maintains strong, respectful relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and provincial Indigenous communities, governments, organizations, agencies, and individuals to advance collaboration, inclusion, and mutual trust.
• Leads and supports the planning and facilitation of meaningful engagement processes with Indigenous partners to identify shared priorities, inform policy and program decisions, and support mutual accountability.
• Provides strategic guidance on cultural protocols, Indigenous rights, histories, and worldviews, supporting culturally appropriate approaches to engagement and service delivery across City departments.
• Promotes awareness of City services, programs, initiatives, and employment opportunities within Indigenous communities to encourage equitable access and participation.
• Identifies and supports innovative partnership models that enhance City-Indigenous collaboration with joint initiatives, service agreements, and co-planning opportunities.
• Supports and monitors the implementation of the Indigenous Relations & Inclusion Strategy; tracks progress, prepares reports, identifies gaps, and recommends improvements in alignment with community feedback and best practices.
• Coordinates and supports the delivery of Indigenous cultural awareness, competency, and reconciliation-focused training opportunities for City staff to build internal capacity for respectful engagement and relationship building.
• Represents The City of Thunder Bay at community events, meetings, ceremonies, and functions, fostering visibility, respect, and strong working relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders.
• Actively contributes as a collaborative team member within the Indigenous Relations Section and broader department to advance shared objectives and uphold the City’s commitments to reconciliation.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Degree in a social science or humanities field with related coursework and a minimum of three years’ experience working with government and/or community organizations in roles that support community development processes, capacity building, collaborations, partnerships, and organizational change; or
• Diploma in a social science or humanities field with related coursework and a minimum of five years’ experience working with government and/or community organizations in roles that support community development processes, capacity building, collaborations, partnerships, and organizational change; or
• Post-Secondary diploma along with seven years directly related experience; or
• Secondary school diploma along with nine years directly related experience
• Knowledge of federal, provincial, and municipal government roles and mandates
• Knowledge of local Indigenous service organizations and service delivery systems
• Knowledge of Indigenous governance, issues, and protocols
• Demonstrated cultural competency and knowledge of Indigenous traditions, worldviews and practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.

Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective professional and working relationships with a variety of people including staff, community partners and the public
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively towards common goals with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ideologies
• Ability to exercise independent judgement when dealing with confidential or sensitive issues
• Excellent project and time management, analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Proven time management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Proven ability to function and contribute as an effective team member and to work independently
• Must be at an intermediate skill level in word processing and spreadsheet software, and proficient in presentation software

Assets

• Ability to speak Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, Cree, or Michif
• Knowledge of municipal governance structures, services and programs, and municipal relationships with other levels of government

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must work and attend meetings outside regular working hours and be able to travel out of town (by land and air) from time to time
• May be required to travel to various work locations and provide own transportation
• Must take an Oath of Secrecy
• Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

General Information

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant. If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY

Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: [phone]

The City of Thunder Bay provides exceptional quality of life to those who live, work, and play in Thunder Bay–a culturally vibrant, economically diverse community with a metro population of over 120,000. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay is rich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. We value our high quality of life and promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.

The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together!

Watch this video to learn more about our City at: