First Peoples' Centre - Interim Manager, Indigenous Research & Development

Colonial Group; North Bay; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking an Interim Manager, Indigenous Research and Development to lead Indigenous applied research initiatives at North Bay's College Drive Campus. You will guide projects aligned with community priorities, secure funding, and drive institutional change while ensuring Indigenous ethical practices.

The role requires a four-year degree (Master's preferred), five years in Indigenous research, and strong leadership with experience in complex academic environments.

Qualifications

• Completion of a four-year degree in a relevant field; Master's degree preferred; PhD considered an asset.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive Indigenous research experience and project leadership.
• Lived Indigenous experience (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit) is essential.
• Experience in research development, funding proposals, and project implementation.
• Ability to design and lead initiatives from concept through evaluation and reporting.
• Understanding of Indigenous research principles (OCAP®, reciprocity) and TCPS2 guidelines.
• Proven leadership including supervision and performance management in unionized environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Indigenous applied research initiatives aligned with community and institutional priorities.
• Define and scope complex initiatives, translate concepts into actionable work.
• Secure funding and oversee implementation and evaluation.
• Develop frameworks and models for Indigenous-informed practices and institutional change.
• Collaborate with communities to identify opportunities and pilot approaches.

Skills

Indigenous leadership

Community engagement

Project management

Strategic thinking

Travel availability

Education

Four-year degree

Master's degree preferred

PhD asset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Interim Manager, Indigenous Research and Development

Department: First Peoples' Centre

Location: College Drive Campus – North Bay, ON

Status: Part-Time Administration

Contract Duration: June 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 (possible extension)

Hours Per Week: 37.50 hours

Pay Range: $49.00 – $55.00 per hour

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Reporting to the Director, First Peoples' Centre and Indigenous Engagement, the Manager, Indigenous Research & Development provides leadership in advancing Indigenous applied research initiatives and supports the College in ensuring that work involving Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations is aligned with Indigenous research principles and institutional commitments.

The incumbent is responsible for identifying, developing, and leading Indigenous applied research initiatives that respond to community-identified needs and institutional priorities, including advancing and refining existing initiatives. This includes shaping emerging or complex initiatives and piloting approaches where appropriate.

The role collaborates with Indigenous communities and partners to identify opportunities and develop approaches and models that respond to community priorities, which may be piloted through training, education, or capacity-building initiatives.

The role also supports the College by providing guidance on research and initiatives involving Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations, ensuring alignment with Indigenous research principles, ethical practices, and institutional commitments to reconciliation, including alignment with national and sector-wide priorities.

Through this work, the Manager develops and advances Indigenous-informed approaches that strengthen applied research, support institutional priorities, and drive meaningful community impact.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a four-year degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Business Administration, Community Development, or related discipline); Master's degree preferred; PhD considered an asset
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in Indigenous research, applied research, community-based initiatives, or related fields, including experience leading projects and initiatives
• Lived experience as an Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit) person
• Demonstrated experience in research development, funding proposals, and project implementation
• Experience designing and leading initiatives from concept through implementation, evaluation, and reporting
• Strong understanding of Indigenous research principles, including OCAP®, reciprocity, and community engagement
• knowledge of ethical research practices (e.g., TCPS2 – Chapter 9)
• Demonstrated experience working within complex institutional environments, including providing guidance and navigating competing priorities
• Experience in academic, post-secondary, or research environments, including an understanding of institutional processes and structures, is an asset
• Proven leadership experience, including supervision, mentorship, and performance management of staff within a unionized environment
• Demonstrated community leadership with the ability to build trust, listen, and engage respectfully with diverse partners
• Awareness and ability to integrate strategies that support culturally safe and inclusive work and learning environments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related tools
• Ability to travel and must be able to reliably commute/or relocate to North Bay, ON required

Responsibilities:

1. Applied Research, Development & Project Leadership

• Lead the development and advancement of Indigenous applied research initiatives aligned with community and institutional priorities
• Define and scope emerging or complex initiatives, translating broad concepts into focused, actionable work
• Secure funding and lead initiatives through implementation and evaluation
• Develop frameworks, models, and approaches that support Indigenous-informed practices, training, and institutional change
• Assess outcomes and determine appropriate next steps, including continuation, scaling, transition, or closure

2. Institutional Alignment, Stewardship & Accountability

• Provide guidance on research proposals, projects, and initiatives involving Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations
• Ensure alignment with Indigenous research principles, ethical practices, and institutional frameworks (e.g., TIPI, Indigenous Research Council, and related procedures)
• Support accountability for commitments made in proposals and funded initiatives involving Indigenous components
• Contribute to the development of institutional tools, frameworks, and practices that support Indigenous-informed research, education, and service delivery
• Support capacity-building and awareness across the College related to Indigenous research approaches and responsibilities
• Work collaboratively across the College to ensure alignment and avoid duplication where activities intersect

3. Partnerships in Support of Research

• Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and partners to support applied research initiatives
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and advance research opportunities aligned with community needs

4. Operations, Budget & Staff Management

• Develop and manage project and operational budgets, including monitoring expenditures and ensuring alignment with funding requirements
• Support the development of sustainable funding models and resource plans
• Hire, supervise, and manage staff performance, including project-based staff and student employees
• Provide direction and oversight to staff supporting research initiatives, including coordination and implementation activities
• Allocate resources and prioritize work to ensure alignment with departmental and institutional objectives