Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Specialist

University of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Group benefits and pension

Job summary

The Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Specialist at the University of Manitoba leads strategic Indigenous engagement initiatives, coordinating with senior leaders to advance reconciliation, Indigenous excellence, and UM150 legacy priorities.

They develop partnerships with Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations, and work with Communications to elevate the university’s profile while supporting student success initiatives and engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous studies or related discipline.
• Minimum four years of stakeholder engagement and external relations experience.
• Experience building relationships with Indigenous communities and partners.
• Experience supporting executives and leading complex engagement initiatives.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Indigenous engagement initiatives aligning with UM150 and reconciliation priorities.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with Indigenous communities and partners.
• Coordinate events and engagement activities with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare strategic briefing materials for senior leaders.
• Collaborate with Events Manager and Communications Leads to raise UM profile.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Communication

Event planning

Elders collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous studies or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Epic

Concur

Job description

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The opportunity:

The Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Specialist provides strategic leadership, coordination, and implementation of Indigenous engagement initiatives that advance the University of Manitoba's priorities related to Indigenous excellence, community engagement, Reconciliation, and the University’s UM150 vision and legacy priorities. Working closely with the Vice-President (Indigenous), Executive Director of Indigenous Engagement, Communications and Community Partnerships, and key internal and external partners, the Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Specialist develops, fosters, tracks, and evaluates relationships and engagement opportunities with Indigenous communities, organizations, government partners, educational institutions, funders, and other stakeholders.

The position serves as a key connector between the University and Indigenous communities, supporting executive engagement activities, strategic partnerships, community outreach, and institution-wide initiatives that contribute to both ongoing Indigenous engagement priorities and UM150 objectives. The Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Specialist collaborates closely with the Events Manager and Communications Leads to elevate the profile of the University of Manitoba as a national leader in Indigenous excellence, including supporting engagement and celebration activities associated with UM's 150th anniversary, while developing opportunities for Indigenous community participation in UM150 activities. The position also leads engagement strategies for major Indigenous student success initiatives, including projects designed to increase awareness and utilization of supports and services available to Indigenous students.

The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous studies, History, Human Rights, Education, Communications, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required.
• Minimum four years of progressively responsible experience in stakeholder engagement, Indigenous community relations, partnership development, project leadership, external relations, communications, event planning, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience building and sustaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and partners is required.
• Experience supporting senior executives and leading complex engagement initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous communities required.
• Experience leading critical conversations with diverse stakeholders is required.
• Experience coordinating initiatives and events and working collaboratively with others is required.
• A strong ability to gather, analyze and present information is required.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, colonization, socio-economic issues and the importance of self-determination is required.
• Previous administrative experience in an academic setting is preferred.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain strategic partnerships and external relationships is required.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and relationship-building skills are required.
• Ability to represent the University in professional, community, and Indigenous leadership settings is required.
• Experience developing and monitoring engagement plans, stakeholder databases, and performance metrics is required.
• Ability to prepare strategic briefing materials and reports for senior leaders is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous student success, community engagement, and reconciliation frameworks is required.
• Ability to manage multiple high-profile initiatives and competing priorities while maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of internal and external contacts is required.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate and establish work priorities and deadlines is required.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing environments and circumstances is required.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to provide advice and develop and present informational materials, are required.
• Ability to make sound independent judgments and utilize problem-solving abilities is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and accurately under pressure is required.
• Ability to work with many types of individuals (e.g., staff, faculty, Elders, Indigenous Communities, community organizations, educational organizations, and others) in a sensitive environment is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and the public in a diplomatic, firm but tactful manner is required.
• Ability to process large numbers of documents with speed, accuracy and attention to detail in order to meet strict deadlines is required.
• A high degree of analytical thinking is required.
• Ability to think critically and creatively is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency using advanced features associated with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Teams, etc.) is required.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills are required.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills are required.
• Experience using University systems (e.g., Epic, Concur) preferred.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

Why the University of Manitoba?

Along with being one of Manitoba’s top employers, we are proud to provide a collaborative and enriching work environment. In addition to a strong compensation package with a competitive salary, the University provides an exceptional workplace that includes:

• Comprehensive group benefits and pension plan.
• Competitive vacation time.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• A full spectrum of professional development opportunities.

Closing Date: September 28, 2026

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.