Indigenous Engagement & Partnerships Liaison

Valard Construction; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% RRSP matching program

Job summary

Valard Construction is seeking an Indigenous Relations Liaison to support the Northeast Powerline and Northshore Link projects in Northern Ontario. The role will be embedded in the project team and report to the Vice President of Indigenous Partnerships, helping deliver on the engagement plan and workforce participation objectives.

The successful candidate will build trusted relationships with Indigenous communities, manage communications, and coordinate events and milestones while traveling

Qualifications

• Preferred post-secondary education in business administration, communications, Indigenous studies, public relations, or related field.
• 5 years of related experience in Indigenous relations, community engagement, stakeholder relations, or similar role.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with a broader project team.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous community and cultural considerations, including protocols and trust-building.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Valard’s Indigenous Relations team, PMT, Employee Services and Procurement to support Indigenous engagement objectives, workforce participation, community communications, and business opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, leadership, and stakeholders, ensuring meaningful engagement through feedback and ongoing communication.
• Identify, elevate, and support the resolution of issues, risks, or community concerns, collaborating with project leadership and internal teams as required.
• Maintain awareness of local and regional social, political, and economic considerations affecting the project and engagement approach.
• Prepare and distribute community communications and notifications, project milestone updates / lookahead schedules (as appropriate), and construction progress notices.
• Develop project information packages and community-facing materials for leadership, members, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Produce regular reporting including tracking and summarizing hiring, workforce hours, spend, and procurement.
• Ensure all communications, engagement activities, commitments, and issues are recorded and tracked per project requirements.
• Coordinate and participate in community events, open houses, career fairs, and other engagement activities to strengthen relationships and support workforce and business objectives.
• Support workforce communications and respond to employee or community concerns related to project employment and engagement.
• Assist in developing engagement plans and supporting achievable Indigenous participation targets.
• Represent Valard professionally in community settings and on project-related matters.

Skills

Relationship building

Environmental stewardship

Cultural competency

Training and employment

Indigenous procurement

Microsoft Office

Power BI

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in business administration, communications, Indigenous studies, public relations, or related field

Equivalent experience will be considered

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Valard Construction is seeking an Indigenous Relations Liaison to support the Northeast Powerline and Northshore Link projects in Northern Ontario. The role will be embedded in the project team and report to the Vice President of Indigenous Partnerships, helping deliver on the engagement plan and workforce participation objectives.

The successful candidate will build trusted relationships with Indigenous communities, manage communications, and coordinate events and milestones while traveling