Lead, Health Equity & Priority Populations - Indigenous

Ontario Health; Greater Sudbury; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Pension plan

Vacation entitlement

Personal days

Learning and development

Job summary

Ontario Health is recruiting an Indigenous Health Equity Lead for the North Region. You will translate Indigenous health priorities into regional planning and collaborate with Indigenous communities, providers, and cross‑divisional teams to improve health outcomes.

The role focuses on cultural safety, governance alignment and evidence-based planning, with responsibilities spanning planning, funding, performance and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 5 years related FNIMUI community experience.
• Understanding FNIMUI population landscape and health planning processes.
• Knowledge of Indigenous languages is advantageous.
• Experience with community outreach and engagement with FNIMUI groups.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Co‑develop and implement the North Region Indigenous Health Equity Operational Plan.
• Incorporate cultural safety and distinctions‑based approaches into planning, service design, funding and performance.
• Facilitate collaboration with Ontario Health teams, Indigenous providers and partners.
• Support culturally safe engagement with FNIMUI communities and partners.
• Provide data analysis and advisory support for evidence-informed planning.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Relationship management

Communication skills

Facilitation

Presentation skills

Project management

Data analysis

Community engagement

Cultural safety

Education

Post-Secondary Degree or Diploma in Health-related field

Public Administration

Business

Social Work

Job description

At Ontario Health, we are committed to developing a strong organizational culture that connects and inspires all team members across the province. Our vision is that together, we will be a leader in health and wellness for all. Our mission is to connect the health system to drive improved and equitable health outcomes, experiences and value. How we work together is reflected through our five values: integrity, inspiration, tenacity, humility and care.

What Ontario Health offers: At Ontario Health, your growth and well-being aren’t just supported—they’re celebrated every step of the way. Here, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while shaping a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Based on your role, you may receive:

• Comprehensive health coverage from day one, with fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits to support you and your family’s health
• Flexible health care or wellness spending accounts, plus an inclusive program to support your overall well-being
• A premium defined benefit pension plan, ensuring long-term financial security
• Competitive vacation entitlement that encourages time to rest and recharge
• Three personal days and two float days annually, providing added flexibility to support work-life balance, in addition to vacation days
• Ongoing learning and career development opportunities designed to help you grow, advance, and thrive in your profession
• A collaborative, values-driven workplace where integrity, care, humility, inspiration, and tenacity shape everything we do
• Opportunities to participate in Communities of Inclusion, fostering belonging, equity, and the sharing of diverse perspectives across our team

Want to make a difference in your career?Consider this opportunity.

Indigenous Health Equity Lead

Ontario Health is seeking an Indigenous Health Equity Lead to help advance meaningful, sustainable improvements in health outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous communities (FNIMUI) across the North Region. This role is a key connector between Indigenous governance, community priorities, regional planning and provincial health system transformation. Working in partnership with Indigenous communities, health service providers and cross-divisional teams, the Lead brings community intelligence, cultural safety and distinctions-based approaches into planning, service design, funding, performance, emergency management and system improvement activities. This is an opportunity for a collaborative, relationship-centred leader to translate Indigenous Health Equity priorities into action, strengthen partner confidence and support a One Ontario Health approach that reflects regional FNIMUI and geographic distinctions. This role is regional in nature and pertinent to the needs of Northern Ontario.

Key Responsibilities

• Co‑develop and implement the North Region Indigenous Health Equity Operational Plan, aligning regional priorities with provincial Indigenous Health, Equity and French language health services objectives.
• Bring Indigenous community intelligence, governance direction, cultural safety and distinctions‑based approaches into regional planning, service design, funding, performance, emergency management, communications and clinical work.
• Facilitate collaboration across Ontario Health teams, Indigenous Health Service Providers and community partners to identify needs, gaps, risks and practical solutions.
• Support culturally safe engagement with FNIMUI communities and partners, including planning approaches, community engagement events, issue resolution and follow‑up actions.
• Provide technical planning expertise, data analysis and advice to support evidence‑informed health system planning and address Indigenous health inequities.
• Strengthen organizational capacity through guidance, education, resource development, presentations and practical support related to Indigenous health equity and cultural safety.
• Develop executive updates, reports and presentations to communicate progress, emerging issues, risks and opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of FNIMUI community profiles, health services, leaders, priorities, best practices and emerging research to inform regional and provincial planning.
• Participate in provincial and regional planning activities and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education and Experience
• Post‑Secondary Degree or Diploma in Health‑related field, Public Administration, Business or Social Work, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 5 years related experience working in a First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI) community
• Extensive understanding of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI) population landscape, including urban communities/health service providers/First Nation communities/ Provincial Territorial Organizations etc.
• Preference will be given to individuals with lived experience in a First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI) community.
• Preference for candidates with understanding of Indigenous languages.
• Good working knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI) health planning processes and the jurisdictional issues associated with the delivery of Indigenous health care services.
• Understanding of the Ontario health‑care system, its partners, programs, and issues.
• Good understanding and sensitivity to federal and provincial First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI ) health planning processes.
• Sensitivity and awareness of traditional healing and wellness practices.
• Knowledge and Skills
• Knowledge of health equity as an approach to strengthening the health care system.
• Demonstrated experience in successful community outreach and community engagement with FNIMUI people.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, supported by excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with facilitation techniques and processes.
• Comfortable with the development and delivery of presentations; including engagement with FNIMUI people; and the facilitation of EIDA‑R learning options.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in partnership with FNIMUI people and organizations with diverse backgrounds.
• Well‑developed decision‑making, problem‑solving and judgement skills are required.
• Excellent project management and presentation skills including planning and communications.
• Proven track record in achieving successful outcomes.
• In‑depth development knowledge of local health issues, priorities and needs while recognizing the broader trends in health care policy and system development.

Location: Northern Ontario Employment Type: Temporary + (Fixed Term) Full time Contract Length: 12 Month(s) Salary Band: Band 6 External Application Deadline Date: October 11, 2026 All applicants must be a resident of Ontario to be considered for roles at Ontario Health.

Ontario Health encourages applications from candidates who are First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous; Francophone; members of Black and racialized groups; 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; trans and nonbinary individuals; and people living with disabilities.

Ontario Health is the provincial agency responsible for ensuring Ontarians receive high-quality health care services where and when they need them. Since it was established in June 2019, Ontario Health has brought together the strengths of many existing health care organizations to work together to build a better health care system for all Ontarians. Building on the expertise and knowledge of our people, we are committed to applying the best of what we collectively do, and in partnership with others, to transform the health system and improve the quality and delivery of care for patients, families, and health care providers.