Lead Research Advisor

Jobtailor; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks an experienced Senior Research Leader to guide the Indigenous Languages Knowledge Hub. You will design national research projects, develop methodologies, and coordinate multiple researchers and partners to deliver evidence-based insights on language vitality and policy impact.

The role emphasizes cultural safety, Indigenous data sovereignty, and engagement with communities, governments, and academic partners to advance language revitalization efforts.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Linguistics, Education, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Indigenous Languages Knowledge Hub research initiatives.
• Lead design and implementation of national research projects and work plans.
• Develop research frameworks, methodologies, standards, and performance measures.
• Coordinate researchers, consultants, and partners across projects.
• Monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Synthesize evidence into actionable findings on language vitality, demographics, and policy impacts.

Skills

Research leadership

Project management

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

GIS

Data sovereignty

Community engagement

Ethical research

Education

Master's degree in Indigenous Studies

Tools

GIS

Digital knowledge repositories

Archival research

Job description

• Provide strategic research leadership for the Indigenous Languages Knowledge Hub
• Lead the design and implementation of national research projects and initiatives
• Develop research frameworks, methodologies, standards, and work plans
• Advise on Indigenous language research trends, priorities, opportunities, gaps, and emerging issues
• Contribute to annual and multi-year research agendas
• Lead and oversee multiple research projects from planning through completion
• Coordinate internal and external researchers, consultants, contractors, and partners
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and performance measures
• Conduct and oversee qualitative, quantitative, and Indigenous methodologies
• Synthesize evidence into actionable findings and analyze trends related to language vitality, demographics, documentation, mapping, and emerging technologies
• Support research related to Indigenous Languages Act reporting requirements
• Develop reports, briefing materials, position papers, recommendations, fact sheets, toolkits, dashboards, and knowledge resources
• Promote Indigenous data sovereignty and ensure ethical, culturally appropriate, community-centered research practices
• Build relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities, academic institutions, and research networks
• Facilitate collaborative research initiatives, engagement activities, advisory committees, and knowledge-sharing forums
• Represent OCIL at meetings, conferences, and working groups
• Provide strategic advice supporting evidence-informed decision-making

Requirements

• Master's degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Linguistics Education, Research Methodology, or a related field
• 3–5+ years of progressively responsible experience conducting and leading research initiatives
• Experience working alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, or language revitalization initiatives
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and partners
• Experience developing research methodologies and leading evidence-based analysis
• Strong understanding of Indigenous language revitalization, documentation, reclamation, or language policy, including the Indigenous Languages Act and the TRC Calls to Action
• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS), digital knowledge repositories, archival research, or emerging technologies
• Knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty frameworks and ethical research standards
• Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies and ethical research practices
• Advanced qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written communication, report writing, and presentation skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong facilitation, consultation, and engagement skills
• High degree of cultural competency, humility, and respect when working with Indigenous Peoples and communities

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading research initiatives focused on Indigenous languages, including the development of methodologies and frameworks that align with ethical research practices. Possesses strong project management skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, ensuring culturally appropriate and community-centered research outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Master's Degree in Indigenous Studies
• Indigenous Language Revitalization
• Research Methodology Development
• Project Management
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Skills

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Research Framework Development
• Evidence-Based Analysis
• Indigenous Methodologies
• Data Analysis
• Report Writing
• Budget Monitoring
• Performance Measurement
• GIS Experience
• Archival Research
• Emerging Technologies

Soft Skills

• Collaboration
• Facilitation
• Consultation
• Cultural Competency
• Communication

Industry Keywords

• Indigenous Languages Act
• Language Policy
• TRC Calls to Action
• Data Sovereignty
• Community Engagement

Tools & Technologies

• Digital Knowledge Repositories
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)