Manager, Indigenous Partnerships

Manitoba Government; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The Manitoba government’s Indigenous Jurisdiction Transition Office seeks a Manager, Indigenous Partnerships to lead engagement with Indigenous governments and communities, advise on reconciliation, and advance self-governance initiatives.

You will supervise staff, guide negotiations, represent the department in forums, and build collaborative relationships across Manitoba to improve outcomes for Indigenous children and families.

Qualifications

• Essential: Experience building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous governments and communities (First Nations).
• Essential: Experience engaging in meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indigenous partners.
• Essential: Experience providing strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Essential: Experience leading, supervising, mentoring and developing staff.
• Essential: Experience facilitating discussions and negotiations among multiple stakeholders.
• Essential: Knowledge of Indigenous history, cultures, and current realities in Manitoba.
• Essential: Strong political acumen and understanding of Indigenous community dynamics.
• Essential: Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Essential: Strong written communication skills and experience preparing briefing materials.
• Essential: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement and collaboration with Indigenous governments and communities.
• Provide strategic advice on reconciliation initiatives and Indigenous relations.
• Supervise, mentor and develop staff while coordinating negotiations and consultations.
• Represent the department in various forums and advance Indigenous self-governance initiatives.
• Travel to First Nation communities to engage leadership and members as needed.

Skills

Relationship building

Negotiation

Strategic advisory

Staff leadership

Facilitation

Cultural awareness

Communication

Policy analysis

Project management

Education

Post-secondary education in social sciences or related field

Job description

Advertisement Number: 45615

Salary(s): PM4 $86,168.00 - $112,476.00 per year

Closing Date: September 27, 2026

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

This competition is designated for Indigenous people. Only applicants who self-declare at the time of application will be eligible for further consideration.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for 12 months.

Candidates who do not meet all essential criteria may be considered on an underfill basis at a commensurate rate of pay.

Manager, Indigenous Partnerships

The Indigenous Jurisdiction Transition Office (IJTO) plays a key role in supporting the transition of child and family services jurisdiction to Indigenous Governing Bodies and advancing reconciliation through strong partnerships with Indigenous communities and governments. The Indigenous Partnerships Manager provides strategic leadership in building and maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners, supporting Indigenous self‑governance initiatives, and providing expert advice on matters that impact Indigenous Peoples and communities across Manitoba. The position works in a dynamic and evolving environment, promoting meaningful engagement, collaboration, and innovative approaches that support positive outcomes for Indigenous children, families, and communities.

Duties

The Manager, Indigenous Partnerships builds and maintains strong relationships with Indigenous governments and communities, provides strategic advice on Indigenous relations and reconciliation initiatives, and leads engagement and collaboration with Indigenous and government partners. The position supervises staff, supports negotiations and consultations, represents the department in various forums, and promotes initiatives that support Indigenous self‑governance and positive outcomes for Indigenous children, families, and communities. This position involves significant community‑based engagement and requires the incumbent to regularly attend First Nation communities meeting with Indigenous leadership, partners, and community members.

Why Work for Manitoba Government?

Financial Security

• Defined pension plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Long‑Term Disability Plan
• Employer paid health care benefits including health, dental and vision
• Extended health care for services such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, massages, acupuncture and more
• Annual health spending account for eligible employees

Benefit Plan

• Employer paid health care benefits including health, dental and vision
• Extended health care for services such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, massages, acupuncture and more
• Annual health spending account for eligible employees

Commitment to Health and Wellness

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Paid time‑off including sick leave, wellness days and family related leave days
• Flexible work arrangements for eligible positions
• Generous vacation entitlements, increasing with years of service
• Parental, maternity, and adoptive leave options

Professional Growth & Development

We want our employees to thrive and grow and are committing to investing in their development. We offer multiple avenues of support such as inhouse training, educational assistance and leadership development programs to help achieve these goals.

Organizational Culture and Values

The Manitoba government is committed to a work environment and culture that values and recognizes every employee. When we look at Manitoba’s Public Service, we see a reflection of Manitoba’s diversity. We come from differing educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and work in a wide array of jobs across the province, we are all public servants.

Impact on Manitoba’s Future

By working for Manitoba’s Public Service, you have the unique opportunity to use your time to serve the land, communities, and the people of Manitoba. You can leave a lasting mark that will impact both current and future generations.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations, particularly First Nations.
• Experience engaging in meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indigenous partners while applying the principles of reconciliation.
• Experience providing strategic advice on complex issues, initiatives, programs, or policies to senior leadership.
• Experience leading, supervising, mentoring, and developing staff in a team environment.
• Experience facilitating discussions, negotiations, or partnerships among multiple stakeholders, including government and external partners.
• Knowledge of Indigenous history, cultures, and current realities facing Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba.
• Strong political acumen and understanding of Indigenous community dynamics and government decision‑making processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish credibility and maintain effective working relationships in complex and sensitive environments.
• Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including presentation and facilitation abilities.
• Strong written communication skills, with experience preparing briefing materials, reports, presentations, or other communications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and effectively.

Desired:

• Post‑secondary education in social sciences, public administration, law, Indigenous studies, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working with Indigenous child and family services, Indigenous self‑governance, or jurisdiction initiatives.
• Experience working in an intergovernmental environment involving Indigenous governments and federal, provincial, and municipal stakeholders.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Must be able to travel to northern and remote communities, including overnight travel.

Contract Information

PM4 Planning and Program Analyst 4

Regular/full-time

Department of Families

Indigenous Jurisdiction Transition Office

Winnipeg MB