MCP Research Lead

University of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive group benefits and a two

Pension plan

Vacation time

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Manitoba seeks a Research Lead to oversee archival research for the Missing Children Project (MCP) at the NCTR. You will supervise researchers, coordinate projects, and ensure rigorous, respectful handling of sensitive records.

Reporting to the Research Manager, you will also engage with survivors and communities, audit critical databases, and support data-driven findings that align with Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Qualifications

• At least five years of relevant experience with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience with Indigenous communities/organizations is required.
• Experience using archival databases for research.
• Experience working with large datasets of highly sensitive information.
• Strong writing and editing skills for high-quality reports.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects within time and budget constraints.

Responsibilities

• Oversee archival research activities for MCP and ensure accuracy of evidence.
• Supervise Archival Researchers and assign projects.
• Engage with Survivor and community inquiries and coordinate communications.
• Audit Student Memorial and Death Registers databases.
• Maintain trauma-informed, respectful research environments.

Skills

Leadership & supervision

Indigenous knowledge

Research project management

Archival research methods

Data management & analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Archival databases

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

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 Research Lead oversees and coordinates archival research activities for the Missing Children Project (MCP) at the NCTR, supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #72 and #73 related to missing residential school children and burial sites. Reporting to the Research Manager, the role supervises Archival Researchers, assigns research projects and school records, and ensures the accurate identification and verification of student death and burial site evidence using established research criteria and NCTR archival holdings. The position also supports Survivor and community inquiries, contributes to engagement and communication efforts, manages research data and archival processes, audits information in the Student Memorial Register and Student Death Register database, and helps ensure accurate, respectful, and trustworthy research outcomes using NCTR’s extensive digital archives.

The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:

INDIGENOUS APPLICANTS PREFERRED. APPLICANTS MUST SELF-DECLARE ON THEIR COVER LETTER/RESUME AS INDIGENOUS (FIRST NATION, METIS AND/OR INUIT).

• years of directly related experience or professional degree in a related discipline plus five years of directly related experience is required.
• Knowledge of Indigenous history is required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification would be an asset.
• Combination of education and experience may be considered as equivalent.
• At least five years of relevant experience in university, community, government, Indigenous, private sector or professional administration including at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisor role is required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory, team lead, or managerial capacity, with a demonstrated ability to oversee and support diverse and potentially high-stress or emotionally demanding teams is required.
• Previous experience working with Indian Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, or Indigenous communities/organizations is required.
• Track record of success in developing, reviewing, and implementing proposals for potential research projects and programs, including working with funders and other agencies is required.
• Research experience is required; research with Indigenous communities and Indigenous methodologies is preferred.
• Experience in using archival databases for the purpose of research is required.
• Experience in using large data sets to narrow down searches and make decisions on the accuracy of research is required.
• Proven experience managing team dynamics, resolving conflicts, and maintaining cohesion in high-pressure environments is required.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and hold staff accountable while fostering a healthy, respectful, and trauma-informed workplace culture is required.
• Experience supervising research staff, administrative personnel, or cross-functional teams in sensitive or emotionally complex work environments is required.
• Experience working with large data sets of highly sensitive personal information is required.
• Experience in dealing effectively and diplomatically with senior members of an organization and the public, and ability to foster harmonious working relationships with other staff, both academic and support, is required.
• Experience preparing, managing, administering, updating, and maintaining accurate research project documentation is required.
• Experience providing senior management audiences with analyses, recommendations, and reports on research projects is required.
• Experience overseeing the performance of research project team, unit, or department is required.
• Experience supervising, motivating, and evaluating the performance of direct reports within a research project team, unit, or department is required.
• Experience developing proposals to secure external funding for research projects is required.
• Experience forecasting and leveling resource capacity across research projects is required.
• Experience hiring and selecting job candidates is required.
• Experience onboarding and training direct reports is required.
• Experience procuring goods and services (i.e. arranging purchase orders, developing requests for proposal, negotiating contracts with vendors) is required.
• Experience supervising vendors responsible for the delivery of goods and services for projects is required.
• Demonstrated ability to foster strong community connections is an asset.
• Project management experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures is an asset.
• Experience developing project management frameworks (i.e. policies, processes, and procedures) is an asset.
• Competencies with Indigenous cultural awareness, knowledge, and protocols are required.
• Ability to conduct research independently is required.
• Ability to plan, organize and administer research projects is required.
• Ability to work within time and budget constraints is required.
• Ability to train and supervise the work of staff and students is required.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills are required.
• Superior organizational skills required.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to make sound independent judgments, and take initiative are required.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to co-ordinate workflow, prioritize work and handle multiple tasks at the same time are required.
• Superior writing and editing skills with a focus on producing high-quality, well-structured reports are required.
• Ability to receive feedback, take and give direction and seek clarification as necessary required.
• Excellent ability to anticipate and resolve problems required.
• Ability to interact with individuals and groups in social, political, professional, NGO and educational environments required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment required.
• Competency with word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentations and online meeting software required.
• Aptitude for learning new software required.
• Ability to perform all duties in a professional and diplomatic manner, and ability to maintain confidentiality required.
• Ability to identify procedures and processes requiring improvement and recommend, develop, and implement modifications to improve efficiency required.
• Excellent risk management skills with demonstrated ability to identify and analyze potential issues, identify mitigation steps, and contingency plans required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to identify and analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions successfully required.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles is required.
• Proficiency in use of financial software (e.g. SAP R/3, Concur, FAST) to manage project expenses is required.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project, Teams) is required.
• Exceptional financial acuity skills with ability to make strategic financial decisions is asset.
• Knowledge of project management methods, standards and best practices (e.g. PMBOK) is asset.
• Indigenous language and/or French is an asset.
• Must have high energy level and a positive attitude, enjoy challenges, and adapt well to change.
• Must be personable and helpful.
• High level of commitment to the University of Manitoba community and the mission of Indigenous Engagement is required.
• Understanding of trauma-informed processes (trauma, triggers and effects on behaviour) is required.
• Class 5 Drivers license is an asset.
• Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.
• Satisfactory work record, including 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.