Director Indigenous Health - Senior Leadership in Canada

Spirit Omega Inc.; Newark (NJ); Remote; USD 79,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit Omega Inc. is seeking a senior leader to direct Northern and Indigenous Health initiatives on a national scale.

The role focuses on advancing Indigenous health outcomes, cultural safety, and authentic engagement with Indigenous communities across Canada. You will guide partnerships, program development and policy initiatives, while championing reconciliation and capacity-building within a diverse leadership team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Indigenous health, health sciences, health policy, health administration or a related field.
• At least seven years of senior‑level experience, including a minimum of five years in a leadership or management role.
• Substantive experience in Indigenous health, health services and/or health policy.
• Experience building meaningful partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis governments and organizations.
• Experience working with northern, rural and/or remote populations.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous health and wellness, cultural safety and humility, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, UNDRIP and relevant Indigenous principles.
• Advanced English communication skills (C level); French and English bilingualism is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Northern and Indigenous Health portfolio, focusing on partnerships and programs.
• Lead innovative programs advancing Indigenous and northern health, cultural safety, primary health care and quality of care.
• Advance reconciliation actions and support organizational learning and Indigenous engagement.
• Develop educational programs, workshops, resources and initiatives to improve health system practices.
• Lead program evaluation and continuous quality improvement to ensure meaningful results.
• Identify opportunities, advise senior leadership and shape the portfolio's direction.
• Lead a high-performing team overseeing program delivery, partnerships, budgets and operations.

Skills

Health policy leadership

Indigenous governance

Cross-sector partnerships

Program evaluation

People leadership

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

This is a senior director-level role in the Indigenous and northern health space — a specialized, high-impact domain with growing national priority in Canada's health sector. Here's what career-minded professionals should know:

Compensation context: No salary is posted, but Director-level roles in Canadian health non-profits and government-adjacent organizations typically range from CAD $110,000–$160,000 annually, depending on the organization's size and funding structure. Candidates are asked to submit salary expectations, giving some negotiating leverage.

Skills you'll build:

• National-scale health policy and systems leadership
• Indigenous governance frameworks (OCAP®, UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action)
• Cross-sector partnership development with governments, NGOs and communities
• Program evaluation, quality improvement and knowledge translation
• People leadership — managing up to 10 direct/indirect reports

Career trajectory: This role is well-positioned as a stepping stone to VP or Executive Director roles in national health organizations, federal health agencies, or Indigenous-led governance bodies.

Green flags: Strong mission alignment, genuine reconciliation focus, remote flexibility and national scope signal a progressive, values-driven organization. Preference for Indigenous candidates reflects meaningful equity commitments.

Consideration: The posting is through a recruiter (Spirit Omega), so the end employer is not disclosed. Candidates should probe organizational culture, team stability and funding security during interviews. Bilingualism (French/English) is preferred, which could be a differentiator in a competitive applicant pool.

Preference will be given to self-identified First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates

Lead meaningful change. Build strong partnerships. Shape the future of health care.

Are you a strategic, relationship-driven leader passionate about advancing First Nations, Inuit, Métis and northern health and wellness? Do you thrive on bringing people together, building meaningful partnerships and turning big ideas into meaningful action?

Our client is looking for an inspiring Director, Northern & Indigenous Health to lead an important portfolio of work focused on improving health outcomes, advancing culturally safe care and creating positive change across Canada's health systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide national leadership, influence health system improvement and work alongside Indigenous leaders, communities, governments and health organizations to co‑design solutions that make a difference.

As a member of this fantastic leadership team, you will also play a key role in advancing truth and reconciliation, strengthening cultural safety and humility, and ensuring First Nations, Inuit and Métis perspectives and priorities are meaningfully reflected in our work.

We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with strong relationship‑building skills, inclusive leadership and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

What You’ll Do

You will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Northern and Indigenous Health portfolio, with a focus on:

• Building meaningful partnerships: Develop and strengthen trusted relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations and communities, as well as health system leaders and government partners.
• Driving health system improvement: Lead innovative programs and initiatives that advance Indigenous and northern health, cultural safety and humility, primary health care, mental health and wellness, and quality of care.
• Championing truth and reconciliation: Advance the organization's reconciliation action plan and support organizational learning, cultural competency and meaningful Indigenous engagement.
• Leading innovation and learning: Oversee the development and delivery of educational programs, workshops, resources and initiatives that support knowledge sharing and improved health system practices.
• Measuring impact: Lead program evaluation and continuous quality improvement to ensure initiatives are effective, responsive and delivering meaningful results.
• Providing strategic leadership: Identify emerging opportunities, advise senior leadership, strengthen organizational collaboration and help shape the future direction of the portfolio.
• Leading people and operations: Inspire and develop a high‑performing team while overseeing program delivery, partnerships, budgets, resources and operational priorities.

Throughout this work, you will ensure partnerships and initiatives respect OCAP®, OCAS, Inuit Research Principles and other relevant Indigenous data governance principles.

What You’ll Bring

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Indigenous health, health sciences, health policy, health administration, public health or a related field.
• At least seven years of senior‑level experience, including a minimum of five years in a leadership or management role.
• Substantive experience in Indigenous health, health services and/or health policy.
• Experience building meaningful partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis governments and organizations.
• Experience working with northern, rural and/or remote populations.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous health and wellness, cultural safety and humility, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, UNDRIP and relevant Indigenous principles and protocols.
• Experience facilitating adult learning in cultural safety and cultural competency.
• Strong strategic, communication, relationship‑building and project management skills.
• Advanced English communication skills (C level); French and English bilingualism is preferred.
• Experience leading large‑scale quality improvement and patient safety initiatives is an asset.

The Leadership Qualities We’re Looking For

You are a leader who:

• Leads with humility, integrity and a genuine commitment to reconciliation.
• Builds trusted relationships and creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
• Thinks strategically but isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves and get involved.
• Inspires, coaches and empowers teams to achieve their best.
• Embraces innovation, change and continuous improvement.
• Communicates effectively and navigates complex relationships with tact and diplomacy.
• Thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment where initiative, flexibility and teamwork matter.

The Opportunity

This is your opportunity to influence meaningful health system change and contribute to a better future for Indigenous and northern health in Canada.

You will work alongside passionate colleagues and partners, lead a talented team of up to 10 direct and indirect reports, build relationships across the country and help advance initiatives that support better health outcomes and quality of care.

Occasional local and overnight travel may be required, along with flexibility to support meetings and organizational priorities outside regular business hours.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Atom?

Please note: Only candidates who are legally authorized to work in Canada will be considered for this opportunity. Applicants may be required to provide proof of education, certifications, and relevant work experience.

Is this role fully remote or is office attendance required? The role is listed as remote, but occasional local and overnight travel across Canada is required to build partnerships with Indigenous communities, governments and health organizations. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada. Is preference given to Indigenous candidates? Yes — the posting explicitly states that preference will be given to self‑identified First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates. What qualifications are required for this role? A Master's degree in Indigenous health, health sciences, public health or a related field is required, along with at least seven years of senior‑level experience including five or more years in a leadership role, and substantive experience in Indigenous health, services or policy. Is French language ability required? Advanced English (C level) is required. French-English bilingualism is preferred but not mandatory. Only candidates legally authorized to work in Canada will be considered, and proof of education, certifications and relevant work experience may be required.