Community and Government Relations Lead-Responsable des relations communautaires et gouvernementales

Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages • Ottawa, ON

9d • CA$77,690 - CA$87,907 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages is dedicated to promoting and championing Indigenous languages by supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples across Canada to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen their languages. The national team is passionate about their work and the difference they make with research, resources, and innovation developed collaboratively with partners and shared with Indigenous communities. The office has policies in place to ensure a welcoming, safe, and respectful workplace, as well as rigorous standards for transparency and accountability. The vision is for all Indigenous languages in Canada to be safe, vibrant, and thriving. There is an urgent need for concerted efforts and investments toward the revitalization of Indigenous languages to arrest and reverse the erosion that has already occurred. Research shows that no Indigenous language in Canada is safe and that all are in varying stages of endangerment. Indigenous languages are fundamental to the identities, cultures, spirituality, relationships to the land, worldviews, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous languages have and continue to contribute to the strength of Canada as a whole, including biodiversity and the richness of linguistic and cultural heritage. The Commission is committed to protecting the vitality of all Indigenous languages, including sign languages and sleeping languages. The office welcomes interest from qualified candidates as they expand their national team to launch new, exciting projects and to meet growing organizational needs.

Reporting to the Manager of the Connection Hub, the Community and Government Relations Lead provides strategic leadership in community engagement and relationship-building with Indigenous Peoples, organizations, governments, and diverse stakeholders/rightsholders across Canada. The role leads the development and implementation of collaborative engagement strategies that foster meaningful, respectful, and transformative partnerships in support of Indigenous language revitalization. Through building reciprocal relationships and partnerships, this position plays a key role in strengthening knowledge sharing, advancing the mandate of the Commission, identifying emerging priorities, and developing community-informed approaches to language revitalization needs. The Community and Government Relations Lead ensures that the Commission’s approach to building relationships and partnerships are grounded in community priorities, as well as Indigenous knowledge systems and worldviews.

Requirements

• Degree in public policy, public administration, communications, Indigenous studies, social sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant experience (3-5+ years) in building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous communities, partners, governments, and stakeholders/rightsholders.
• Experience in leading community outreach, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and government relations.
• Experience working with or alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, or governments, with a demonstrated understanding of distinctions-based approaches.
• Experience working with complex and sensitive priorities requiring diplomacy, sound judgement, and cultural humility.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, language revitalization priorities, cultural preservation, and the broader policy landscape in Canada, including the Indigenous Languages Act and the TRC Calls to Action.
• Knowledge of Indigenous governance, rights, and culturally-grounded community engagement practices.
• Strong familiarity with federal, provincial/territorial, and Indigenous policy environments and decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and foster strong, trust-based relationships with communities, governments, partners, and diverse stakeholders/rightsholders.
• Excellent understanding of Indigenous governance, knowledge systems, worldviews, and perspectives.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize diverse sources of information into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with diverse partners/rightsholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing briefings, reports, and materials for senior leadership.
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading initiatives from design through implementation.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments.
• High degree of cultural competency, humility, and respect when working with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, while also operating independently and taking initiative.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in an Indigenous language
• Bilingualism (English/French)

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Manager, lead strategic community engagement and trust-based relationship-building with Indigenous Peoples, communities, governments, external partners, and rightsholders in support of language revitalization.
• Strengthen collaboration opportunities between the Commission and partners, communities, governments, and rightsholders.
• Foster collaborative relationships and partnerships with National Indigenous Organizations as well as federal, provincial, and territorial governments and partners.
• Monitor emerging issues and priorities related to Indigenous languages and the Commission’s mandate to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership on external engagements and partnership initiatives which reflect community priorities and are grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems.
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials, speaking notes, and issue analyses as it relates to community engagement and government relations.
• Lead the design, management, and implementation of MOUs and other partnership frameworks that advance departmental and organizational priorities.
• Collaborate across internal teams to ensure aligned engagement approaches and consistent communication outputs.
• Represent the Commission at key engagements and forums, strengthening relationships with communities, governments, external partners, and rightsholders.

Benefits

• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Pension plan
• Three weeks paid holidays to begin
• Additional paid days off through the year, including federal and provincial holidays
• Opportunities for career development
• Mentorship
• Professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior