Indigenous Relations Specialist

Toronto Hydro•Toronto, ON

1d•CA$100,943 - CA$126,179•Hybrid

About The Position

The Indigenous Relations Specialist will help strengthen and grow meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities’ partners and businesses. You will be working collaboratively across teams and with external rights holders to support the development and delivery of Indigenous programs, initiatives and commitments that are culturally respectful and community focused. You will help build understanding, strengthen relationships and provide guidance that supports informed decision-making and organizational commitments to Indigenous inclusion and reconciliation. Through authentic collaboration and community-centered approaches, you will help build meaningful relationships and lasting outcomes that honour Indigenous cultures, knowledge systems, and community priorities. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Requirements

Post secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Social Work or related field of study. A combination of education and lived experience may be considered.
Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience in Indigenous relations, community engagement or reconciliation focused environment
Demonstrates commitment to culturally respectful practices with Indigenous communities.
Strong relationship-building and rights holder engagement skills, with the ability to establish trust and maintain long-term partnerships.
Knowledge gained through lived experience, community involvement, cultural teachings and/or professional experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, or businesses preferred.
Knowledge and appreciation of working in the Truth and Reconciliation environment preferred.
Experience working with Indigenous communities in southern Ontario preferred.
Effective communication skills (written and verbal), including presentations, reporting, and translating complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Project management and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines
Analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends, and inform decision-making.
Facilitation and collaboration skills to support working groups, sharing circles, workshops, and cross-functional initiatives
Ability to develop reports, briefing materials, dashboards, and presentations for diverse audiences
Experience compiling, presenting, organizing, and summarizing qualitative and quantitative data to Senior leadership.
Strong project management and organization skills.
Works collaboratively with internal employees, business units, and external parties.
Ability to influence without authority.
Demonstrates a positive learning attitude and takes initiative to improve processes.

Nice To Haves

Specialized certification, designation or program Indigenous Relations (considered an asset)

Responsibilities

Build and nurture meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, partners and businesses through engagement, collaboration and ongoing dialogue that supports trust, reciprocity and shared priorities
Lead the development and delivery of Indigenous Relations strategy, frameworks, programs and guiding principles, establishing new approaches and initiatives that advance reconciliation commitments and create a strong foundation for long-term outcomes
Set and operationalize Indigenous relations priorities by collaborating with business units across the organization to integrate Indigenous perspectives into planning, projects, decision-making and organizational initiatives.
Design, implement and continuously improve new programs, processes, governance models and performance measures that elevate impact, support accountability and ensure alignment with community priorities and organizational objectives
Provide strategic advice and subject matter expertise to leaders and stakeholders, championing culturally informed practices, strengthening cultural competency and supporting respectful relationship-based engagement across Toronto Hydro
Monitor, evaluate and enhance program effectiveness through research, data analysis, performance measures and community feedback, ensuring initiatives remain responsive, impactful and aligned with evolving needs
Translate community insights to actionable recommendations, communications and plans, enabling informed decision-making and strengthening organizational alignment with reconciliation commitments, regulatory requirements and Indigenous priorities.