Manager, Indigenous Programs and Policy

Government of Alberta • Edmonton, AB

3d • CA$102,329 - CA$137,705 • Onsite

About The Position

The ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services keeps Alberta communities safe and secure, and ensures our province is prepared for and resilient to the impacts of disasters. The ministry works alongside partners in law enforcement, justice, health and social services and other community and Indigenous partners as a part of the justice and public safety continuum to support the unique needs of Albertans while ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the system. The Manager, Indigenous Programs and Policy (IPP) provides strategic leadership, policy coordination, and grant/program oversight to advance Indigenous initiatives within Public Safety and Emergency Services. The role leads the IPP team, including leadership of the Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU), and plays a central role in coordinating Indigenous policy development, engagement, and program delivery across the ministry with an aim to improve the safety of Indigenous people and communities in Alberta. The position ensures Indigenous programs and services are culturally grounded and trauma-informed, aligned with government priorities, reconciliation commitments, and federal–provincial–territorial obligations, and provides expert advice to senior leadership while strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, partner ministries, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• University graduation in Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, Social Work, Law and/or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of 4 years' progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge of Indigenous public safety issues
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Victims of Public Safety Act, and related statutes/case law).
• Experience with policy development, intergovernmental relations, and grants administration.
• Demonstrated people leadership (supervisory/management experience); experience leading front-line staff is an asset.
• Strong financial and administrative acumen (government/ministry policies/directives), plus facilitation, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Experience working in complex, politically sensitive environments, with strong written and verbal communication skills (including briefing senior executives).
• Proven ability to build and sustain respectful relationships with Indigenous partners and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Indigenous Nations and organizations in Alberta.
• Experience building respectful relationships and working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, organizations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and leadership.
• Experience providing or supporting culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and relationship-based programs, services, or policy initiatives.
• Familiarity with Indigenous cultural protocols and practices, including experience supporting ceremonies, gatherings, and/or circles.
• Awareness and understanding of key reports, legislation, and Calls to Action related to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S+), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and Indigenous justice initiatives.
• Ability to speak or understand an Indigenous language.
• Experience working within Indigenous-led, community-based, government, or cross-sector environments.
• Lived experience and/or strong cultural understanding of Indigenous realities, histories, and contemporary issues in Canada.
• Experience supporting Indigenous approaches to healing, wellness, community safety, or justice.
• Experience leading engagement, collaboration, or partnership initiatives involving Indigenous stakeholders, communities, or governments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Indigenous Programs and Policy team (including front-line FILU staff), setting clear expectations, supporting development, and fostering an inclusive, trauma-informed workplace.
• Provide strategic direction and program oversight for FILU, including operational leadership, continuous improvement, and culturally grounded service delivery supporting families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).
• Coordinate and inform Indigenous safety policy across PSES and partner ministries; identify emerging issues and advise on systemic impacts; participate in federal–provincial–territorial forums and MMIP discussions.
• Oversee the development and administration of grants, ensuring strong stewardship, compliance, risk management, and achievement of outcomes aligned with department priorities.
• Lead meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and partners (including with Elders and Protocol Table partners), ensuring Indigenous perspectives inform policy direction and ministry initiatives.
• Prepare and lead briefing materials, action requests, and presentations for senior leadership; serve as Acting Director as required.

Benefits

• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Leadership and mentorship programs
• Opportunity to join Employee Resource Groups, such as the Indigenous Employee Circle

What This Job Offers

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