Supervisor, Indigenous Relations

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo•Fort McMurray, AB

1d•CA$141,208 - CA$149,277•Onsite

About The Position

The Indigenous and Rural Relations department is dedicated to fostering strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with Indigenous and rural communities across the region. The team ensures that municipal programs, services, and decisions are informed by meaningful engagement, cultural awareness and a commitment to reconciliation. Key functions of the department include: Leading engagement and consultation with Indigenous and rural communities. Supporting cultural awareness and reconciliation initiatives across the Municipality. Developing and maintaining protocols that respect Indigenous traditions and practices. Providing advice and guidance to Council and administration on Indigenous and rural matters. Advocating for the unique needs and priorities of rural communities. Partnering on community development projects that enhance inclusion, sustainability and quality of life. By advancing partnerships, supporting community voices, and celebrating the diverse histories and traditions that shape the region, Indigenous and Rural Relations plays a vital role in creating an inclusive and connected Wood Buffalo for today and future generations. The Supervisor, Indigenous Relations is responsible for the leadership and supervision of the Indigenous and Rural Relations and Reconciliation team. The incumbent provides support to the Manager with planning, development, and implementation of Indigenous relations programs, oversees the progress of municipal reconciliation initiatives, and is involved in cultivating and maintaining relationships with Indigenous partners. As a leader, the incumbent upholds the Municipality’s organizational values and is accountable for fostering a healthy, safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Leading by example, the Supervisor promotes the Municipality’s cultural competencies of personal accountability, continuous improvement, effective communication, collaboration, excellence in customer service, and support for common goals.

Requirements

Strong team player with a collaborative style, project management, and facilitation skills.
Ability to empower people and use innovative approaches in situations involving rapid changes, shifting priorities, and/or simultaneous demands.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with leaders, employees, and internal and external partners; interacts in a manner that builds trust, credibility and rapport.
Demonstrated experience in community development and relationship building within Indigenous communities.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, issues, communities, and protocols.
High level of customer service in political environment and the ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information/situations.
Comfort traveling to rural areas.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and communication skills- both verbal and written, as well as a demonstrated ability to assess situations from a business perspective.
Demonstrated understanding of municipal policies, procedures, processes, strategic and business direction.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
Sound judgment and professionalism in independent decision-making.
Degree or Diploma in Indigenous Relations, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or related discipline is required.
An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.
Five (5) years of experience with a degree or seven (7) years of experience with a diploma in an Indigenous relations or social programing environment.
Two (2) years of experience in a leadership role.
Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary Indigenous issues, communities, and cultural protocols is required.
Ability to provide a Criminal Record Check for review and acceptance
A valid Class five (5) Operator’s License is required

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a public sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Employee Development: Takes a lead role to ensure all employees are working proficiently and effectively in a productive environment. Provides supervision and leadership, ensuring the team is managed fairly and consistently. Works with team to plan and balance workload, and verifies that work processes are followed and coordinated to guarantee service levels. Mentors, coaches, and provides support to staff.
Research and Implementation: Participates in the continuous research, development, improvement, and implementation of effective departmental programs and strategies. Provides input into departmental plans, Indigenous relations and reconciliation strategies, as well as Municipal policies, bylaws, and initiatives to ensure continuous achievement of departmental and organizational goals. Monitors all program-related budgets and assists with preparation of annual budgeting. Develops and enhances relationships with Indigenous partners, rural communities, and collaborates with partners for programs and events where possible.
Department Guidance: Provides ongoing vision for the development of Indigenous relations strategies, programs, and initiatives in accordance with legislation, industry standards, and best practices. Develops plans based on partner feedback and strategic direction. Ensures Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and Protocol Agreement deliverables are established, implemented, and monitored in alignment with the Municipality’s commitments to reconciliation. Provides advice, guidance, and expertise relating to Indigenous relations and reconciliation. Oversees rural community engagement. Collaborates with internal and external partners to achieve optimal service levels.