Manager, Indigenous Relations and Policy Unit

Note: The headquarters for this position is at 1075 Bay Street in Toronto. Options for flexible work and telework arrangements are available.

At the Anti-Racism Directorate (ARD), we are committed to establishing and continuously strengthening relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders and communities guided by truth and reconciliation and working in partnership to address the impacts of systemic racism.

We seek an exceptional leader to advance this critical mandate in the province of Ontario.

Do you have lived or other experience engaging and collaborating with Indigenous communities and organizations on systemic change initiatives? Are you a leader who can tackle complex issues while maintaining relations and inspiring an engaged and purpose driven team? Are you a strategic leader with cultural competency, and a growth mindset? If so, the Anti-Racism Directorate would like to hear from you! We are encouraging and welcoming applications from members of Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities to help us deliver on this critical work.

As the Manager of the Indigenous Relations and Policy Unit, you will lead the Anti-Racism Directorate's Indigenous-focused work in collaboration with community, sector and ministry partners and identify intersecting areas to address anti-Indigenous racism in government policies, programs and services.

From removing systemic barriers to increasing public awareness of the impact of racism and hate, the ARD's focus is on making impactful change and improving outcomes for all Ontarians. Visit the Anti-Racism Directorate to learn more about our work, and review the Additional Information section below for more details on the upcoming Anti-Racism Directorate Open House or click here to sign up for the event which will take place on Tuesday October 26th.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Reporting directly to the Assistant Deputy Minister, the Manager of Indigenous Relations and Policy Unit will:

• Coach, mentor and manage a team of experienced policy professionals, while supporting and promoting an engaged, culturally responsive, and inclusive work environment.
• Lead the development of the Ontario anti-Indigenous racism strategy through consultation, development, implementation.
• Share anti-Indigenous racism expertise and advice with internal and external partners to advance Indigenous-led and focused initiatives.
• Develop and lead relationship-building approaches that result in meaningful partnerships and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario.

OPS commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism
The OPS is an innovative, responsive, and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable. Diversifying leadership teams is a top OPS priority with the goal to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most underrepresented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) in leadership positions.

To advance this goal, the OPS is collecting socio-demographic information that will help to address potential barriers and achieve equity in hiring. You are requested to complete the voluntary survey and contribute to building a more diverse, anti-racist, inclusive and accessible OPS.

The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous and racialized individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion.

The OPS offers employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

How do I qualify?

Leadership skills:

• You demonstrate the principles of inclusive leadership by empowering employees, encouraging collaboration, and defining a team culture rooted in respect, continuous learning, and performance excellence.
• You can mentor and coach staff to excel to their full potential and meaningfully contribute through ongoing change.
• You can lead the development of a new team and drive a vision and organizational goals with an Indigenous-focused perspective and to deliver on key government commitments.

Knowledge of Indigenous peoples and culture:

• You are familiar with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous people and organizations in Ontario, governance protocols, policy priorities and perspectives.
• You understand the historical, social, economic, legal, and political context underlying Indigenous policy development and government relations.
• You are familiar with engagement principles and protocols relevant to First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous Peoples.
• You have experience working with Indigenous people and organizations to gather input and build consensus.

Strategy and delivery:

• You can lead strategic planning, engagement, development, and implementation of the Indigenous-focused components of the provincial Anti-Racism Strategy.
• You can provide strategic advice, and work across government to identify, prevent, and dismantle anti-Indigenous racism and systemic barriers in government policies, programs, and services.
• You understand the public policy development and government decision-making process (e.g. preparation of Cabinet submissions, briefing notes etc.) to advance the mandate on addressing systemic racism.

Stakeholder engagement and political acuity:

• You have strong relationship building skills to develop meaningful relationships and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• You take a collaborative approach to working with ministry staff and stakeholders, and cross-government partners to advance common goals
• You demonstrate political acuity, judgement skills to anticipate and manage contentious issues and to identify mitigating strategies.

Additional information:

Anti-Racism Directorate Open House
Interested in learning more about this position and how we work? We are hosting an Open House where you'll hear directly from our Assistant Deputy Minister and team about the new Indigenous Relations and Policy Unit, our work, culture and have an opportunity for a Q&A period.

If you are interested in attending the open house, please click here to sign up for the event on Tuesday October 26th.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, November 1, 2021 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.