Indigenous Initiatives, Manager - City of Kingston

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah- nish-in-ah-bay), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

View full job description on our Careers webpage.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Community Development, Wellbeing – Indigenization, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (CDWB-IIDEA) and working collaboratively across City departments and with other levels of government, research groups and community-based organizations, the Indigenous Initiatives Manager acts as lead City liaison to Indigenous governments, First Nations and Urban Indigenous peoples and communities.

The position provides leadership, direction and support to the implementation of a range of City priorities, including the City of Kingston’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to the development and implementation of Urban Indigenous and Nation-to-City consultation frameworks. The role manages, leads, and supports Indigenous consultation within the work of the municipality, including projects related to land-use development.

The Manager brings experience and understanding of complex socio-economic, historical, cultural and political, matters to the work of the City. The role will additionally coordinate with various City Departments on key City initiatives that impact Indigenous governments, communities and residents, will provide support to cultural events and celebrations, and will be responsible for research reports, policy development, implementation of actions arising from policy, and assisting with the monitoring and evaluation of City led initiatives.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Effectively manage and strengthen relationships and consultation between the City, local First Nations and Urban Indigenous communities, Indigenous organizations, and other levels of government using collaborative and innovative partnership approaches.

• Buzild and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders and organizations. Facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration between project stakeholders to address concerns, identify opportunities and build consensus.
• Build and maintain existing relationships with Indigenous government representatives, Indigenous residents, communities and organizations respectful of differing cultural experiences/narratives/understandings which may arise among them. Facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration between project partners to address concerns, identify opportunities and build consensus.
• Prepare and support the development of recommendations, reports and presentations to City Council and Council Committees, through the synthesis and analysis of background research and engagement outcomes.
• Develop consultation standards and framework(s) for the City of Kingston in relation to the City’s commitment to working with urban Indigenous community members, Indigenous communities, and Nations on matters of shared interest, and provide advice on current best practices and , in coordination with Legal services, identify key legal rulings related to the Duty to Consult (DTC) as applicable to municipal decision making.
• Collaboratively support staff from across the corporation in carrying out community consultations on a range of projects.
• Lead in the development and implementation of strategies to improve competencies of City staff to work directly and indirectly with First Nations, Indigenous communities and Urban Indigenous peoples.
• Provide system navigation support to local Indigenous community members and organizations, including Indigenous support offices and associations within local post-secondary institutions, as well as to the customer service team of the City.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

• Post-secondary education in a related field (planning, community development, Indigenous studies etc.)
• 3 years relevant experience working within an Indigenous community/communities and/or in an Indigenized role.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies, Indigenous governments, and community organizations.
• An understanding of Indigenous rights, treaties, protocols and cultural practices.
• Experience in developing collaborative partnerships with Indigenous peoples and communities, and public engagement processes is critical.
• Experience working with and/or for Indigenous Communities in Canada preferred.
• Experience working with Urban Indigenous communities preferred.
• Lived experience as an Indigenous Person preferred.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

• Strong relationship building and culturally informed conflict resolution practices, including the ability to convene challenging conversations to resolve complex issues in the spirit of Reconciliation.
• Knowledge of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, to recommend culturally appropriate approaches and to prepare related reports.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team.
• Ability to interact well and communicate with other employees, officials and the public.
• Ability to complete assignments in a high pressure, time-sensitive environment using sound professional techniques and independent judgment within the parameters of work assignments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including preparation of reports and presentation of reports or other information to Council, advisory committees, senior managers and the public.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent facilitation and public participation skills.
• Knowledge of the various Indigenous organizations, social agencies, and services operating in the Kingston area is an asset.
• Knowledge, traditional land and resource use/traditional ecological knowledge (TLU/TEK), and socio-cultural assessments preferred.
• Knowledge of Provincial Policy Statement, Planning Act, and Ontario Heritage Act preferred.
• Must be able to attend meetings outside of normal business hours.
• Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at HRCity@cityofkingston.ca.

Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.