Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network

Description:

Please note that short-listed candidates may be asked to participate in an Indigenous substantiation process.

About us:

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives was established in response to the U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Steering Committee’s final report, Answering The Call: Wecheehetowin. The Office’s mandate is to support and guide the U of T community as it continues to work towards reconciliation. Efforts are directed towards listening, coordinating, advising, and collaborating with academic and non-academic communities in addressing the Calls to Action. The Office intersects with areas such as teaching and learning, student experience, Faculty and staff recruitment and engagement, and community-based research. The Office also conducts a regular environmental scan, produces a report to establish the impact and progress of Indigenous Initiatives on campus, and manages the activities of the Council of Indigenous Initiatives and the Elder’s Circle.

Your opportunity:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives, while supporting the vision of the Director, Indigenous Research Network the Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network (IRN) is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the development, coordination, and advancement of the Indigenous Research Network that supports Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Holders, community members and colleagues doing research in and with Indigenous communities. Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, researchers, institutional and external partners, the Assistant Director will foster meaningful relationships, promote ethical research practices, and advance Indigenous research priorities. The Assistant Director will champion and strengthen opportunities for collaboration and partnership that contribute to meaningful outcomes for Indigenous communities.

The incumbent is responsible for leading and/or coordinating initiatives that support the University’s vision, strategic priorities, and objectives that develop and enhance Indigenous presence, supports and programming; providing advice on related matters; fostering relationships and building partnerships with appropriate communities and organizations; developing and implementing activities and projects that advance the University’s commitments as laid out in relevant UofT Plans, policies, guidelines, and reports, including Answering the Call – Wecheehetowin: Report of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The incumbent will work in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The role will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a complex and dynamic environment.

Essential Qualifications:
(MINIMUM)

EDUCATION:

University degree required, professional or post graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions. Extensive experience with the University and knowledge of University policies and procedures and an understanding of the University’s organizational structure, including its governance. Knowledge about media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy and excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community.

Minimum five (5) years related experience working within Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) communities/agencies in a project management, human resources /community development role. Experience working with Knowledge Keepers, learners, faculty, and staff, and an appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the University’s community.

Minimum six (6) years of project management (leading, organizing and tracking the outcomes of complex and multi-stakeholder projects) and senior executive assistant experience required, preferably within a post-secondary or government environment. Experience managing staff, preferably in a unionized environment.

SKILLS:

Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations). Internet, Acrobat, scheduling software and familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint an asset.

OTHER:

Highly developed oral and written communication, research, analytical, relationship management and organizational skills. Demonstrated collaborative approach to problem solving. Demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the University as well as externally, including students, staff, faculty and community partners. High degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities. Must embrace diversity and inclusion as an integral component of a quality university experience. Ability to produce detailed and comprehensive reports from a large volume of complex information.

Strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. Demonstrated relationships with services agencies within Indigenous communities and/or urban centres and governments. Competence in an Indigenous language a definite asset.

Closing Date: 08/19/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried 
Personnel Subarea: PM
Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial