Writer / Researcher

Part-Time Indigenous Song Researcher/Writer,

Indigenous Song Pilot Project (ISPP)

TO Live has an exciting full-time opportunity in its Human Resources Department in the role of Part-time Researcher/Writer, Indigenous Song Project. We encourage Indigenous applicants with experience in Indigenous research ethics and researching/writing at a Master’s degree level (minimum) to apply.

This position will report to the ISPP Project Manager, and work as well with the Director of Indigenous Affairs and Engagement, who reports to the VP of HR & Organizational Culture. The Researcher / Writer will work with the Project Manager, Director of Indigenous Affairs and an Indigenous Advisory Council to meet the needs and gain guidance from Indigenous artists and community members with lived experience in song, performance, and distributing findings. They must have graduate experience in Indigenous academic work and lived experience with Indigenous culture or cultures.

This position is for a successful Indigenous applicant with Indigenous academic, community and lived experience with excellent research, writing and communications experience. (Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. Further preference may be given to those with Indigenous song or storytelling experience, as well as graduate academic experience.)

Work with the Director of Indigenous Affairs and Engagement, and in liaison with the Finance Department, to regularly review and revise research and writing of every aspect of the ISPP, as laid out in the proposal documents.
Develop a working schedule to achieve the goals and objectives of the ISPP in a quick moving environment, in alignment with the Project Manager and Director of Indigenous Affairs and Initiatives. Ensure the goals and objectives of the project are completed at each stage in a timely manner.
Work with the Programming and other departments to help deliver events in Ontario, Quebec and online.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Indigenous Affairs and Engagement; the Project Manager and/or their designate.

Identify best practices to work with Indigenous Elders, youth, communities and artists.
Identify Indigenous Ethical Protocols for work with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Work in collaboration with other members of the ISPP to develop solutions to project issues and contribute to their resolution.
Minimum five years’ experience in research with Indigenous peoples, the Tri-Council Policy statement of ethics as well as Indigenous methods of research and of ethics.
Experience in researching and writing; lived and academic studies.
A Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Education or humanities is required.
Indigenous Academic and community experience preferred.
Strong skills planning for and meeting deadlines is a MUST.
An ability to understand and effectively balance the expectations of the various TO Live constituencies, Indigenous communities, and Indigenous youth constituents in alignment with ISPP project requirements.
Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, negotiation, and collaborative skills.
Excellent research, writing, communication and presentation skills. Flexibility in hours includes working evenings and weekends as required.
Work from home but meet at TO Live and/or other venues as required.
Travel between TO Live venues and Indigenous communities as required.
Strong online meeting skills, tech skills and presentation skills.

In addition, TO Live presents a full range of performing arts, theatrical and concert events at these venues in both downtown and uptown Toronto. With these two hubs of creativity and content creation, TO Live has a unique place and perspective to activate creative spaces by inspiring local and international artists, connect audiences and to be the nexus for new ideas, elevate artistic potential, and be the catalyst for creative expression that is reflective of Toronto’s diversity.

Interested applicants should apply through our TO Live careers website at: Current Openings | Recruitment

No phone calls or emails please. Together with the Toronto Public Service’s (TPS) initiatives, which TO Lives follows and adheres too, TO Live encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

We ask that you complete the questions provided as part of the online application to assist us in ensuring our recruitment process and programs are equitable and accessible. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Human Resources department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

Date Posted: January 8, 2026

Application Deadline: January 23, 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible.