Director – Rights, Research and Policy

Internal/External Job Posting
Location: Anywhere in Ontario
Full-time, Permanent Position
Closes: May 3, 2021
Starting salary range: $ 76,500 – $ 88,000 annually, maximum $111,450 (2021 rates)

Applications must be submitted on-line

All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

The Role:

The Director, Rights, Research and Policy will work with MNO governing institutions and MNO branches to oversee the development of a coordinated research, policy development and planning approach that is grounded in Métis rights, culture and way of life. Director will work to build upon existing Traditional Knowledge Studies, other Métis rights related research to identify and direct new opportunities and coordinated approaches to inform MNO negotiations and policy positions, support work on outstanding claims to be addressed in future agreements and to support the needs and priorities of MNO and its historic communities. Working under the direction of the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director, Rights, Research and Policy is a member of the senior management team, and contributes to the MNO’s overall strategic direction. The Director, Rights, Research and Policy provides senior-level managerial expertise and strategic advice and oversees Policy Advisors, Research Advisors, and Way of Life Coordinators and Advisors who support a wide range of functions, working collaboratively and cross-Branch to support: The creation of this new role reflects the dramatic growth of the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the emerging complexity of the rights, policy and research function needed to support it as it transitions to a fully recognized and resourced third order of government – one of the first fully recognized Métis Governments in Canada. This role requires a seasoned leader who has both business and political acumen, the experience to effectively lead people and change, the desire to expand the visibility and credibility of the rights, policy and research function and the ability to deliver tangible results, as well as the passion to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, multi-issue environment.

What we offer:
As an employer, the Métis Nation of Ontario offers a collaborative work environment with competitive salary, comprehensive employer-paid health benefits, a pension plan, 15 days vacation to start, annual paid two-week holiday closure in December-January, 15 paid public and employer holidays, early closures on long weekends, and 15 paid health & wellness days (sick leave).

Who we are:

In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and Métis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific governance structure and vision, encapsulated in the Statement of Prime Purpose, which has been central

to the MNO’s success over the last 27 years. Some of the goals set out in the MNO Statement of Prime Purpose include:

• Creating a Métis-specific governance structure for the implementation of the nation’s inherent right to self-government in the province;
• Establishing a credible and recognized identification system for Métis people within the province;
• Focusing on ‘nation building’ through working together as a collective in order to support Métis citizens and communities;
• Pursuing a rights-based agenda and proudly asserting the Métis existence as a distinct Aboriginal people within Ontario;
• Protecting and preserving the distinct culture and heritage of the Métis Nation in the province; and,
• Improving the social and economic well-being of Métis children, families and communities throughout the

Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario has built a province-wide governance structure which includes: an objectively verifiable, centralized registry of over 20,000 Métis citizens; approximately 31 Chartered Community Councils across the province which represent Métis citizens at the local level; a provincial governing body that is elected by ballot box every four years; an Annual General Assembly where regional and provincial Métis leaders are required to report back to Métis citizens yearly between elections; a charitable foundation which promotes and support Métis culture and heritage (Métis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission); and an economic development arm (Métis Voyageur Development Fund).

In addition, the Métis Nation of Ontario has built an accountable, results-based provincial delivery structure to meet the socio-economic needs of its citizens and communities. Currently, the MNO delivers programs and services to its citizens through these branches: Healing and Wellness; Education and Training; Housing; Lands, Resources and Consultation; Intergovernmental and Community Relations; Self-Government and Registry. Through these various branches, the MNO maintains 30+ service delivery access points across the province, administers over $50 million annually, and employs about 300 personnel across the province.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Advancing key priorities of the MNO’s rights, research and policy agendas
• Advancing a coordinated approach to research, policy and planning
• Advancing MNO Framework Agreement and other Métis rights related agreements;
• Responding to funding opportunities, writing proposals and responding to RFP’s to secure ongoing and new funding to deliver programs and services and expand the reach of the MNO’s support to Citizens;
• Supporting self-government processes including working with the MNO’s Governing institutions to establish plans and protocols for negotiations, communications and reporting;
• Elevating the profile of the MNO at external tables and with external stakeholders, and represent the MNO as required;
• Conducting work on Métis rights related policy development including, but not limited to, the Duty to Consult, Harvesting, citizenship, coordinating and oversight of policy support for Captain of the Hunt function etc.;
• Developing governance best practices (with community relations in particular) to develop methods and tools for Regional and Community Governance Training & Capacity Development for Constitution building and the establishment of laws and good governance;
• Supporting, expanding and coordinating operations policy underpinning the delivery of programs and services in Healing and Wellness, Mental Health & Advocacy, Education and Training (Employment), and Housing and Infrastructure;
• Implementing strategies and processes for effective communication about policy, research and Métis rights related activities; and
• Collaborating with senior leaders at the MNO to provide high level of strategic advice on policy, ongoing and new research activities and opportunities, Métis rights-based activities and Way of Life.

Education, Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• A post-secondary degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience, Master’s Degree or PhD preferred
• Minimum of 5-10 years’ relevant work experience, with a minimum of 2-3 years experience in a senior management role or demonstrated growth and potential to fulfill the role
• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold Métis rights and culture
• Significant knowledge of Métis and/or Indigenous rights and policy issues and principles or a demonstrated ability to quickly acquire knowledge
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment and software (MS Office) as well as software used to support research activities
• Demonstrated ability to make sound business decisions and evidence-based recommendations to funders and senior management
• Demonstrated knowledge leadership models used to build and maintain a healthy, safe and welcoming work culture
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with funders, government, employees and others
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Exceptional project coordination, time management and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of self awareness
• Demonstrated ability to balance completion of own work with that of the team, superior organization skills and time/priority-management
• Demonstrated ability to motivate a team to accomplish objectives
• Demonstrated ability to solve conflicts and to manage challenging situations
• Basic understanding of applicable employment law legislation
• Demonstrated ability in program development and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining budgets and writing proposals and business plans
• Demonstrated experience in conflict
• Demonstrated experience in writing high quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated experience in policy and program development and evaluation
• Demonstrated experience to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Demonstrated experience in recruitment, training, coaching for performance, discipline, and termination

The Métis Nation of Ontario is a diverse and inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.