Senior Community Relations Advisor

Internal/External Posting
Full-time/Permanent
Location: Anywhere in Ontario
Closes: December 2, 2021
Starting Salary: $54,410 – $62,590, per year based on experience. Salary Range Max $70,750 [2021 Rates]

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.

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, 10 days’ vacation to start, annual paid two-week holiday closure in December-January, 16 paid public and employer holidays, early closures on long weekends, and 15 paid health & wellness days (sick leave).

The Role

The role of the Community Relations (CR) team of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is to support MNO’s 31 Chartered Community Councils and three Advisory Councils and their volunteers to function, achieve their purpose and goals, and to serve the citizens they represent. CR supports councils with all governance matters; funding applications and reporting; issues management; conflict resolution; and addressing citizen concerns. Increasingly CR will be providing new tools and support to councils to better communicate with the citizens they represent. The CR team also support the PCMNO Executives with special requests as related to councils, council leadership and citizens.

As part of the CR team, the Senior CR Advisor will undertake CR projects and promote citizen engagement and involvement within established priorities and goals. The Senior CR Advisor engages with elected MNO leadership on a regular basis to identify opportunities to advance council and MNO priorities and provides support to the MNO Community and Advisory Councils regarding all governance matters.

The Senior CR Advisor will also work collaboratively with staff from the Self-Government Strategy and other Branches address issues directly related to MNO councils.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize specialized knowledge, education and experience gained by working directly with indigenous governments to meet Community Relations goals
• Undertake research to support the needs of the Community Relations Team and present findings to management, senior leadership, council presidents, community councils, and members of the Provisional Council of the MNO (PCMNO)
• Work independently and with Manager of CR, CR Senior Advisor and Director on complex conflicts and initiatives and provide recommendations on solution and resolutions to issues
• Oversee all Community Relations Strategic projects such as training coordination, communicating important MNO changes to councils and providing the highest levels of support during the annual general assembly
• Deal with complex political, governance, confidential, and sensitive issues in a timely manner, with tact, discretion, maturity and judgement
• Support other members of the CR team with council centric projects like elections, annual general meetings, training and town halls
• Oversee and coordinate the development of policies, procedures, programs, and proposals
• Build strong relationships with the community, other MNO employees and branches, the PCMNO and other elected officials
• Act as a strong advocate and representative for the MNO in key events and meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Indigenous Studies, Business, Justice, Masters preferred and 3-5 years of experience in a related role working with indigenous governments in an advisory capacity. A combination of Completion of Post-Secondary Education and Experience may be considered in lieu of above
• Membership in an accredited association related to the profession (varies by position)
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and/or mediation skills
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated effective investigative, research and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability in policy and procedures development and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and assess changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to assess situations and problem-solve independently
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to a senior management audience
• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Strong project coordination, including the design and implementation of project work
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Ability to develop plans for projects that are strategic and/or long-term
• Ability to travel is required
• This role will require frequent evenings and some weekends (pending Covid-19 restrictions)
• Bilingualism with French or Michif as asset but not mandatory

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. Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario represents over 25,000 Métis citizens.

The MNO delivers programs and services to its citizens through these branches: Healing and Wellness; Community Wellbeing; Education and Training; Housing; Lands, Resources and Consultation; Intergovernmental and Community Relations; Self-Government and Registry. Through these various branches, the MNO maintains 30+ offices and community spaces across the province, administers over $50 million annually, and employs about 350 staff across the province.

AODA Statement

The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.

Please email humanresources@metisnation.org if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.

Please note, all employees, regardless of role or location, are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee has a valid medical exemption.  This condition of employment is effective for all employees, full or part-time, permanent or contract, whether working remotely or not, as of November 1, 2021.