Director, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement

Director, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Health Protection

Public Health Ontario (PHO) recognizes the impact of colonialism and on-going inequities experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. PHO is striving to continue its journey of truth and reconciliation to advance the quality of public health programs and health outcomes for First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in Ontario.

Overview: Public Health Ontario (PHO) is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to fill the role of Director, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing PHO’s first Indigenous Strategy. This role will serve as a key bridge between Indigenous and settler perspectives to allow the organization to build strong relationships and engage effectively with Indigenous people and organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Building: Foster and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with First Nations communities, Indigenous organizations, leaders, and stakeholders across Ontario, based on mutual understanding, respect, and shared goals.
• Engagement Strategy: Develop and execute a strategy which ensures meaningful and culturally responsive interactions with Indigenous communities based on trust, mutual respect, and reciprocity. This includes regular communication, consultation, and collaboration to understand community needs and priorities.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Communication: Ensure that all communication materials, messaging and resources are culturally responsive and appropriate for Indigenous audiences.
• Cultural Competency: Lead efforts to enhance cultural competency within PHO. Build staff understanding of the impacts of colonization, trauma, and systemic inequalities on Indigenous communities. Model sessions that are respectful of Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and protocols.
• Respect for Traditional Knowledge: Recognize and respect the value of Indigenous traditional knowledge and practices in promoting health and well-being. Create opportunities for Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and community leaders to share their wisdom and expertise.
• Value Proposition Development: Provide strategic leadership to planning and implementation of PHO’s first Indigenous Strategy.
• Policy and Program Development: Provide strategic guidance on the development of policies, programs, and initiatives that address the health priorities and challenges faced by Indigenous populations. Advocate for culturally responsive approaches to public health promotion and disease prevention, integrating Indigenous knowledge, practices, and perspectives. This includes program design and delivery which demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation and addressing historic and ongoing injustices.
• Provide support and advice in the research, design, development, implementation and evaluation of health and wellness strategy for Indigenous employees.
• Evaluation, Reporting, Accountability and Transparency: Identify indicators, monitor and evaluate the impact of PHO’s Indigenous engagement efforts, regularly reporting on progress and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders. Seek feedback from Indigenous stakeholders and incorporate their input into decision-making processes.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Indigenous studies, social sciences, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations, inclusive of all Indigenous nations and peoples.
• At least 8 years’ experience researching, developing, and implementing health strategies, services, supports and wellness programs, preferably in a public service environment.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills and MS Office suite proficiency (Excel, MS Access, MS Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience in program development, project management, and evaluation, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, or related fields.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Lived or living experience as a member of an Indigenous community.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively bridge Indigenous and settler perspectives to achieve common ground and build relationships.
• Qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills (e.g. survey development, data analysis, report writing).
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement innovative approaches to Indigenous engagement in public health.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively engage with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.
• Ability to travel as needed for consultation and relationship building with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Strong organization skills, dependability and desire to be creative and innovative.

Attributes and Competencies:

• Commitment to advancing Indigenous health equity and reconciliation.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives.
• Demonstrated tactfulness and diplomacy, well-developed emotional intelligence, and sound judgement.
• Willingness to learn and engage in ongoing cultural competency training and self-reflection.

Duration: Contract (Fixed Term), 24 month(s)

Hours of Work: Part time, 29 hours per week

Compensation Group: Director

Posting Date: 05-16-2024

Closing Date: 05-24-2024

Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.  Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to HR_Inquiries@oahpp.ca. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.