Issue Strategist

As Issue Strategist, you will support the Neighbourhood Strategies Division in the Community Strategies Business Unit (CSBU) to support the advancement of Truth and Reconciliation actions, in alignment with the White Goose Flying Report and the Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. You will be pivotal in guiding action within the community in alignment with the division's priorities. You will accomplish this by identifying, researching, analyzing, and recommending actions to address Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action that can be implemented at a neighbourhood level. Primary duties include:

• Support the development and implementation of strategies, initiatives, and engagement processes promoting Truth and Reconciliation. Develop project timelines and strategic implementation plans in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Strategies Division leadership team.
• Identify emerging trends and best practices in other municipalities, community organizations, and jurisdictions to incorporate Indigenous worldviews into division work and service delivery.
• Provide strategic support to division staff and leadership to build relationships and identify opportunities to advance Truth and Reconciliation initiatives in the division.
• Provide strategic guidance and Indigenous subject matter expertise to Indigenous programs, projects, and activities. Provide expert knowledge and understanding on matters pertaining to the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
• Develop and coordinate ongoing, positive relationships between community members and employees. Guide culturally appropriate engagement activities between staff within the division and Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leaders, and facilitators.
• Develop tools and processes to identify, address, and remove barriers for Indigenous community members in Neighbourhood Strategies Division programs and services.
• Support the development of Indigenous and Truth and Reconciliation learning opportunities for division staff and residents, including formal training, awareness initiatives, experiential learnings, communities of practice, and strategic discussions.

• A degree in Social Work, Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Political Science, Policy Development, or a related field and at least 5 years of related experience.
• A valid Class 5 Driver's License (or provincial equivalent) and access to a personal vehicle for business use is required.
• Lived experience as a member of an underrepresented community or experience working with and as an ally for persons from an underrepresented community is required.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and operationalizing programs, policies, and procedures. Experience reviewing policies and writing reports, including Council reports will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of and applied experience with the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and Truth and Reconciliation efforts is a strong asset.
• Evidenced experience of inclusion efforts and results, as well as experience creating systems change.
• Success in this position requires:
  • A strong understanding of local Indigenous Peoples, histories, current realities and trends (e.g., pan-Indigenism, etc.).
  • A high level of cultural competencies, with a focus on Indigenous cultures.
  • Strong analytical, problem solving, strategic planning and project management skills.
  • Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to prioritize, build and maintain trusting relationships.
  • Ability to negotiate and build consensus with interested parties and ability to influence without authority.