CharityVillage

Director, Research & Impact Unit (RIU)
Full Time, Permanent
Toronto/Six Nations, ON
Annual Salary Range: $105,969- $132,461
Closing Date:  March 21, 2025

Employment Opportunity

Indspire has grown and developed into one of the Top 10 Charities of Impact in Canada, that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada.

Indspire is seeking a Director, Research and Impact Unit (RIU), to provide strategic leadership to advance Indigenous education and foster systemic change. Reporting to the COO, the Director oversees the vision, growth, and operation of the RIU. This role ensures the generation of impactful, culturally responsive research that uplifts Indigenous voices, supports reconciliation, and improves educational outcomes. The Director will champion the expansion of the RIU’s influence across local, national, and international stages while building lasting partnerships with post-secondary institutions, communities, and stakeholders.

The Director will ensure the RIU’s efforts align with Indspire’s five-year strategic priorities and organizational values, leveraging research findings to shape policies and practices that elevate Indigenous knowledges and contributions to education and society.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Developing and executing a vision for expanding the RIU’s influence and reach through collaboration, partnerships, and thought leadership.
• Shaping and implementing a strategic plan for research that aligns with organizational goals, prioritizing Indigenous methodologies and reciprocal relationships.
• Advocating for systemic change through dissemination of research findings to key stakeholders, policymakers, and global audiences.
• Representing the RIU as a thought leader at conferences, public events, and stakeholder engagements.

Operational Oversight

• Overseeing all research projects and evaluations, ensuring excellence in execution and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Providing oversight and management of RIU staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Establishing and upholding data security protocols and privacy policies in compliance with ethical research standards.
• Managing RIU budgeting and financial oversight, ensuring effective resource allocation and reporting.

Capacity Building and Collaboration

• Strengthening partnerships with post-secondary institutions, research collectives, and Indigenous communities to drive meaningful outcomes.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure integrated delivery of research and evaluation initiatives.
• Fostering professional growth opportunities for RIU staff through coaching, mentoring, and access to advanced methodologies and tools.

Knowledge Mobilization and Impact

• Leading efforts to communicate the RIU’s findings effectively across multiple platforms, including reports, academic publications, media, and workshops.
• Driving innovation in knowledge mobilization techniques to expand the reach and influence of the RIU’s work.
• Building capacity to integrate Indigenous knowledges and worldviews into the education research landscape.
• Facilitating workshops, consultations, and presentations to amplify the findings and insights of RIU research.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in research, education, social sciences, or a related field; doctoral degree preferred.
• Proven experience in leading research initiatives, particularly with a focus on Indigenous methodologies and systemic change.
• 5–7 years of senior leadership experience, including managing teams, budgets, and complex projects.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, and perspectives, with a demonstrated commitment to reconciliation and equity.
• Advanced skills in program evaluation, impact assessment, and data analytics using software such as NVivo, SPSS, or similar.
• Superior communication and relationship-building skills, with a track record of engaging diverse stakeholders and Indigenous communities.
• Experience in presenting at academic and public forums and advocating for policy change.
• Proven ability to navigate and influence in cross-functional and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed.

We are an Indigenous organization whose mandate is to promote opportunities for Indigenous people. We encourage applications from qualified Indigenous persons and all others interested in the position.

Benefits

• Hybrid workplace that provides combined flexibility to work from home and in the office. Currently staff work three days a week in the office.
• Competitive Benefits Program & Pension.
• Opportunities and support for professional learning and growth.
• Being a part of shaping the future of education for Indigenous people in Canada.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit

https://indspire.applytojobs.ca/research/36688

Indspire is committed to ensuring an equal opportunity and barrier-free recruitment process. Accommodation is available to all applicants upon request. Please contact us via email at hr@indspire.ca.

Deadline for Applications: March 21, 2025, at 5:00 pm EST