Job Description

Company Description

Waapihk Research is an Indigenous-led group of passionate experts who provide data-driven research to answer questions related to Indigenous health, education, and self-determination. We aim to play a supporting role by empowering Indigenous leaders with the information they require to shape policy and drive meaningful outcomes.

Position Overview

Waapihk research seeks an experienced Director of Client Relations to join our senior management team. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Client Relations will lead our relationship management strategy and business development portfolio.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Develop and implement comprehensive relationship-building strategies aligned with Waapihk Research's mission, values, and strategic goals. Initiate partnerships with governments, health authorities, organizations, and community leaders to enhance service delivery, shape policy, and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Indigenous organizations, government agencies, industry partners, and community leaders. Lead and oversee the business development team in identifying, pursuing, and securing new business opportunities. Oversee proposal development and execution. Monitor client trends, community needs, and stakeholder feedback to refine relationship strategies continuously. Oversee client satisfaction metrics and implement strategies for continuous improvement. Collaborate with internal teams, including Research and Operations, ensuring external communications, relationships, and business development align with organizational objectives. Supervise and mentor business development staff, providing professional development opportunities. Oversee and grow a team of 0-5+ staff engaged in business development-focused initiatives. Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring effective resource utilization and measurable outcomes. Represent Waapihk Research publicly, including at industry conferences, public forums, and high-level stakeholder meetings, to maintain positive client relationships and develop new prospective client opportunities. Present research findings and act as client liaison in the assessment, design, execution, delivery, and evaluation phases of projects. Regularly report to executive leadership on effectiveness in business development and stakeholder relations. Identify opportunities for expanding services and products. With support from the Executive, develop and launch new lines of products and services. Maintain strict adherence to confidentiality agreements with Waapihk Research's partners and clients. Other duties, as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

5+ years of experience in client-facing leadership roles. Proven track record in business development and relationship management. Undergraduate education in any field, with a preference for those with business, economics, quantitative analysis, or a health-related field. Strong track record of building successful relationships with diverse stakeholders. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff. Ability to manage budgets and resources efficiently. Ability to undertake frequent interprovincial travel. Commitment to Indigenous community engagement and understanding of Indigenous issues is essential. Experience working in or with small-to-mid-sized consulting environments is an asset.

Desired Qualifications

A graduate degree in business, health economics, public health or other related fields is considered an asset. Proficiency with CRM or project management platforms (i.e., ClickUp; Monday.com), and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, Power BI).

Compensation & Benefits

Waapihk Research offers competitive compensation, including performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package:

On-target earnings of $90k+ as a combination of base salary and performance bonus. Health Spending Account (HSA). Wellness Spending Account (WSA). Radon Mitigation Benefit. Professional Development Fund. Two (2) weeks of paid vacation annually, plus additional paid days off between December 24th and January 1st each year.

Working Conditions

We offer a comfortable, friendly, and professional work environment. Hybrid working environment. Our downtown Winnipeg office is close to bus routes for easy commuting. Flexible working hours. Meaningful work.

Conditions of Employment

Incumbent must be local to Winnipeg, Manitoba or Montreal, Quebec. A remote, Canada-based candidate may be considered based on experience and the strength of the application. The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.

Self-Declaration

Candidates with an Indigenous background are encouraged to self-declare should they feel comfortable doing so.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter. Resume. Two strong references are requested who can speak to the candidate's competence in a similar context.

Please forward a cover letter, resume, and list of two references to:

careers@waapihk.com

careers [at] waapihk [dot] com

Please consider viewing our website before applying: www.waapihk.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus pay Commission pay
Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Extended health care Flexible schedule Paid time off Vision care Wellness program
Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday
Location:

Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X1 (preferred)
Willingness to travel:

25% (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X1

Application deadline: 2025-08-22
Expected start date: 2025-09-02