Job Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Director, Strategic Communications and Knowledge Mobilization

Internal and External Competition

Full-time, Permanent Position

Hybrid (Ottawa or Akwesasne Office, preferred) or remotely in Canada

Deadline for applications: September 15, 2025 (or until filled)

salary range: $127,300 to $169,700

(dependent on qualifications and experience

)

About FNIGC

The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) is an independent, apolitical, and technical national non-profit First Nations organization that envisions that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view. With First Nations, FNIGC asserts data sovereignty and supports the development of information governance and management at the community level through regional and national partnerships, adhering to free, prior and informed consent, respecting nation-to-nation relationships, and recognizing the distinct customs of nations.

FNIGC is responsible for a wide range of work. In collaboration with regional partners, FNIGC supports First Nations communities by contributing to building information governance and data and statistical capacities at national, regional, and community levels, including the provision of credible and relevant information on First Nations and the development of First Nations-led infrastructure. FNIGC stewards data collected through national surveys, conducts research and analysis on the rapidly changing data landscape, engages in knowledge engagement, mobilization, translation, and dissemination activities, offers education and training, stewards and advances the First Nations principles of OCAP, and coordinates the implementation of the national First Nations Data Governance Strategy.

Critically, FNIGC and its regional partners follow established protocols, policies, and procedures that are guided by a holistic cultural framework. Ultimately, FNIGC is a tool that First Nations can use to assert sovereignty over their information.

What we provide

The successful candidate will benefit from our flexible work hours, the possibility for hybrid/remote work, competitive compensation and benefits package, employee wellness programs, generous paid time-off, including cultural leave, and ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities as applicable.

About the Role

This role is an exciting new position and does not relate to any existing FNIGC vacancy. The Director, Strategic Communications and Knowledge Mobilization, will lead the newly created Communications directorate within the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). The directorate aims to support, promote, and inform various audiences about the work of FNIGC and its national network of partners, including FNIGC's national survey program, research, public health initiatives, implementation of the national First Nations Data Governance Strategy, the First Nations principles of OCAP, education and training, human resources recruitment, and corporate events, in support of FNIGC's Vision, Mission, and Core Strategic Objectives.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director, Strategic Communications and Knowledge Mobilization (hereafter referred to as the Director), is a communications expert with extensive experience with communications strategy and communicating within information, knowledge, and research contexts who will lead all aspects of the communications function of the organization.

Under the direction of the CEO, the Director will be responsible for ensuring the development, implementation, and evaluation of the overall communications strategy for FNIGC. Implementation will include leadership in the following areas: communicating effectively with First Nations audiences and broader, diverse audiences; member and partner relations; public and media relations; communicating within FNIGC and across its network; managing corporate communications functions; digital strategies and plans; performance and impact measurement; and event planning, among other responsibilities. Additionally, the Director will be responsible for working collaboratively with other members of the FNIGC team on the development, implementation, and evaluation of Knowledge Engagement/ Mobilization/Translation (KE/KM/KT) strategies and plans, ensuring alignment with FNIGC's communications strategy and the identification and incorporation of "wise practices," particularly in the areas of serving First Nations audiences and communicating complex ideas.

The incumbent will also provide project management support for special projects, participate in the planning and delivery of FNIGC's annual general meeting, brief the FNIGC Board of Directors and senior staff as directed, act as a liaison with members of FNIGC's directorates and teams, and be the primary point of contact for the media and members of the public, as required, supporting FNIGC's designated spokespersons (Chairperson and CEO). The position is also responsible for managing external consultant and/or service provider relationships for the directorate, ensuring all parties produce work in alignment with FNIGC's policies and procedures, including FNIGC's style and brand guides. The position provides leadership, coaching, and mentorship to the Communications team, which includes a Senior Manager, Corporate Communications.

Duties & Responsibilities

A. Strategic Communications

1. Develops, for CEO approval, implements, and leads the evaluation of an overarching communications strategy for FNIGC, including tactics as they relate to communicating effectively with First Nations audiences and broader, diverse audiences; member and partner relations; public and media relations; communicating within FNIGC and across its network; managing corporate communications functions (website and social media, products, marketing, style guide, official languages, translation, branding, event planning, etc.); digital strategies and plans; performance and impact measurement; and supporting the Executive Office with governance communications, among other responsibilities.

2. With support from the Finance team, develops and manages the annual communications, marketing, and Knowledge engagement/mobilization/translation budgets where applicable.

3. Develops robust long-term and short-term strategies and plans to ensure that FNIGC's initiatives can be realized effectively.

4. Identifies and nurtures opportunities for collaboration with First Nations partners, external organizations, and experts to support FNIGC's strategic goals.

5. Provides expertise, analysis, and recommendations on best approaches to networking, partner relationships, and capacity building in FNIGC's engagements with organizations across multiple sectors.

6. Demonstrates superior analytical skills and knowledge networks and develops resources for use within the organization.

7. Contributes to the identification of gaps and solutions to issues.

8. Engages in an advisory capacity in meetings, committees, or other strategic initiatives that advance First Nations data sovereignty and FNIGC's Vision, Mission, and Core Strategic Objectives.

9. Collaborates, providing advice and input, with other FNIGC directorates and teams in the development of their program-specific communications budgets and plans.

B. Knowledge Engagement/Mobilization/Translation

1. Works collaboratively with other members of the FNIGC team on the development, implementation, and evaluation of Knowledge Engagement/Mobilization/Translation (KE/KM/KT) strategies and plans and ensures alignment with FNIGC's communications strategy.

2. Supports FNIGC's relationships with regional partners to bolster comprehensive KE/KM/KT plans, including milestones, timelines, and deliverables for projects.

3. Oversee multiple KE/KM/KT projects concurrently, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with FNIGC's policies and procedures as they define quality standards.

4. Collaborate across the organization with senior management colleagues to support all areas of FNIGC's work, providing relevant advice.

5. Establishes and coordinates project-specific working groups, convening regular meetings to discuss project progress, address challenges, and foster collaborative and innovative thinking.

6. Continually manages expectations with program sponsors, collaborators, and team members as required.

C. Corporate Communications Management

1. Provides direction to the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, who manages the overall function of corporate communications, which includes the development and delivery of corporate communications products, such as the annual report, website, and social media; marketing; style guide; official languages; translation; branding; and event planning, etc.

2. Collaborates with the organization's leadership team to ensure alignment within FNIGC and maintains a consistent strategic implementation process for wise and/or promising practices.

D. Relationship and Project Management

1. Supports FNIGC's relationships with regional members and First Nations partners, as well as government agencies and other partners.

2. Be responsible for relationships with outside contractors who support FNIGC with writing, editing, translation, design, and web support services, etc.

3. Provides oversight into project budgets, collaborating with finance, ensuring that projects can be completed within the allocated budget and adjusting for any unforeseen challenges.

4. Actively participates in specific projects where they would benefit from a project's advancement.

5. Identifies potential risks and obstacles to project completion, developing and implementing mitigating strategies.

6. Develops and collaborates on funding proposals for the FNIGC.

7. Develop scope of work for area of responsibility for external consultants as required.

Education and Experience

1. A post-graduate degree in communications, journalism, and/or marketing, or relevant field, and 7+ years of progressive work experience related to strategic communications and communicating complex ideas and issues, preferably at a senior management level. An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

2. Experience in developing and executing communications and knowledge strategies.

3. Experience in content development and measurement for a variety of web and social media platforms (including developing materials for digital platforms).

4. Experience in developing corporate communications materials and brand management.

5. Experience in media and collaborator relations, including how to pitch to media.

6. Experience with knowledge engagement, mobilization, and/or translation theories and practices and techniques.

7. Experience in translating scholarly/research materials to plain language.

8. Experience and/or knowledge of the workings of the federal government.

9. Experience with website management and social media engagement.

10. Lived First Nations experience is a hiring preference.

Application Information

We invite all qualified candidates who believe they are suited for the position to apply by sending their resume and cover letter explaining why you'd be a great addition to the FNIGC team to recruitment@fnigc.ca by

September 15, 2025

, or until the position is filled. We specifically encourage individuals with lived First Nations experience to apply, and such applicants are strongly encouraged to self-identify. FNIGC reserves the right to request current documentation or evidence to verify any claim of First Nation citizenship / membership / descent. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate, or incorrect, FNIGC reserves the right to discontinue the consideration of your application.

FNIGC is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace environment. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We further confirm that FNIGC does not use any Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our screening, recruitment, or selection processes.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To learn more about other FNIGC career opportunities please visit www.fnigc.ca

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $127,300.00-$169,700.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Flexible schedule Life insurance On-site gym Paid time off RRSP match Vision care Work from home
Application question(s):

Do you have a post-graduate degree in communications, journalism, and/or marketing?
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:

strategic communications: 7 years (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3

Application deadline: 2025-09-15