If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life.

The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

Reporting to the Manager of Government Relations, the Leader, Indigenous Government Relations serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and elected officials, guiding strategic initiatives and partnerships that intersect with areas of mutual interest with Indigenous Government. Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead and steward the City of Calgary's government-to-government relationships with Treaty 7 First Nation Governments and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.
• Provide strategic advice and briefings to the Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Leadership Team, Mayor, and Council on Indigenous Government Relations.
• Provide corporate leadership and coordination across departments to ensure alignment, consistency, and timely delivery on Indigenous Government Relations priorities.
• Oversee and guide complex negotiations, partnerships, and agreements with Indigenous governments and other orders of government.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for Council, Committees, senior leadership, and external forums.
• Represent the City at intergovernmental tables, committees, conferences, and public forums related to Indigenous relations.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a multidisciplinary team, fostering a respectful, accountable, and high-performing work environment.
• Build and sustain strong internal and external partnerships that advance shared priorities and innovative practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in public administration, public policy, law, Indigenous studies, or a related discipline (graduate degree preferred), plus at least 8 years of progressively more responsible and varied government relations.
• Experience navigating complex Indigenous political environments, including differing community perspectives and governance dynamics.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, professional and lived experience within a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community will be considered.
• Significant senior-level experience in the public sector, leading complex initiatives within large, multi-departmental organizations.
• Extensive experience working directly with First Nations and Métis governments, preferably within Treaty 7 and/or Alberta contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in Indigenous government relations, intergovernmental negotiations, public policy development, and strategic planning.
• Experience providing strategic advice to senior executives and/or elected officials.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and governance systems.
• Success in this position requires:
  • In-depth knowledge of Treaty 7 Nations, Métis governance, and regional Indigenous issues affecting Calgary and southern Alberta;
  • Demonstrated ability to advance reconciliation and implement decolonized practices within public institutions;
  • Strong leadership and people-management skills, including coaching, mentoring, and performance development;
  • Excellent communication skills, including complex report writing and presentations to diverse audiences;
  • Proven ability to manage sensitive, complex, and confidential matters with professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment;
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Indigenous governments, elected officials, senior leaders, community partners, and the public.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Workstyle

• This position may be eligible to work from home for at least part of the time as one of several flexible work options available to City employees. These arrangements depend on the operational requirements of the role, employee suitability, and are subject to change based on operational needs and corporate direction.

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Chief Administrator's Office
• Union: Exempt
• Position Type: 1 Permanent
• Compensation: Level M2 $133,008 - 166, 260 per annum
• Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week.
• Days of work: This position works a 5-day work week earning 1 day off in a 3 week cycle.
• Location: 800 Macleod Trail S.E.
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: May 27, 2026
• Job ID: 314456