We are looking for: Senior Program Officer (Domestic Portfolio)

Join Our Dynamic Team at Colleges and Institutes Canada!

Are you ready to make a difference in the world of education?

At Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), we are seeking a collaborative Senior Program Officer to join our Programs and Partnerships Division. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting Indigenous-led education initiatives that advance reconciliation and strengthen the capacity of Canada’s publicly supported colleges and institutes.

In this role, you will play a central part in delivering the landmark Mamawi initiative—a five-year, Indigenous-led project funded by the BHP Foundation. The Mamawi initiative aims to transform entrepreneurship, business, and accounting education for Indigenous learners in colleges and institutes across Canada. Your work will help shape innovative approaches, foster collaboration, and ensure Indigenous voices lead the way in creating sustainable change.

Why Choose CICan

• Impactful Work: play a leading critical role in advancing Indigenous education and reconciliation in the post-secondary system and across Canada.
• Collaborative Environment: work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are as committed to excellence as you are.
• Innovative Culture: contribute to building new approaches that honour Indigenous ways of knowing and doing while strengthening colleges and institutes’ role in the skills and innovation ecosystem.
• Competitive Compensation: receive a highly competitive salary and benefits.

As Senior Program Officer, you will support the full lifecycle of Mamawi project and related initiatives—contributing to strategic planning, implementation, engaging partners, and ensuring culturally grounded communications and reporting. Guided by a Governing Circle of Indigenous Institute leaders, you will ensure that Mamawi is implemented in a good way—honouring Indigenous protocols, knowledge systems, and governance.

In this role, you will:

• Monitor project activities, timelines, and budgets;
• Liaise with Indigenous leaders, Elders, Knowledge Holders, Indigenous business, member institutions, funders, and other external partners;
• Develop culturally appropriate communications and knowledge-sharing tools;
• Develop reporting and evaluation frameworks that reflect both Indigenous and Western measures of success;
• Provide strategic input to CICan’s advocacy and government relations efforts by sharing Indigenous-led perspectives and evidence.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility:
The ideal candidate self-identifies as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and brings lived experience and cultural knowledge to guide Indigenous-centered approaches.

Education

• Postsecondary education in Indigenous Studies, Public/Business Administration, Social Sciences, Community Development, Education,and/or a combination of education and work experience.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) - an asset
• Project Management Professional Designation (PMP) - an asset

Minimum of 5 years of experience in:

• Planning, implementing and administering programs and projects funded by government agencies other donors and funders involving indigenous communities
• Working in partnership with indigenous communities, organizations, or students, and lived experience relevant to the position and/or strong indigenous community connection required
• Leading strategic initiatives and facilitated cross-sector collaboration by coordinating with diverse stakeholders—including indigenous community partners, government agencies, funders, and internal teams—to ensure successful project implementation, alignment with organizational goals, and inclusive decision-making
• Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, organizations and leadership, with a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical context that shape their priorities
• Navigating Indigenous governance structures and protocols, ensuring respectful and meaningful engagement
• Advanced proficiency in budget management and financial monitoring (prepare program and activity budgets, advance requests, and financial reports; monitor and analyze program and activity actuals and budgets, including variance analysis and projections)
• Developing outreach strategies that build trust and foster long-term relationships with Indigenous partners, including the use of culturally appropriate communication methods
• Leading the planning and delivery of events, workshops, webinars, and/or consultations with diverse audiences
• Overseeing complex initiatives by effectively managing timelines, budgets, deliverables, and reporting obligations in alignment with donor requirements and organizational standards
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to assess program outcomes
• Developing and overseeing the preparation of comprehensive narrative and financial reports, ensuring accuracy, alignment with donor requirements, and timely submission to internal and external stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing briefing notes, reports, presentations, and stakeholder communications

Knowledge and Skills

• Indigenous and Western governance/accountability systems
• Indigenous systems, protocols, governance, and partnership approaches
• Project management tools and methodologies (e.g., logic models, Gantt charts, PM frameworks)
• Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, data analysis, using data for program management
• Performance measurement frameworks, logic models, and evaluation tools
• Monitoring and evaluation principles and data collection methods
• Understanding of risk management and mitigation strategies in program delivery
• Intermediate to advanced Excel to manage budgets and Monitoring and Evaluation data (able to use formulas and create pivot tables)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Familiarity with CRM systems and data management practices
• Familiar with Power BI for data visualization, dashboard creation, and reporting to support program monitoring and decision-making
• Familiar with federal government structures, funding mechanisms, and reporting requirements
• Comfortable working with shared digital workspaces and collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, MS Teams, Zoom)
• Results-based management
• Writing for social media targeted to different platforms
• Knowledge of postsecondary system in Canada (an asset)
• English Essential (Ability to communicate in French and/or an Indigenous language is an asset)

Compensation: $87,463 to $107,055 (PS III) - unionized position

Status: Full-time.

Language: English essential (French and/or Indigenous language(s) is an asset)

Location: 1 Rideau Street, suite 701, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8S7

Working conditions:

• Domestic travel may be required
• Hybrid work environment located in Ottawa

O****pen to: CICan employees and external candidates

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé in a PDF format by January 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

CICan is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. To honour our commitment to reconciliation and the Indigenous-led nature of the Mamawi initiative, this position is restricted to candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. We warmly encourage qualified Indigenous candidates from all regions and Nations in Canada to apply.

Do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at 613-746-2222 ext 5827 if you require alternative arrangements to submit your application. CICan provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed with the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Colleges and Institutes Canada does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. However, please be aware that some third-party tools we utilize in our recruiting and selection process may incorporate AI technology.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected to continue in the selection process will be contacted.

CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.