Manager - Strategic Initiatives - Saskatoon
About the role
The Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research invites applications for the following position:
Manager – Strategic Initiatives
Competition Code: 2502 301S Dec 12
Position Summary: The Manager- Strategic Initiatives to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. This position provides high-level advisory support to the CEO, helping to shape organizational strategy, guide decision-making, and ensuring alignment with GDI’s vision of empowering Métis people through education, research and cultural preservation.
Responsibilities: Reporting to the CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), the Manager – Strategic Initiatives provides leadership and support to the CEO in: developing, refining and implementing strategic initiatives across the Institute; provide research, analysis, make recommendations and offer insights on emerging trends, risks and opportunities; lead cross functional strategic projects and initiatives; support the CEO in strategic relationships with government, Indigenous organizations, post-secondary institutes and funding partners; prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders; collaborate with Senior Leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness through Results-Based Accountability(RBA), risk identification and mitigation; monitor and evaluate strategic initiatives and policy development; lead projects such as strategic retreats, institutional reviews and innovation initiatives while coordinating cross departmental efforts in execution of CEO priorities; may also be assigned additional duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position by the CEO of GDI.
Qualifications: The candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study. Candidates currently enrolled in a relevant Master’s program may be considered. Applicants should have experience in governance, strategic advisory, policy development or executive level support, and an understanding of Indigenous education systems, Métis culture and reconciliation frameworks. Candidates will have exceptional analytical, communication and interpersonal skills; a proven ability to manage complex projects and navigate multi- stakeholder environments; commitment to the mission and values of the Gabriel Dumont Institute.
Preferred Assets: Preference will be given to candidates that have experience working within Indigenous organizations or post-secondary institutions; be familiar with RBA or similar performance frameworks; knowledge of Saskatchewan’s educational and policy landscape. Must have an awareness of Métis Nation Governance with a distinctions-based approach.
Remuneration: A competitive salary and benefits package
Term: January 2026 to January 2029
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Deadline for receipt of applications: December 12, 2025
Please quote competition code when submitting resume and cover letter to:
Robbie Walliser
917 22nd Street West
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7M 0R9
Telephone (306) 657-2264
Email: jobs@gdins.org
Gabriel Dumont Institute has authority from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to hire affirmatively.
Please state in your cover letter if you are Métis. Only those applicants short-listed will be contacted.
About Gabriel Dumont Institute
Mission Statement The mission of the Gabriel Dumont Institute is to promote the renewal and development of Métis culture through research; materials development, collection, and distribution; and the design, development, and delivery of Métis-specific educational programs and services.
Values Gabriel Dumont Institute's values are the foundation of all our interactions with students, clients, faculty, staff, the Métis community, and the general public.
Culture Métis culture is a critical feature of all GDI programming. The institute is a conservator of Métis history and culture, a national leader in Michif-language initiatives, and a trusted source for those seeking Métis-specific information throughout the world.
Quality GDI provides high quality programming, resources, and services to the Métis community. All GDI staff work toward our Métis-specific mandate. Professionalism and highly-qualified staff are key strengths that contribute to the successful delivery of the institute's culturally-specific education and training programs.
Respect Relationships are built on respect and trust. GDI approaches interactions with students, clients, community members, the public, our partners, and stakeholders respectfully and with understanding. GDI offers a welcoming environment in which people feel at home, respected, believed in, and capable.
Responsiveness GDI is responsive to clients, to labour market needs, and to communities. The institute participates in a variety of needs assessment processes, which provide both proper and timely training in Métis communities. Meeting student needs is a key priority of GDI.
Accountability GDI has built considerable credibility throughout our history and has developed positive relationships with stakeholders, partners, Métis communities, and governments. GDI will remain accountable and transparent to our partners and stakeholders, including funders, staff, students, and the Métis community.
Manager - Strategic Initiatives - Saskatoon
About the role
The Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research invites applications for the following position:
Manager – Strategic Initiatives
Competition Code: 2502 301S Dec 12
Position Summary: The Manager- Strategic Initiatives to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. This position provides high-level advisory support to the CEO, helping to shape organizational strategy, guide decision-making, and ensuring alignment with GDI’s vision of empowering Métis people through education, research and cultural preservation.
Responsibilities: Reporting to the CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), the Manager – Strategic Initiatives provides leadership and support to the CEO in: developing, refining and implementing strategic initiatives across the Institute; provide research, analysis, make recommendations and offer insights on emerging trends, risks and opportunities; lead cross functional strategic projects and initiatives; support the CEO in strategic relationships with government, Indigenous organizations, post-secondary institutes and funding partners; prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders; collaborate with Senior Leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness through Results-Based Accountability(RBA), risk identification and mitigation; monitor and evaluate strategic initiatives and policy development; lead projects such as strategic retreats, institutional reviews and innovation initiatives while coordinating cross departmental efforts in execution of CEO priorities; may also be assigned additional duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position by the CEO of GDI.
Qualifications: The candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study. Candidates currently enrolled in a relevant Master’s program may be considered. Applicants should have experience in governance, strategic advisory, policy development or executive level support, and an understanding of Indigenous education systems, Métis culture and reconciliation frameworks. Candidates will have exceptional analytical, communication and interpersonal skills; a proven ability to manage complex projects and navigate multi- stakeholder environments; commitment to the mission and values of the Gabriel Dumont Institute.
Preferred Assets: Preference will be given to candidates that have experience working within Indigenous organizations or post-secondary institutions; be familiar with RBA or similar performance frameworks; knowledge of Saskatchewan’s educational and policy landscape. Must have an awareness of Métis Nation Governance with a distinctions-based approach.
Remuneration: A competitive salary and benefits package
Term: January 2026 to January 2029
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Deadline for receipt of applications: December 12, 2025
Please quote competition code when submitting resume and cover letter to:
Robbie Walliser
917 22nd Street West
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7M 0R9
Telephone (306) 657-2264
Email: jobs@gdins.org
Gabriel Dumont Institute has authority from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to hire affirmatively.
Please state in your cover letter if you are Métis. Only those applicants short-listed will be contacted.
About Gabriel Dumont Institute
Mission Statement The mission of the Gabriel Dumont Institute is to promote the renewal and development of Métis culture through research; materials development, collection, and distribution; and the design, development, and delivery of Métis-specific educational programs and services.
Values Gabriel Dumont Institute's values are the foundation of all our interactions with students, clients, faculty, staff, the Métis community, and the general public.
Culture Métis culture is a critical feature of all GDI programming. The institute is a conservator of Métis history and culture, a national leader in Michif-language initiatives, and a trusted source for those seeking Métis-specific information throughout the world.
Quality GDI provides high quality programming, resources, and services to the Métis community. All GDI staff work toward our Métis-specific mandate. Professionalism and highly-qualified staff are key strengths that contribute to the successful delivery of the institute's culturally-specific education and training programs.
Respect Relationships are built on respect and trust. GDI approaches interactions with students, clients, community members, the public, our partners, and stakeholders respectfully and with understanding. GDI offers a welcoming environment in which people feel at home, respected, believed in, and capable.
Responsiveness GDI is responsive to clients, to labour market needs, and to communities. The institute participates in a variety of needs assessment processes, which provide both proper and timely training in Métis communities. Meeting student needs is a key priority of GDI.
Accountability GDI has built considerable credibility throughout our history and has developed positive relationships with stakeholders, partners, Métis communities, and governments. GDI will remain accountable and transparent to our partners and stakeholders, including funders, staff, students, and the Métis community.