Indigenous Services Manager
About the role
Job Posting #
2025-11
Title:
Manager, Indigenous Services
Classification:
Professional
Employment Duration:
Permanent, Full-time
Salary Range:
$96,533 - $120,626
Location:
Toronto, ON
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) has represented Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario since 1912, providing service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education, and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children.
The Manager, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) plays a vital role in advancing OACAS’s commitment to reconciliation, equity, and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples. Reporting to a member of the Leadership Team, this position is responsible for developing cultural resources, strategies, and knowledge to provide advice and support within OACAS and to FNMI communities in the care of their children and youth.
The Manager will be responsible for providing strategic input into OACAS projects, initiatives, consultations, advocacy strategies, and education programs, while leading and supporting initiatives that honour Indigenous voices, perspectives, and ways of knowing. The role will also facilitate strong, collaborative relationships between OACAS, member agencies, FNMI organizations, and Indigenous communities, ensuring that programs, services, and policies are culturally relevant, respectful, and responsive.
Duties and Responsibilities**:**
Leadership & Cultural Competency
- Lead the creation and implementation of identity-based strategies that centre Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems, enhancing the well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families within Ontario’s child welfare sector.
- Advise the CEO, leadership team, and member agencies on Indigenous relations, cultural safety, and policy development aligned with the TRC Calls to Action and relevant legislation.
- Provide expertise on FNMI best practices, emerging trends, and key issues to guide strategic decision-making, planning, and timely responses.
- Develop and oversee culturally safe engagement and consultation protocols with Indigenous partners, including FNMI communities, ANCFSAO, and the Chiefs of Ontario.
Relationship Building & Engagement
- Build and maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and service organizations to foster collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared advocacy.
- Lead and support stakeholder groups (e.g., DOS, ACER, etc.) to influence policy and legislation, advance government initiatives, and secure resources.
- Act as a liaison between OACAS and Indigenous partners, and coordinate FNMI events and engagement activities with OACAS event staff.
Program, Policy & System Development
- Co-develop and implement policies and frameworks that reflect Indigenous needs, values, rights, and cultural practices.
- Prepares and/or contributes to reports, briefing notes, position papers, analyses and other documents.
- Support the FNMI framework for devolving services from mainstream non-Indigenous child welfare agencies to Indigenous child welfare agencies and assist pre-mandated agencies in achieving designation.
- Partner with Indigenous organizations and member agencies to decolonize mainstream systems through capacity-building initiatives.
- Research, analyze, and synthesize FNMI-related data and conduct environmental scans to identify trends, emerging issues, and sector impacts; monitor relevant legislation, regulations, and standards and provide policy interpretation; develop strategic workplans and recommendations to address identified needs.
- Partner with sector agencies and FNMI stakeholders to advance the implementation of C-92.
Advice, Representation & Advocacy
- Provide expert interpretation and advice on FNMI child welfare matters to member agencies, government, and other stakeholders.
- Represent OACAS on external committees, task groups, and sector-wide initiatives to ensure Indigenous perspectives inform decision-making.
- Contribute to the OACAS Strategic Plan, Annual Operational Plan, and organizational standards and guidelines.
Education & Capacity Building
- Deliver training, coaching, and learning opportunities on Indigenous history, cultural safety, anti-Indigenous racism, and reconciliation.
- Mentor and support OACAS staff and member agencies through advocacy and cultural connections within a workplace.
- Collaborate across OACAS teams to integrate Indigenous knowledge into projects, initiatives, consultations, advocacy strategies, and education programs.
- Ensure communications are culturally relevant for Indigenous children, youth, and families.
Other
- Develop metrics and reporting tools to track progress on Indigenous strategies and reconciliation commitments.
- Support internal evaluations and audits through an Indigenous lens to ensure accountability.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications**:**
Education and Experience:
- Post-secondary degree in Indigenous studies, social work, community development, public administration, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in Indigenous engagement, community development, policy, or leadership roles.
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous worldviews, cultures, protocols, histories, and the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Knowledge and Skills**:**
- Comprehensive knowledge of Ontario child welfare legislation, service delivery, and historical/current issues in Indigenous child welfare.
- Deep understanding of Indigenous traditions, values, and communities, with strong cultural competency.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and consulting skills to assess information, identify risks, and provide expert guidance.
- Excellent facilitation, presentation, oral/written communication, and listening skills for consultations, reports, and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven project, program, financial, and human resource management skills, with government accountability experience.
- Skilled in leadership, negotiation, consensus building, and relationship management with diverse partners and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-changing environments with flexibility and adaptability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Working Conditions
Work involves minimal physical or psychological risk, which could result from unavoidable exposure to dangerous situations or hazardous, disagreeable or uncomfortable working conditions.
APPLY ONLINE at
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=5504a194-52e8-4f07-ae3b-2acc61f702f0&ccId=19000101\_000001&lang=en\_CA by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 17th, 2025. Please attach a cover letter and resume in one file.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. OACAS is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. We encourage and are pleased to consider applications from all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, indigenous status, age or disability.
Accommodation at OACAS
We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Applicants are required to make any accommodation requests for the application, interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at 416 987-3677 orhr@oacas.org.
Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the interview or selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
Indigenous Services Manager
About the role
Job Posting #
2025-11
Title:
Manager, Indigenous Services
Classification:
Professional
Employment Duration:
Permanent, Full-time
Salary Range:
$96,533 - $120,626
Location:
Toronto, ON
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) has represented Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario since 1912, providing service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education, and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children.
The Manager, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) plays a vital role in advancing OACAS’s commitment to reconciliation, equity, and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples. Reporting to a member of the Leadership Team, this position is responsible for developing cultural resources, strategies, and knowledge to provide advice and support within OACAS and to FNMI communities in the care of their children and youth.
The Manager will be responsible for providing strategic input into OACAS projects, initiatives, consultations, advocacy strategies, and education programs, while leading and supporting initiatives that honour Indigenous voices, perspectives, and ways of knowing. The role will also facilitate strong, collaborative relationships between OACAS, member agencies, FNMI organizations, and Indigenous communities, ensuring that programs, services, and policies are culturally relevant, respectful, and responsive.
Duties and Responsibilities**:**
Leadership & Cultural Competency
- Lead the creation and implementation of identity-based strategies that centre Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems, enhancing the well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families within Ontario’s child welfare sector.
- Advise the CEO, leadership team, and member agencies on Indigenous relations, cultural safety, and policy development aligned with the TRC Calls to Action and relevant legislation.
- Provide expertise on FNMI best practices, emerging trends, and key issues to guide strategic decision-making, planning, and timely responses.
- Develop and oversee culturally safe engagement and consultation protocols with Indigenous partners, including FNMI communities, ANCFSAO, and the Chiefs of Ontario.
Relationship Building & Engagement
- Build and maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and service organizations to foster collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared advocacy.
- Lead and support stakeholder groups (e.g., DOS, ACER, etc.) to influence policy and legislation, advance government initiatives, and secure resources.
- Act as a liaison between OACAS and Indigenous partners, and coordinate FNMI events and engagement activities with OACAS event staff.
Program, Policy & System Development
- Co-develop and implement policies and frameworks that reflect Indigenous needs, values, rights, and cultural practices.
- Prepares and/or contributes to reports, briefing notes, position papers, analyses and other documents.
- Support the FNMI framework for devolving services from mainstream non-Indigenous child welfare agencies to Indigenous child welfare agencies and assist pre-mandated agencies in achieving designation.
- Partner with Indigenous organizations and member agencies to decolonize mainstream systems through capacity-building initiatives.
- Research, analyze, and synthesize FNMI-related data and conduct environmental scans to identify trends, emerging issues, and sector impacts; monitor relevant legislation, regulations, and standards and provide policy interpretation; develop strategic workplans and recommendations to address identified needs.
- Partner with sector agencies and FNMI stakeholders to advance the implementation of C-92.
Advice, Representation & Advocacy
- Provide expert interpretation and advice on FNMI child welfare matters to member agencies, government, and other stakeholders.
- Represent OACAS on external committees, task groups, and sector-wide initiatives to ensure Indigenous perspectives inform decision-making.
- Contribute to the OACAS Strategic Plan, Annual Operational Plan, and organizational standards and guidelines.
Education & Capacity Building
- Deliver training, coaching, and learning opportunities on Indigenous history, cultural safety, anti-Indigenous racism, and reconciliation.
- Mentor and support OACAS staff and member agencies through advocacy and cultural connections within a workplace.
- Collaborate across OACAS teams to integrate Indigenous knowledge into projects, initiatives, consultations, advocacy strategies, and education programs.
- Ensure communications are culturally relevant for Indigenous children, youth, and families.
Other
- Develop metrics and reporting tools to track progress on Indigenous strategies and reconciliation commitments.
- Support internal evaluations and audits through an Indigenous lens to ensure accountability.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications**:**
Education and Experience:
- Post-secondary degree in Indigenous studies, social work, community development, public administration, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in Indigenous engagement, community development, policy, or leadership roles.
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous worldviews, cultures, protocols, histories, and the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Knowledge and Skills**:**
- Comprehensive knowledge of Ontario child welfare legislation, service delivery, and historical/current issues in Indigenous child welfare.
- Deep understanding of Indigenous traditions, values, and communities, with strong cultural competency.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and consulting skills to assess information, identify risks, and provide expert guidance.
- Excellent facilitation, presentation, oral/written communication, and listening skills for consultations, reports, and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven project, program, financial, and human resource management skills, with government accountability experience.
- Skilled in leadership, negotiation, consensus building, and relationship management with diverse partners and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-changing environments with flexibility and adaptability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Working Conditions
Work involves minimal physical or psychological risk, which could result from unavoidable exposure to dangerous situations or hazardous, disagreeable or uncomfortable working conditions.
APPLY ONLINE at
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=5504a194-52e8-4f07-ae3b-2acc61f702f0&ccId=19000101\_000001&lang=en\_CA by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 17th, 2025. Please attach a cover letter and resume in one file.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. OACAS is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. We encourage and are pleased to consider applications from all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, indigenous status, age or disability.
Accommodation at OACAS
We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Applicants are required to make any accommodation requests for the application, interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at 416 987-3677 orhr@oacas.org.
Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the interview or selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.