National Ctr. for Truth & Reconciliation

Vice-President (Indigenous)

Position number: 33912

Date posted: March 10, 2026

Advertised until: March 17, 2026

##Job details

Indigenous Governance Lead- Level 7 (EMAPS)

Continuing Full-Time

Full-time:

Yes

Permanent:

Yes

Work schedule:

35 Hours/week (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Salary:

$36.85 to $55.27 per hour

Expected Start Date

April 13, 2026

Trial/Probation period:

1820 hours worked

For more information please contact: Lisa Thompson - lisa.thompson@umanitoba.ca (2044746069)

##Qualifications

THIS POSITION IS DESIGNATED FOR INDIGENOUS CANDIDATES. APPLICANTS MUST SELF-DECLARE ON THEIR COVER LETTER/RESUME AS INDIGENOUS (FIRST NATION, METIS AND/OR INUIT).

MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION/TRAINING:

• University degree required in governance, public administration, business administration, Indigenous governance, or a related field.
• Training or certification related to trauma-informed practice, Indigenous cultural safety, or health supports is required or must be obtained.
• Masters degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in governance or governance-adjacent roles within a complex environment (e.g., government, post-secondary institution, Indigenous organization, national non-profit, or board-governed organization) is required.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with Executive Directors, senior leadership, and/or governance bodies is required.
• Experience providing governance oversight, advice, and interpretation of policies, by-laws, agreements, or governance frameworks is required.
• Experience reviewing and approving high-level governance communications, reports, briefing materials, and official records is required.
• Experience providing financial oversight or governance-level review of budgets, forecasts, and expenditures required (operational processing not required).
• Experience supporting or overseeing governance-related events, gatherings, or meetings, including those involving Elders and Survivors is required.
• Experience working respectfully with Survivors and Elders is required..
• Experience working with Indigenous organizations and diverse communities is required..
• In-depth knowledge of the contemporary realities of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is required.
• Strong understanding of the Indian Residential School system, its impacts, and ongoing intergenerational effects is required.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and Survivor-centred approaches in governance and organizational contexts is required.
• Knowledge of governance structures, collective decision-making processes, and accountability frameworks is required.
• Knowledge of general office, records management, and confidentiality practices within complex organizations is required.
• Experience within a post-secondary or research institution is an asset.
• Public speaking and facilitation experience in governance or community settings is an asset.
• Familiarity with financial and travel systems and policies (e.g., Concur or comparable systems) is an asset.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong governance advisory, analytical, and decision-making skills is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex or sensitive information with clarity, diplomacy, and respect is required.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in confidential and high-stakes environments is required.
• Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills are required.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills are required.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively within a senior leadership and governance team are required.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills are required.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard enterprise systems is required.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, openness, flexibility, and patience is required.
• Ability to work with individuals and communities in emotionally complex and trauma-impacted contexts is required.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under periods of increased workload or time sensitivity is required.
• Ability to identify key stakeholders and maintain respectful, effective relationships is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is required.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while remaining accountable to governance structures is required.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and composure in demanding situations is required.
• Ability to cope with change and work in a fast-paced, multi-issue environment is required.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

OTHER JOB RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to speak an Indigenous language and/or French is an asset.
• Knowledge of or experience with Indigenous governance models is an asset.
• Willingness to attend meetings and events that may occur outside regular business hours.
• Willingness to undertake occasional travel related to governance responsibilities.

##Key responsibilities

• Holds overall accountability for the integrity, effectiveness, and compliance of NCTR governance structures, processes, and decision-making.
• Provides guidance to the Executive Director and Associate Executive Director on all matters related to the Governing Circle, Survivors Circle and Elders-in-Residence
• Ensures governance activities comply with:
  • Governance By-Laws
  • Administrative Agreement
  • Trust Deed
  • University of Manitoba policies and procedures
• Approves governance agendas, resolutions, minutes, and official records prior to circulation or implementation. Provides final interpretation and direction on governance protocol, procedure, and precedent.
• Leads governance strategic planning and ensures governance priorities are aligned with NCTR’s strategic objectives.
• Serves as the primary governance representative for NCTR in high-level internal and external forums.
• Directs and oversees the work of the Governance Coordinator to ensure governance operations are delivered accurately, confidentially, and in accordance with approved priorities.
• Sets governance workplans, timelines, and priorities and ensures deliverables are met.
• Reviews and approves briefing materials, orientation packages, governance communications, and committee documentation prepared by the Governance Coordinator.
• Provides direction on complex, sensitive, or precedent-setting governance matters.
• Acts as the final escalation point for governance issues, risks, or conflicts.
• Holds accountability for the Governance Operating Budget, including planning, forecasting, and financial stewardship.
• Approves governance expenditures, travel budgets, honoraria, and financial commitments.
• Reviews financial reports and reconciliations prepared by the Governance Coordinator and identifies risks, trends, or required corrective actions.
• Provides governance-related financial reporting to the Executive Director and Director of Finance and Contracts.
• Ensures governance financial practices meet fiduciary, audit, and compliance requirements.
• Provides governance guidance for governance-related engagement with government, Indigenous organizations, and external partners, in coordination with the Director of Operations, Culture and Events and the Director of Finance and Contracts.
• Provides governance input and advice on the development, review, and implementation of governance-related contribution agreements, contracts, and MOUs to ensure alignment with governance principles, mandates, and approved decisions.
• Offers governance-level oversight and perspective on reputational, financial, and cultural risk considerations related to governance activities, and escalates concerns as appropriate.
• Reviews governance-related reporting and deliverables to ensure consistency with governance decisions and commitments, prior to submission, in coordination with relevant directors.
• Signs governance correspondence and documents related to governance oversight, protocol, and accountability, where appropriate and within delegated authority.
• Provides functional supervision, mentorship, and performance oversight of the Governance Coordinator.
• Ensures appropriate delegation, workload balance, and professional development.
• May supervise students or contractors as required.
• Performs other duties consistent with the accountability of the role.
• Other duties as assigned.

##Additional information

This position is designated in-person and the successful candidate will be expected to work on-site.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.