Summary

Reporting to the Director, Akak’stiman, the Akak’stiman Implementation Lead (Lodge Keeper) will co-design, support and implement United Way’s Akak’stiman Strategy within the context of the Directional Document priority action areas. The role will use the approach of paralleling Western and Indigenous ways and practices rather than mixing them together to avoid confusion and to maintain integrity of both ways.

Description

Permanent, Full-time 

 

At United Way of Calgary and Area, we believe that united, we make the biggest difference. We’re strongest when we come together to improve local lives and communities—and when we come together as a team, we passionately propel our mission forward. We’re currently looking for an Akak’stiman Implementation Lead (Lodge Keeper) to join our team. 

 

Adopted in 2020, the Akak’stiman Strategy shapes United Way’s Indigenous-focused work. At its essence, its focus and approach also represent a way of being and living a principled and values-based life as part of a community. 

 

Building on United Way’s learning journey, the Akak’stiman Strategy is now entering its next chapter. It will focus on developing the partnerships, human capacity, direction and resources to create the social environmental conditions needed to support the wellbeing of urban Indigenous people for generations to come. This will be actioned by revitalizing culture, influencing the funding landscape to better support urban Indigenous programs and initiatives, building knowledge and capacity externally and carve out United Way’s role in tackling social issues identified in the Akak’stiman strategy. 

 

Reporting to the Director, Akak’stiman, the Akak’stiman Implementation Lead (Lodge Keeper) will co-design, support and implement United Way’s Akak’stiman Strategy within the context of the Directional Document priority action areas. The role will use the approach of paralleling Western and Indigenous ways and practices rather than mixing them together to avoid confusion and to maintain integrity of both ways. 

 

What you will do 

Akak’stiman New Action Plan Design and Implementation 

  • Action Plan Development – Work with the Akak’stiman Director on the co-development of a detailed action plan and subsequent implementation in community 

  • Support United Way being an advocate funder – Influence other funding sources to support selected social issues that may include mental health, addiction and poverty. 

  • Support the development of a decolonized funding model. 

  • Support, track and record internal United Way teams’ implementation of the Akak’stiman Strategy in business operations and internal organizational culture when opportunities are identified. 

  • Create and implement organizational learning plan. 

  • Research and Information Gathering – Scope out and share relevant local, national and international Indigenous reports, publications, research and news to identify possible opportunities and issues based on community trends and developments as well as gather any additional information as needed to implement and inform the action plan. 

  • Work collaboratively with members of the Community Investment and Partnerships Team, Finance Team, Marcom Team and Resource Development Team. 

Community Presence and Leadership 

  • Strategic Indigenous Community Relationships – Make and sustain relationships with urban Indigenous communities, Elders, Indigenous Professionals, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous groups. 

  • Strategic Community Partnerships – Position United Way through Akak’stiman to be a viable and visible partner in community initiative, and provide leadership where appropriate or key linkages to strategic community initiatives, collaboratives and committees. 

  • Relationship Development and Management – Make Relatives with United Way Natoo’si partner agencies. Act as the main point of contact for agencies. 

  • Work with various Key Akak’stiman Governance and Implementation Groups, including United Way Core Elders Group, the United Way Circle of Allies, and the Indigenous Advisory Committee. 

  • Act as the main point of contact for funded agencies and support United Way’s funding application processes, including the implementation and ongoing improvement of existing oral Indigenous application and review processes for the Akak’stiman strategy. 

Reflection, Learning, and Evaluation 

  • Indigenous Evaluation – Lead the evolution of oral evaluation circles processes of Natoo’si partner agencies. 

  • Support the Akak’stiman Director with development of the Akak’stiman strategy’s overall Indigenous evaluation and learning approach. 

Natoo’si Group Coordination and Leadership 

  • Work with the Akak’stiman Director to evolve the Natoo’si Community of Practice and co-create clear objectives and work plans. Create a clear Relationship Framework (terms of reference) that is reflective of the work of the Natoo’si Group including objectives, roles, general timelines, etc. 

  • Monitor Natoo’si partner agencies’ deliverables, goals, program budgets and envelope funding contracts. 

 

What you will bring  

Experience: 

  • Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline (such as Indigenous Studies, Community Development; Psychology, Social Work, etc.), combined with 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in Indigenous relations, community engagement, or systems-change work, demonstrating increasing responsibility in program leadership, co-design, or cross-sector collaboration. 

  • Agility and ability to work in Western systems and practices, while paralleling and implementing Indigenous oral systems and practices to keep the integrity and usefulness of both systems (as compared to “two-eyed seeing”). 

  • Experience leading and supporting collaboratives and community initiatives as required, with the ability to lead inclusive discussions and co-learning sessions across cultures and sectors such as funders or social issue sectors (ex, poverty, mental health, etc.) 

  • Basic knowledge of key landmark developments and reports that have impacted the lives of Indigenous people on the national and international stage such as the Indian Act, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), 60s and 70s Scoop, etc. is expected. 

  • Basic knowledge about: First Nations, Métis and Inuit governance bodies and/or national groups, is an asset. 

  • Basic knowledge of the not-for-profit agency network and individual agencies in Calgary serving urban Indigenous people is preferred. 

  • An interest in researching, co-creating and co-leading program and strategy evaluation using Indigenous methodology and approaches is preferred, and experience in this area is an asset. 

  • Excellent writing and communication skills for respectful storytelling, reporting, and presentations to donors and other groups. 

  • Lived experience and identity as an Indigenous person is preferred. 

  • Ability to speak and/or understand an Indigenous language is an asset. 

  Attributes:   

  • Skilled at building and sustaining collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, Indigenous led and Indigenous serving agencies, and internal teams. 

  • The ability to navigate complexity and be solution oriented. 

  • Proven skills in financial stewardship, basic budgeting, and project management. 

  • Able to lead and thrive within a dynamic, learning-driven organization committed to Indigenous paralleling approaches, equity and innovation. 

  • Ability to work in a high output work environment with shifting priorities and strong time management skills. Ability to meet deadlines and produce high quality work. 

  • Embodies the Akak’stiman strategy four principles in their work and/or life: Making Relatives, Ethical Space, Elders and Indigenous Cultural Knowledge, and Kindness Towards Everything (see the principles here.) 

 

Work Environment 

Our team values the flexibility that hybrid work offers, while also recognizing the importance of in-person collaboration. Our office is located in Calgary and employees are expected to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Our hybrid approach strengthens our culture of collaboration, innovation and learning while being flexible where possible. 

 

United, we make the biggest difference 

United Way is a not-for-profit organization that has played a vital role in our community for 85 years.  

As a social impact organization, our mission is clear: we mobilize communities for the common purpose of working together to create lasting social change. In addition to meaningful work where you can have an impact, United Way also offers a comprehensive compensation, benefits and time off package, a hybrid work environment, and a variety of professional development opportunities. 

 

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Culture 

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and that reflects the diverse community we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, styles, and abilities to apply. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know. 

 

 

To Apply 

Send cover letter, resume and salary expectations  by 4:00 pm April 16 to hr@calgaryunitedway.org 

 

Subject Line: Akak’stiman Implementation Lead (Lodge Keeper) – Your Name. 

 

To learn more about the United Way of Calgary and the Area, please visit our website at www.calgaryunitedway.org. 

 

We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position, however, only those being considered will be contacted.