Canadian Brain Research Strategy – Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Partnership Associate

CBRS logoJob Type: Part-time, Contract

Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year (Salary commensurate with experience)

Location: Position can be located anywhere in Canada with full remote flexibility; Travel (once it is safe to do so)

Hours: Flexible; May attend after-hours Indigenous and community events on personal and business time throughout the year.

About Us

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is a pan-Canadian community-led initiative uniting over 30 world-leading neuroscience and mental health institutes to advance Canada as a world leader in collaborative, transdisciplinary, open, and ethical brain research. The CRBS aims to bring together the diverse neuroscience ecosystem – brain research initiatives and projects, public and private funders, health charities, as well as communities and patient organizations across the country – in a uniquely collaborative effort that will push the frontiers of brain science, for the benefit of all Canadians.

Position Summary

Including the voices of Indigenous Peoples is of paramount importance as we work to forge a unified strategy for Canadian brain research over the next decade and beyond. This position will lead CRBS Indigenous Initiatives and play a key role in Indigenous and Stakeholder engagement, building and maintaining relationships in our projects and operations. This position is funded by a grant jointly administered through Laval University and the University of British Columbia.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Reports to the Executive Director of CBRS and serves as a key organizational and analytical partner to help develop key partnerships and execute on special projects in Indigenous Initiatives.
  • Own relationships and lead stakeholder engagement with university researchers, trainees, individuals, communities, Indigenous groups, local governments and organizations in support of CBRS’ mission.
  • Work with partners within and outside CBRS to develop engagement strategies, approaches to community and Indigenous engagement.
  • Lead in the development and implementation of specific engagement plans, including project-specific engagement plans and strategies.
  • Research and draft briefings, talking points, presentations, and other communications materials relating to CBRS Indigenous Initiatives with rigorous attention to detail.

Education, Experience and Skills

  • 5 or more years of directly related work experience in Indigenous and/or stakeholder engagement
  • Knowledge and direct experience in engaging with Indigenous communities, including on Indigenous history and rights, on cultural protocols and norms, on Indigenous politics and the ability to successfully engage with Indigenous peoples.
  • Demonstrated recognition, allyship, and acknowledgement of the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples; Lived Indigenous experience is an asset.
  • Strong writing skills with rigorous attention to detail in written and verbal communications.
  • Agile, creative problem solver and team player with a can-do attitude.
  • Proven written and verbal communication, presentation and organizational abilities.
  • Strong social skills, including consultation, negotiation, facilitation, risk communication and conflict resolution.
  • Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to communicate fluently and are bilingual in English and French is an asset.

 

Qualifications and Competencies

  • Partnership and Relationship Building: Professional representation and communication on behalf of the team, the Executive Director, and CBRS to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications ability; You are an attentive and thoughtful listener and contributor, confidence in presenting ideas. Rigorous attention to detail and nuance required.
  • Strategic Ability: Strong research and analytical abilities; anticipates future opportunities and consequences, demonstrates an innovative and flexible approach to work, and can organize chaos into a coherent plan and implement it well.
  • Decision-Making: Able to evaluate risk and opportunities, proactive problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, and ability to demonstrate and exercise mature judgement in decision-making and communications.
  • Execution: Strong project management experience and execution and organization skills, and demonstrated experience in managing, prioritizing, communicating, and executing across multiple priorities under tight deadlines and evolving landscapes.
  • Accountability and Leadership: Demonstrates follow-through and accountability for all tasks and projects.
  • Collaboration: Works inclusively and collaboratively across the organization and with external partners to advance CBRS key priorities and programmatic goals.
  • Passion and Optimism: Deep enthusiasm for the mission and vision of CBRS.

Contact: info@canadianbrain.ca

Closing Date: Posting remains open until filled.