University of Toronto

Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network

University of Toronto$106K — $124K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • University degree required; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
  • Minimum four years in progressively senior university positions.
  • Five years of experience in Indigenous community agencies in project management or human resources.
  • Six years of project management experience, preferably in a post-secondary or government setting.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and project management software.
  • Strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership for the Indigenous Research Network.
  • Develop and coordinate initiatives supporting Indigenous researchers and communities.
  • Foster relationships with Indigenous communities and external partners.
  • Implement projects aligned with University commitments to Indigenous initiatives.
  • Manage complex multi-stakeholder projects and provide executive support as needed.
  • Promote ethical research practices and advance Indigenous research priorities.

Benefits

  • Supportive work culture committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Opportunities for collaboration with various Indigenous and academic stakeholders.
  • Access to continuous professional development and training.
  • Engagement in meaningful initiatives with real community impact.
  • Potential for career advancement within the University structure.
Full Job Description
Date Posted: 07/31/2026
Req ID:49681
Faculty/Division: VP & Provost
Department: Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Please note that short-listed candidates may be asked to participate in an Indigenous substantiation process.

Indigenous Substantiation | Indigenous University of Toronto

Your opportunity:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives, while supporting the vision of the Director, Indigenous Research Network the Assistant Director, Indigenous Research Network (IRN) is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the development, coordination, and advancement of the Indigenous Research Network that supports Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Holders, community members and colleagues doing research in and with Indigenous communities. Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, researchers, institutional and external partners, the Assistant Director will foster meaningful relationships, promote ethical research practices, and advance Indigenous research priorities. The Assistant Director will champion and strengthen opportunities for collaboration and partnership that contribute to meaningful outcomes for Indigenous communities.

The incumbent is responsible for leading and/or coordinating initiatives that support the University's vision, strategic priorities, and objectives that develop and enhance Indigenous presence, supports and programming; providing advice on related matters; fostering relationships and building partnerships with appropriate communities and organizations; developing and implementing activities and projects that advance the University's commitments as laid out in relevant UofT Plans, policies, guidelines, and reports, including Answering the Call - Wecheehetowin: Report of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto's Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The incumbent will work in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The role will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a complex and dynamic environment.

Essential Qualifications:
(MINIMUM)

EDUCATION:

University degree required, professional or post graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum four (4) years' experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions. Extensive experience with the University and knowledge of University policies and procedures and an understanding of the University's organizational structure, including its governance. Knowledge about media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy and excellent understanding of the University's mission and intersection with the broader community.

Minimum five (5) years related experience working within Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) communities/agencies in a project management, human resources /community development role. Experience working with Knowledge Keepers, learners, faculty, and staff, and an appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the University's community.

Minimum six (6) years of project management (leading, organizing and tracking the outcomes of complex and multi-stakeholder projects) and senior executive assistant experience required, preferably within a post-secondary or government environment. Experience managing staff, preferably in a unionized environment.

SKILLS:

Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations). Internet, Acrobat, scheduling software and familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint an asset.

OTHER:

Highly developed oral and written communication, research, analytical, relationship management and organizational skills. Demonstrated collaborative approach to problem solving. Demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the University as well as externally, including students, staff, faculty and community partners. High degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities. Must embrace diversity and inclusion as an integral component of a quality university experience. Ability to produce detailed and comprehensive reports from a large volume of complex information.

Strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. Demonstrated relationships with services agencies within Indigenous communities and/or urban centres and governments. Competence in an Indigenous language a definite asset.

Closing Date: 08/19/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

About University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest university in Canada by enrollment and one of the top-ranked universities in the world. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of academic disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and business. The University of Toronto is known for its research excellence and has produced many notable alumni, including four Nobel laureates. The university was founded in 1827 and has three campuses in the Toronto area.
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