Department
Government of Yukon -> Education - Student Learning and First Nations Initiatives
Location
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6 CA (Primary)
Job Type
Permanent
End Date
Full/Part Time
Full-time
Standard Hours Bi-weekly
75
Classification
AR18
Salary
$105,596.00 - $122,633.00
Union
YEU
Days Off
Saturday/Sunday
Travel
25%
Admissibility
Open to all Candidates, Preference - Canadian Indigenous Ancestry, Preference - Yukon First Nations ancestry
This competition is open to all candidates who meet the above noted Admissibility. A hiring preference will apply for qualified candidates of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, with a priority for qualified Yukon First Nation candidates. This initiative is in support of Yukon government's goal for a representative public service. For more information on the hiring preference visit www.yukon.ca/hiring-preference.Job Summary and Requirements
This competition is to fill (1) full-time permanent position working 75 hours bi-weekly. The OpportunityThe Senior Partnership Advisor is responsible for leading strategic engagement, negotiations and partnership initiatives between the Department of Education and Yukon First Nations. Reporting to the Director, First Nations Initiatives, the position works collaboratively with First Nations government representatives, partners, and senior leadership to advance shared education priorities and support the implementation of agreements, commitments and initiatives that improve outcomes for Indigenous learners.
This position provides strategic advice and leadership on matters related to First Nation governance, jurisdiction, self-government agreements, education partnerships and relationship management. The Senior Partnership Advisor leads complex discussions and negotiations with First Nations governments, identifies opportunities to advance shared priorities, and helps find practical and sustainable paths forward on complex and sensitive issues.
The position supports the development and implementation of partnership agreements, strategic initiatives and collaborative processes, while providing analysis, recommendations and briefings to senior leaders. Success in this role requires strong critical thinking and analytical abilities, sound judgment, political acuity, and the ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism, resilience and respect.
Working closely with the Director, First Nations Initiatives, Yukon First Nations Governments, and education partners, the Senior Partnership Advisor plays a key role in building trust, strengthening partnerships and advancing reconciliation through collaborative approaches that support First Nations learner success and long-term educational outcomes.
Essential Qualifications: Please submit your resume clearly demonstrating how you meet each of the following qualifications. Please note, selection for further consideration will be based solely on the information you provide in your resume; ensure you use a month/year to month/year format and include the duties you performed in each of your positions.
- Post-secondary education in Public Administration, Indigenous Governance, Law, Political Science, Education, First Nations Studies, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience working with First Nations governments, organizations, or leadership on governance, self-government, treaty implementation, land claims, jurisdiction, agreements.
- Experience developing and maintaining partnerships, agreements and collaborative initiatives.
- Experience preparing briefing materials, recommendations and decision documents for senior leadership.
- Experience managing complex, sensitive, or high-profile issues involving multiple parties.
- Experience leading or supporting engagement processes, complex negotiations, consultation projects and multi-party initiatives is an asset
Desired Knowledge, Skills and Suitability:Candidates should have and may be assessed on:
- Strategic and critical thinking.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Political and cultural awareness.
- Relationship and partnership building.
- Sound judgment and decision-making.
- Resilience and professionalism in challenging situations.
- Tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive matters.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to influence, collaborate and work effectively with diverse partners.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands.
Additional InformationJob Requirements:- Travel within Yukon as required.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence.
Contact DetailsIf you have questions about this position, please contact: Paula Banks, Director, First Nations Initiatives, at [redacted]
If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact: Desiree Martsinkiw, Human Resources Manager at [redacted]For more information about how a career with the Yukon government can help you grow your abilities, develop your skills, earn a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits while making a difference in the lives of Yukoners, we encourage you to click the links below!
- Benefits and leave
- Flexible working
- Learning and development
- Diversity and inclusion
- Health and wellbeing
- Terms of employment
Are you curious about what living in the Yukon is like? Learn about Yukon life, including Yukon First Nations, arts and culture, recreation, housing and education.
Eligibility List
7 months
Post Date
05 October 2026
Close Date
19 October 2026
Job Description
Job Description.
