Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations

Position Summary

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Identifies risks and issues, and undertakes research (internal and external) to provide problem definition, options and recommendations.
• Develops briefing notes, discussion and position papers using research and analysis for senior leadership and the Mayor, providing recommendations to address the strategic needs of the City.
• Acts in an advisory capacity to senior leadership to address intergovernmental and Indigenous community priorities.
• Undertakes assessments to determine points of view/interests of internal and external stakeholders as input into planning.
• Proactively meets with a range of stakeholders both internal (Mayor, Council members, senior leadership) and external (other levels of government, Indigenous. organizations and associations) to gather information/insight on specific issues, issue resolution as well as to build and maintain working relationships.
• Liaises closely with the Indigenous community at large, Indigenous political organizations and other levels of government for the development and implementation of Indigenous initiatives.
• Reviews policy, legislation and related data and information and provides input and advice on direction.
• Based on research and consultations, develops action plans and strategies in response to issues.
• Provides leadership, expertise and recommendations to develop, enhance, and implement effective municipal policies, programs, services and/or other initiatives that address the needs of the Indigenous community.
• Identify opportunities and develop initiatives for an increase in engagement with Indigenous communities, groups and agencies.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of the specific issues and challenges of the City of Regina as well as the broader municipal sector.
• Knowledge of broader political landscape for Indigenous issues, legislation, trends, operations/design – including municipal, provincial and federal levels.
• Knowledge of stakeholder relationship management and external relations.
• Knowledge of policy and strategy development.
• Knowledge of the City’s operations and finances.
• Knowledge is deployed to collect insight/information on a range of issues and to develop action plans and strategies in support of strategy design and implementation.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, traditions and protocols.
• The Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations is responsible for leading the definition and resolution of complex problems that are, typically, intra divisional and inter jurisdictional.
• Problems are often complex, operational issues and / or strategic issues that require consideration and balancing of a range of conflicting and competing points of view.
• Review, analyze, and make recommendations to restructure and improve existing services for the Indigenous communities in Regina.
• While senior leadership and/or elected members are ultimately responsible for decisions, there is an expectation that the Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations will provide sound recommendations that can be relied upon.
• Impacts are most often felt at an organizational level, and frequently over a longer time span.
• Impacts - financial, reputation – are experienced externally to City operations; this position represents the City at various conferences, meetings and cultural events (e.g., the Truth and Reconciliation Commission).