[Hiring] Strategic Advisor, Indigenous Programs and Partnerships @Kinvia

Role Description

Kinvia is seeking a Strategic Advisor to assess our current Indigenous programs and partnerships, identify opportunities to deepen impact, strengthen donor engagement and advance organizational learning related to Indigenous food systems transformation in Canada.

The work requires a relationship-based approach grounded in Indigenous self-determination, community leadership, cultural humility and accountability. The advisor will work closely with senior leadership, staff, Indigenous partners and the Philanthropy team to provide practical recommendations for organizational decision-making.

This opportunity is intended for candidates who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis. This requirement reflects the importance of Indigenous lived experience, knowledge and relationships to the work. Candidates invited to move forward in the recruitment process will be asked to complete Kinvia’s Indigenous self-identification and verification process. Information will be handled respectfully and confidentially in accordance with Kinvia’s Indigenous Self-Identification and Verification Policy. We are seeking someone with strong connections to Indigenous communities and demonstrated experience in strategic thinking, relationship-building and collaborative leadership.

Flexible Engagement Options: Contract, Consultancy or Other Models

Our preferred arrangement is a full-time, fixed-term contract. We are also open to engaging an independent consultant, consulting team or another suitable arrangement. Applicants proposing an alternative model should submit a brief proposal as outlined below.

Qualifications

• Strong connections to Indigenous communities.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic thinking, relationship-building and collaborative leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in program review, evaluation, strategy and organizational learning.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous food sovereignty, food systems transformation and Indigenous-led community development in Canada.
• Experience building respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and Indigenous-led organizations.
• Experience in donor relations, stewardship, grant writing, proposal development, reporting or fund development.
• Excellent analytical, systems-thinking, writing, facilitation and communication skills.

Requirements

• Review and assess Kinvia's current programs, partnerships, outcomes and positioning in Indigenous food systems transformation in Canada.
• Oversee related operational priorities, work planning, coordination and follow-through, including supervision of the Senior Officer, Indigenous Programs and Partnerships.
• Conduct a landscape scan and map relevant Indigenous organizations, communities, networks, funders, researchers, governments and other sector partners.
• Identify emerging priorities, policy and funding trends, collaboration opportunities and appropriate approaches to relationship-building.
• Advise on where Kinvia should lead, support, amplify, partner differently or step back in alignment with Indigenous-led priorities.
• Strengthen donor engagement by articulating Kinvia’s contribution, outcomes, learning, distinctive value and future funding needs.
• Contribute to proposals, reports, briefing notes, presentations and donor stewardship materials.
• Translate findings into practical guidance, tools and knowledge-sharing sessions that build staff capacity.
• Prepare clear, prioritized recommendations covering immediate and longer-term opportunities, partnership and funding implications, capacity needs, risks and next steps.

Benefits

• Annual salary range for full-time, fixed-term employee: $100,000–$110,000.
• Consultancy fees determined through the proposal process based on the proposed engagement model, scope, level of effort and deliverables.

How to Apply

For the fixed-term contract:

• Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest.

For a consultancy or alternative engagement:

• Please submit a concise proposal that includes:
• Your proposed approach and engagement model.
• A high-level work plan, timeline and key deliverables.
• The proposed team or consultant profile and relevant experience.
• Availability, level of effort and fee structure.
• Two relevant examples or references, where available.

Applications and proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The opportunity will remain open until a suitable candidate or consultant is selected. Only those under consideration will be contacted.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Kinvia is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier-free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of our community. We encourage and welcome applications from qualified applicants including members of racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier-free hiring process. For further information about Accessibility or Accommodation process at Kinvia, please contact our People and Culture Department.