[Hiring] Program Lead @MakeWay

Role Description

The Program Lead is responsible for MakeWay programming within Inuit Nunangat (Inuvialuit, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut regions). This role works across an established portfolio of grants, partnerships, and strategic initiatives supporting Inuit stewardship, community wellbeing, and cultural priorities across Inuit Nunangat.

Working closely with the Director, Northern Program, the Program Lead provides leadership across program delivery, grantmaking, strategic learning, and partnerships. The role offers significant exposure to philanthropic practice, Inuit ways of knowing and doing, cross-sector collaboration, and the design and delivery of community-informed programs.

MakeWay’s Northern Program is collaborative, relationship-based, and responsive. The work is shaped through ongoing dialogue with Inuit communities, organizations, funders, and partners. Priorities may evolve as new opportunities emerge, circumstances change, or partners identify new needs. This creates a working environment that is active, intellectually engaging, and grounded in real-world relationships.

If our values align with yours and you want to learn, grow, and develop within a supportive team that shares knowledge and cares, then we want to hear from you! Join us and make a difference.

Qualifications

• Curious with a strong desire to learn.
• Respect for Inuit leadership, knowledge, and self-determination.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Adaptability and sound judgement.
• Initiative and follow-through.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.
• Comfort working across government, community, nonprofit, and philanthropic settings.
• Strong listening and communication skills.
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to bring expertise while remaining open to different perspectives and ways of working.

Requirements

• Indigenous partnerships, philanthropy, community development, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience working with Inuit governments, organizations, communities, or rights holders.
• Knowledge of Inuit Nunangat, Inuit governance, and Northern institutions.
• Demonstrated experience managing programs, projects, partnerships, or funding portfolios.
• Strong project management, analytical, writing, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Experience developing workplans, budgets, reports, briefing materials, and recommendations.
• Experience with grantmaking, funding programs, contribution agreements, or due diligence is an asset.
• Ability to travel within Canada, including to Northern and remote communities, as required.

Benefits

• The opportunity to enable community-led impact in the North.
• Full-time annual salary of $121,000 ($100,000 base + $21,000 MakeWay Northern top-up).
• Isolated Post Allowance of $15,256-$55,178 (location- and dependent-based; consistent with rates established by the National Joint Council).
• Comprehensive employer-paid extended health, vision, and dental benefits package, including an annual $300 Health Spending Account starting on your first day of employment.
• Year-end RRSP contribution.
• Pregnancy and Parental/Adoption Leave top up (subject to eligibility).
• Four weeks’ vacation (increases with tenure) plus statutory holidays.
• Winter break office closure and 9-day summer fortnight program.
• 10 annual sick and personal days.
• Flexible work environment with remote working.
• An Indigenous Employees Network.
• Committed colleagues and a culture of collaboration, caring, and learning.
• High level of responsibility and autonomy.
• Opportunities and support for professional learning and development.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] or through Dayforce by clicking “Apply” by Monday, October 19, 2026, 11:59pm in your time zone. In your cover letter, please share a little bit about what inspired you to apply and how your experiences and skills could contribute to the team. If you have any questions prior to submitting your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Preference will be given to Inuit candidates. The position must be located in Inuit Nunangat – Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, Nunavik, or Nunatsiavut.

Application Review

• We will review all applications and create a shortlist of candidates to invite to the phone screen stage.
• Interview 1: Candidates selected to move forward from the phone screen will be invited to participate in a first-round panel interview on Microsoft Teams.
• Interview 2: Candidates selected to move forward from Interview 1 will be invited to participate in a second-round panel interview on Microsoft Teams.
• Offer and References: We will conduct 2-3 professional reference checks and extend a verbal and written offer to the selected candidate.

Supporting Equity in Our Hiring Process

In effort to recognize the time and effort that it takes to participate in a hiring process, MakeWay offers a $75 compensation for panel interviews and assignments (if applicable). Interview questions will be provided 24 hours in advance. MakeWay is strongly committed to equity and creating a diverse workplace community. We recognize that our recruiting and hiring processes are key to this commitment. We strive to reflect the diversity of our society on our teams and to provide a respectful workplace and equal working opportunities for all employees and applicants. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. If you require accommodations at any point during the application or hiring process, please contact us at [email protected] .

This role is for an upcoming vacancy and MakeWay does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. Our sincerest appreciation to all those expressing interest in the position, however, only those applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Thank you!