Executive Advisor, Indigenous Engagement
Term: Full-time 24-month term position, potential for extension
Hiring Manager: Nicholas Bell, President & CEO
Closing Date: January 5, 2024
Salary: $114,000 – $135,000
In recognition of the critical importance of a lived understanding of Indigenous communities, history, values and cultural competencies, this role is designated for an Indigenous individual. Glenbow will require those applicants selected for an interview to verify their Indigenous identity by submitting written documentation or a self-declaration that includes specific information about their ongoing relationship to a legally recognized and inherent Indigenous community, Nation or people in North America.
Glenbow is an equal opportunity employer and values different perspectives, backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. Should you have special accommodation needs, please let us know.
Land Acknowledgement
Glenbow is located on Treaty 7 territory and respects the history, languages, traditions and cultures of the Nations on whose traditional land we reside: the Niitsitapi from the Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes Siksika, Piikani and Kainaiwa; the Îyârhe Nakoda of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley Nations; and the Dene of the Tsuut’ina Nation; as well as the Métis Nation Region III. Their contributions to the museum and continued support are integral to our success in educating our visitors and sharing the rich heritage of this land. We further acknowledge the vital connections we have to other Indigenous people (including other First Nations, Inuit and Métis), whose visual and intangible culture is represented in our collections and exhibitions.
About Glenbow
Situated in Moh’kin’stis (Calgary), Glenbow is an arts and culture museum undergoing a complete transformation and reimagining of what a museum can be.
Glenbow’s team is passionate and dedicated to making art accessible for everyone. Every member of our team, regardless of job title or description, is focused on serving our community and reimagining the museum experience.
We are dedicated community builders, working to shape the future of arts and culture in Calgary and beyond. Working at Glenbow also means you are part of an organization that recognizes its role in reconciliation and is working toward building an equitable community.
The Role
Reporting to the President & CEO, the executive advisor, Indigenous engagement will provide guidance and consultation on the creation of short- and long-term pan-organizational strategies, ensuring operations are influenced by Indigenous knowledge and practice. Working collaboratively to engage internal and external communities, in decolonization and Indigenization, with respect and reciprocity, the executive advisor will build upon existing relationships and create new relationships with Indigenous communities across Canada and internationally. These connections will foster an environment in which Indigenous collaborators and visitors can thrive in a safe and culturally competent space.
The primary outcomes of the term are detailed in the below role responsibilities.
Role Responsibilities
Strategic Guidance and Development
- Working closely with the President & CEO and Senior Leadership Team, act in an advisory role for the development of pan-organizational strategies, including an Indigenous engagement strategy, which will include recommendations for implementation, accountability measures and metrics for success.
- Guide the development of a strategic framework for continuing to build relationships with Indigenous communities whose histories and cultures are represented in the organization’s collections, adapting the strategy based on consultation and feedback from communities. This strategy will address Glenbow’s organizational priorities as well as our responsibilities to meet the goals outlined by Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Advise on future staffing models and business processes to support Indigenous engagement and inclusion.
Stewarding Relationships with Communities
- Develop and maintain relationships throughout the communities in which Glenbow operates and craft recommendations for how the organization can support them.
- Facilitate the activities of the organization’s national Indigenous Advisory Group, and as the Chair, build mechanisms for ongoing communications and feedback.
- Contribute to the growth and development of partnerships with Indigenous community leaders necessary to honour the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Connect and build partnerships to support Indigenization and decolonization across all activities at Glenbow.
Internal Knowledge Sharing
- Ensure strategies across the organization are inclusive and considerate of Indigenous ways of knowing.
- Share knowledge with all staff through courageous leadership and open dialogue.
- Contribute to reports and related information for internal needs and other audiences.
- Contribute to a positive, supportive and strong team culture at Glenbow.
Qualifications for this Role
Attributes
This role is designated for an Indigenous individual with active and demonstrable ties to community, who can also demonstrate a history of engagement and advocacy with the lived experience of an Indigenous worldview, culture, traditions and values.
The successful candidate will also have:
- The ability to inspire trust and contribute to a positive and nurturing climate for organizational change, while ensuring Indigenous voices are amplified and Glenbow relationships are based on respect and open and effective dialogue with community.
- Knowledge and experience, within the scope of work of a museum, in providing strategic guidance in defining and implementing a vision for the interrelated commitments and practices of Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation.
- Demonstrated history of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, Elders and knowledge keepers in and near where Glenbow is located.
- The ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge, improve experiences and outcomes and effectively communicate an Indigenous perspective.
- A high level of emotional intelligence and full awareness of how one’s own emotions and the emotions of others impact relationships.
- Persistence and persuasiveness, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to advance issues through iterative change.
- Proven ability to engage with media on Indigenization, decolonization and anti-racism.
- Leadership experience with increasing responsibilities, including employee supervision, guidance and direction of positions in support of Indigenous education, student success and community engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective, collaborative teams that support the planning and implementation of institutional initiatives.
- Proficient knowledge of the political, legislative and governing bodies pertaining to Indigenous initiatives at a local, provincial and national level.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Calls to Action by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission.
Experience and Education
- Applicants must possess a level of lived experience, knowledge, education and/or training equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as Indigenous Studies, Community Engagement, Social Innovation or Education. This can include experiences, mentorships or other sources of wisdom gained from outside of conventional education systems.
- At least three to five years of recent related experience working for Indigenous organizations/programs, including interacting with and developing relationships with Indigenous people and Indigenous communities.
- Strong communication, writing and presentation skills, including facilitation techniques.
- Computer skills, including the ability to use word processing software, spreadsheets, e-mail and Internet.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Benefits of working at Glenbow
We recognize there are many reasons to believe in your work—and that everyone deserves to be valued, be part of a caring culture, be compensated fairly and be part of building our community.
Flexible work environment: We know having flexibility in how you work is important in today’s workplace. From hybrid working options, flexible hours and more, Glenbow offers ways to achieve the balance you’re looking for in your life.
Health & wellness benefits: We believe in physical and mental well-being. Our benefits package supports you and your family in your ongoing health.
RRSP matching: Glenbow matches employee RRSP contributions, up to 5%. Employees structure their retirement savings how they choose and Glenbow tops up those contributions.
Enhanced Benefits
Glenbow offers all regular staff health and dental benefits, RRSP matching up to 5%, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid vacation, up to 12 additional earned days off per year and other paid and unpaid leave provisions.
In addition, because active engagement with traditional practices is important to this role, we are offering this role:
- Traditional practices or ceremonial leave: five (5) paid days per year.
- Taxable benefit allowance of up to $500 per year to support expenses related to traditional practices.
- Extended bereavement time related to the death of a family member or another important personal relationship.
- Paid time to a maximum of seven (7) paid days per year.
- Additional unpaid time may be granted for ceremonial protocols and responsibilities or extenuating circumstances.
- Ongoing assessment of ad-hoc supports to ensure workplace cultural safety and wellness.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@glenbow.org by January 5, 2024. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are an Indigenous applicant.
