Head, Indigenous Engagement

Role Responsibilities

The Royal Alberta Museum is seeking a dynamic and accomplished candidate to fill a Maternity Leave position, as the Head of Indigenous Engagement. Reporting to the Director, Engagement and Education, the Head of Indigenous Engagement leads RAM's work and relationships with Indigenous communities. They work to increase the knowledge and awareness of, and to enhance appreciation for, the histories and cultures of the Indigenous communities represented in Alberta. This candidate in this position will be key to sustain productive relationships with Indigenous communities and First Nations and work to ensure that RAM is respectful and responsive to the needs of its communities and stakeholders, during a time of transition. The Head, Indigenous Engagement is also responsible for providing direction to the Indigenous Engagement team, to support exhibition and gallery development, and to preserve, research, and develop the Indigenous Collection at RAM. 

Your main responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Engagement and relationship building with Indigenous communities. 
• Collections management and curatorial support. 
• Management and support of RAM’s Indigenous Advisory Panel. 
• Assist with the implementation of reconciliation activities across the Museum.
• Oversee the current repatriation program at RAM, in collaboration with the Director, Engagement and Education. 
• Guide the implementation of appropriate cultural protocols, throughout the department and the Museum. 
• Supervision and Administration of the Indigenous Engagement staff and department.
• Work with the Steward, Indigenous Collections, to supervise gallery and exhibition development, including permanent, community and feature exhibitions. 

The Head, Indigenous Engagement works across the Museum to foster meaningful reconciliation in all aspects of Museum work (including curatorial, program development, research, etc.), supporting the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing and building relevant protocol where appropriate. 

Please click on this link https://mydocs.wfd.alberta.ca/media/3nhb4nhc/jd-64390-head-indigenous-engagement.pdf to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Agility: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change. 
• Build Collaborative Environments: Collaborates across functional areas and proactively addresses conflicts. 
• Develop Networks: Leverages relationships to build input and perspective. 
• Creative Problem Solving: Focuses on continuous improvement and increasing breadth of insight.   

Qualifications

Requirements

• University graduation in a relevant discipline (e.g., Anthropology/Museum Studies or Indigenous Studies) and a minimum of four years' related experience or or equivalent as described below.
• A solid understanding of the principles and practices, as well as demonstrated experience in community engagement with Indigenous peoples, specifically in a government and museum environment.
• High-level of understanding and knowledge of diverse First Nations, Métis and Inuit history, cultures, traditions, beliefs and protocols, and the ability to communicate in ways that are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of Indigenous communities. 
• Understanding and knowledge of the First Nations Sacred Ceremonial Objects Repatriation Act, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, and the Alberta Historical Resources Act.
• Solid understanding of the theories of museum best practices regarding reconciliation as applied to operations (such as exhibits, programs, interpretation, and research).
• Knowledge of collections management and the curatorial skills needed to develop exhibitions and programs. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and create productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Assets

• The ability to navigate and articulate, lead and facilitate conversations, analyze and apply learnings from Indigenous communities in a government environment is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with Indigenous communities and RAM partners is an asset.
• Demonstrated experienced leading teams, navigating complex interpersonal relations, mediation, and high emotional intelligence is an asset.
• A solid knowledge of the current Alberta First Nations cultures and contemporary issues and fluency/knowledge of an Indigenous language and cultural practices is an asset. 
• Ability to successfully work in a politically sensitive environment is an asset. 

Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates. We encourage applicants to please self-identify in their cover letter.

Equivalency

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a temporary full-time position-Up to 12 months

Hours of work are 36.25 hours weekly.

Days of work are Monday to Friday.
Occasional weekend and evening work may be required, as well  as occasional travel.

Location: Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Alberta

Candidate must be eligible to work in Canada. A current work visa is required.

Please ensure you provide a current email address in your resume.

To accurately reflect your related experience/education, in your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience.

For any Post-Secondary Education: Please specify your major and length of program, the educational institution, and the year you graduated

Cover letter is required. Your cover letter and resume will be used as a screening tool to assess your written communication.

Presentations may be used as part of the interview process.

Final candidate will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.