Senior Specialist, Indigenous Policy and Relations

About CMHC

At CMHC, the work you do and the work we do together matters. We come to work every day with a common purpose: to realize a future where everyone in Canada has a home that they can afford and meets their needs.

Our people are second to none. We lean in with courage, band together as a community and try new things to make a lasting impact on housing from coast to coast to coast.

Join us and be part of a team that's committed to making a real difference and be part of something meaningful.

What’s in it for you

We’ve got the purpose, the people and the perks you need for a fulfilling career. Here’s what you get when you’re a permanent employee:

• 5 weeks of vacation.
• Annual individual performance bonus.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Comprehensive group insurance plan to support your well-being from day one.
• Support in your personal and professional growth with training, mentorship and more – because when you thrive, we thrive.
• An inclusive workplace culture and environment with Employee Resource Groups and more.
• A hybrid work model that lets you balance working from home and nurturing in-person connections by coming into your region’s office at a minimum of 4 times a month.

About the role
Join the Indigenous Policy and Relations Team in the Senior Specialist role. This is exceptional opportunity will allow you to lead the development and implementation of the functional strategy at a national level for internal and/or external stakeholders. In this position, you will lead intelligence-gathering efforts and provide strategic input into policy, programs, and other government priorities on reconciliation. In addition, you will play a critical role in ensuring positive relationships with housing experts and key associations along with identifying opportunities to inform and communicate policy and key corporate messages and collaborate, therefore helping us make housing affordable for everyone in Canada.
 
Members of the following employment equity deserving groups will be prioritized for this job: Indigenous Peoples.
 
What you’ll do:

• Analyze client needs, government priorities, market trends and information to create opportunities in the development of new policies, programs, products and client solutions that align with CMHC’s strategy.
• Lead activities to accelerate and establish CMHC’s reconciliation action plan across the inner workings of the Corporation.
• Build sound relationships and partnerships, collaborate and share intelligence as well as identify and implement opportunities on housing transformation matters both internally and externally.
• Provide advice to realign policies, housing finance, programs, data/analytics, research, and practices to restore and support recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination.
• Provide clear direction to internal team members by contributing to key sector plans and establishing shared goals, objectives and/or target and bridge the different perspectives and priorities that will arise due to conflicting views. 
• Recommend, lead and/or guide complex projects to promote social and economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses.
• Create briefing notes for senior management including analytical and industry insight.
• Research and report marketplace and competitive information for strategic planning and review as well as acting as a catalyst for organizational change by building a shared vision with colleagues and influence the translation of vision into action.

What you should have:
 

• Seven (7) years of cumulative related experience working directly with Indigenous communities, governments and associations.
• In-depth knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDA).
• Knowledge of First Nation, Inuit and Métis housing priorities, economic and political trends, to conduct analysis, solve abstract and complex issues and to capture and balance a multitude of other factors that define public policy and business operating environments.
• In-depth knowledge and expertise in a reconciliation environment, navigating complex political, financing, and housing ecosystems and facilitating the implementation of strategic or transformation initiatives.
• Experience building and maintaining constructive and consultative working relationships with government, communities, associations, and financial sector stakeholders to improve housing outcomes.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively; capable of handling multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. 

It would be great if you also had:

• Bachelor's degree or college diploma in a relevant field such as Indigenous Studies or Business Administration.

Posting closing date: Note, the comeptition will remain active until filled.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

We’re committed to employment equity and encourage women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, veterans and persons of all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions to apply. We also welcome applications from non-Canadians who are eligible to work in Canada.

CMHC is an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued, and considered essential to achieving our mission.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

What happens after you apply 

We know that applying for a new job can be both exciting and daunting, and we appreciate your effort. Learn more about our hiring process.  If you are selected for an interview or testing, please advise us if you require an accommodation.

If you applied before and you were not successful don’t worry – we're always posting new positions, so don’t hesitate to give it another shot. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table this time around!