Partnerships Coordinator

Indigenous Friends Association

Ontario, CAN

Position Name: Partnerships Coordinator

Nature: Full-Time Employee

Reports to: Partnerships Manager

Location: Canada / Remote

Rate: CAD 28 per hour

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (must be able to work between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST)

About Indigenous Friends Association (IFA):

The Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) is a dynamic and innovative not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) youth and adults through the integration of technology, education, and cultural preservation. Established with a vision to bridge the digital divide and foster digital literacy among Indigenous peoples, IFA has rapidly grown into a leading force in advocating for digital inclusion and cultural resilience. At its core, IFA is committed to creating and nurturing spaces where Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions are celebrated and interwoven with modern technological advancements. This unique approach not only enhances access to digital tools and resources but also ensures that these advancements are aligned with the values and needs of Indigenous communities.

IFA's work encompasses a wide range of programs and initiatives, each designed to address specific challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in the digital era. From the IndigiTECHand INDIGIgital programs, which focus on equipping Indigenous individuals with entry-level tech and digital literacy skills, to the development of culturally relevant educational content, IFA is at the forefront of creating meaningful and sustainable change. The organization's commitment to research and advocacy further strengthens its impact, with initiatives aimed at promoting Indigenous data sovereignty and environmental stewardship. Working at IFA means being part of a passionate team that values collaboration, innovation, and respect for cultural diversity. Employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences that drive the organization's mission forward.

Position Overview:

The Partnerships Coordinator plays a key supportive role within IFA’s Partnerships Team. Working alongside the Partnerships Manager, the Coordinator helps to build and maintain respectful relationships with external partners and employers to support internship and employment opportunities that are meaningful for Indigenous learners.

A central focus of this role is understanding the unique needs of Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) learners and offering culturally appropriate care and support through every stage of their career development journey. This includes helping prepare mentees for internships, ensuring employer engagements reflect safe and inclusive practices, and supporting internal data tracking and communication.

This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, grounded in Indigenous values, and passionate about creating inclusive pathways into tech and digital careers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Opportunity Creation: Support the Partnerships Manager, who leads outreach and employer engagement, to identify internships, employment, and continuing education opportunities for Indigenous learners. Engage directly with mentees to understand their goals and strengths, matching them to suitable opportunities. Contribute to securing 70+ internships annually to meet the needs of Indigenous communities across Canada.

Building and Maintaining Relationships: Support the Partnerships Manager in building and maintaining partnerships with employers committed to hiring Indigenous talent while ensuring alignment with IFA's values. Facilitate MOUs, manage disputes, and implement feedback mechanisms to improve partnership effectiveness and monitor impacts on mentees and communities.

Participant/Mentee Support: Facilitate employer info sessions and deliver career development supports, including one-on-one sessions and interview preparation. Share relevant job search resources with learners and provide tailored skill-building opportunities in collaboration with partners. Ensure all supports are culturally safe, responsive, and respectful of Indigenous values and diverse experiences.

Administrative Support/Tasks: Oversee tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintaining accurate records to ensure alignment with organizational objectives while honoring Indigenous communities. Update and manage the CRM system for effective communication and follow-up with partnership relationships. Frequently engage and communicate with IFA staff and program learners/mentees through IFA utilized online platforms and applications. Promote and support knowledge exchange and information sharing amongst IFA networks.

Event Representation: Represent IFA at various events, both in-person and online, when needed. Advocate for IFA while ensuring cultural sensitivity and respect in all engagements.

Collaboration: Work closely with the Partnerships Manager and other teams, including Education, Community Engagement, and Mentorship, to ensure a cohesive approach to program implementation and support.

Reconciliation Guidance: Collaborate with the Community Engagement Team to provide actionable guidance to companies on integrating reconciliation practices that reflect Indigenous values, particularly focusing on Call to Action 92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Professional Development: IFA is committed to fostering the professional growth of its employees. The Partnerships Coordinator will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities related to Indigenous community engagement, partnership management, and cultural competency, supporting both personal and professional growth within the role.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and connection to Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) communities, cultures, governance, and values.
• Experience in outreach, partnership-building, or community engagement, preferably within Indigenous contexts.
• Experience supporting Indigenous learners or job seekers is a strong asset.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, including comfort presenting and writing for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with care, integrity, and adaptability.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and digital collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack).
• Comfortable working in a remote team environment.
• Education: Post-secondary diploma or degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience in Indigenous community engagement, outreach, or program coordination will also be considered.
  
  
  

Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit) candidates are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to self-identify in their covering letter.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement:

IFA embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

Accessibility Statement:

IFA strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our vision and mission.

IFA is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact HR Manager at hr@indigenousfriends.org.



Thank you for your interest in a career at INDIGENOUS FRIENDS ASSOCIATION!