Closing Date: Until the position is filled. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: Spirit North is seeking an outstanding candidate to provide leadership and assume responsibility for coordinating and delivering land-based sport and activity programs to Indigenous children and youth living in and surrounding the Thunder Bay area.  

BACKGROUND:  Established in 2017, Spirit North is a national charitable organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring Indigenous children and youth through sport and play. Our vision is health, wellness and a brighter future for all Indigenous children and youth. Programs are developed and delivered in collaboration and partnership with communities for the purpose of improving physical and mental health, increasing community engagement, and building sustainable sport and recreation programs. Our methodology is designed to reduce barriers to participation in sport and recreation such as geographical isolation and socioeconomic imitations, while incorporating community traditions, values, and beliefs.  Headquartered in Canmore (AB) with a satellite office in Edmonton (AB), our work is guided by our values which are the following:  

• OPEN: we are diverse, inclusive, and respectful. 

• CARING: we care about children and youth, communities, and the land. 

• HONEST: we act with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

• COMMUNITY: we value partnerships, relationships and success through collaboration.

COMMUNITY PROGRAM LEADER POSITION SUMMARY:   Reporting to the Provincial Coordinator, the Community Program Leader (CPL) is responsible for the direct coordination, implementation and delivery of Spirit North’s sport and land-based activity programs to Indigenous children and youth in the communities within a designated region.  SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:   Priority will be given to Indigenous applicants. Lived experience is an asset for the role and will be considered before academic qualifications. All applicants will be considered regardless of academic background.

The candidate will bring the following skills to the position:

• Creativity and adaptability for solving problems in changing environments

• Ability to be patient and thoughtful  

• Enjoyment in collaborating and actively listening to people from a variety of backgrounds

• Respectful and culturally appropriate approach to communication  

• Ability to show personal leadership within the position by being self-driven with a willingness to learn from successes and failures

• Passion for working directly with children and youth of diverse backgrounds 

The following experiences will be considered as an asset:  

• Work experience in any of the following areas: Outdoor Recreation, Indigenous learning, health sciences, child and youth work, education, community development and/or social sciences

• Previous experience delivering and coordinating land-based activities  

• Experience setting priorities, delegating work and meeting timelines consistently

• Willingness to participate in the ongoing change, support, and development of programs

Specific responsibilities include:  

• Ensuring that all program delivery, communication and engagement is done in a manner that demonstrates cultural and historical awareness and sensitivity, and an enjoyable, inclusive and supported experience for Indigenous children and youth  

• Working within a budget to develop and facilitate engagement and collaborative opportunities between community leaders, school administrators, transportation, and recreational area operators  

• Working with key community and school leaders to build community capacity for program delivery  

• Refining and adjusting program designs in response to community and participant needs  

• Ensuring Spirit North program methodology is integrated into programs  

• Working with the Spirit North team and community members to coordinate and lead any special events  

This job requires travel, a Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector, and Standard First Aid

The successful candidate will be based around Thunder Bay. A variety of home-base locations will be considered, and flexible working and living arrangements can be made. This position will require travel.

TERM AND COMPENSATION: This is a full-time position with flexible hours. The hourly wage for this position starts at $32.45 per hour.