The Ontario Public Service (OPS) has a duty to bring about change and ensure our systems are fair, equitable, and that opportunities are accessible for Ontarians from underrepresented groups.
We have committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. The Centre for People, Culture and Talent has created a new and permanent Indigenous Equity Branch to lead the development of policies and programs to remove systemic employment barriers, champion reconciliation and lead meaningful change for Indigenous peoples in the OPS.
To achieve our commitment, we need your talent and passion! For an organization to be equitable, it must actively build fairness and accessibility into everyday functions and long-term enterprise-wide initiatives.
The Indigenous Equity Branch is hiring two (2) managers:• Senior Manager, Indigenous Equity Policy Unit (M1108A)
• Senior Manager, Indigenous Equity Programs Unit (M1108A)
*Please note: The headquarters for these positions is at 315 Front Street in Toronto. Options for flexible work and telework arrangements are available.
This is an opportunity to be part of establishing a positive, supportive, and collaborative culture where, together, we will build reciprocal relationships and pathways for Indigenous people to thrive in the OPS. Bring your lived experiences as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit and help us achieve our commitment towards establishing fairness, accessibility, and equity in the OPS. We are looking for individuals dedicated to equity and a strong understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures. Through working in the OPS, you have the opportunity to effect real change that will have an impact on thousands of OPS employees, support improved services to Indigenous communities and pave the way for Indigenous reconciliation within the organization.
About Us: Rooted in Indigenous frameworks, the Indigenous Equity Branch (IEB) champions reconciliation and renewal inside of the OPS and leads enterprise-wide initiatives to help ensure that the OPS is inclusive to Indigenous employees. The IEB works with ministries and corporate partners to support the attraction, development and retention of Indigenous employees. Our team has knowledge and experience in Indigenous ways of knowing, equity, human rights and impacts of colonization in workplace culture and dynamics.
The IEB leads responsibilities related to anti-Indigenous racism in the OPS, including the development and delivery of the OPS Anti-Indigenous Racism Strategy and policy to address systemic racism and employment barriers.
The Branch will:
1. Provide visible Indigenous executive leadership.
2. Offer a career pathway for Indigenous employees.
3. Attract strong Indigenous talent to the OPS in all areas and at all stages along the career trajectory.
Check out our other exciting opportunities within the branch!How we will support you: You will be supported with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones in your career, as you share your knowledge with us and help to make the OPS a better place to work for Indigenous people. From in-depth on-boarding programs to training and coaching, including director led mentoring, we will help you gain valuable experience to broaden your skillsets and develop your OPS career.
The next step is yours! We encourage you to sign up for the virtual Indigenous Equity Branch Open House to learn more about this opportunity. Please review the Additional Information section below for more details or
click here to sign up for the event.
Be sure to check out the Manager Recruitment Unit's Application Preparation Guide for Aspiring Managers for tips on creating an impactful application!OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
Reporting to the Director of the Indigenous Equity Branch, you will:
• Coach, mentor and manage a team of experienced professionals, while supporting and promoting an engaged, culturally responsive, and inclusive work environment.
• Lead the development of OPS-wide strategies to combat anti-Indigenous racism and breaking down systemic issues within the organization.
• Share anti-Indigenous racism expertise and advice with internal and external partners to advance Indigenous-led and focused initiatives.
• Develop and lead reciprocal relationships that result in meaningful partnerships and ongoing engagement with Indigenous people as we identify and develop ways to dismantle colonialism in OPS systems, programs and policies.
How do I qualify?
Leadership skills:
• You demonstrate the principles of inclusive leadership by empowering employees, encouraging collaboration, and defining a team culture rooted in respect, reciprocity, continuous learning, and performance excellence.
• You can mentor and coach staff to excel to their full potential and meaningfully contribute through ongoing change.
• You have knowledge of change management principles, methodologies and tools to develop and implement change management strategies as well as the ability to influence others and move toward a common goal.
• You can lead the development of a new team and drive a vision and organizational goals with an Indigenous-focused perspective to deliver on key government commitments.
Knowledge of Indigenous peoples and culture:
• You honour, welcome and make space for the diversity of perspectives in Indigenous worldviews, beliefs, values, principles and cultural norms.
• You are familiar with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous people and organizations in Ontario, governance protocols, policy priorities and perspectives.
• You have knowledge and experience in Indigenous ways of knowing, equity, human rights and impacts of colonization in workplace culture and dynamics.
• You understand the historical, social, economic, legal, and political context underlying Indigenous policy development and government relations.
• You have an understanding of engagement principles and protocols relevant to First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous Peoples, as well as experience gathering input and building consensus.
Strategy and delivery:
• You can lead strategic planning, engagement, development, and implementation of the Indigenous-focused components of the provincial Anti-Racism Strategy.
• You can provide strategic advice, and work across government to identify, prevent, and dismantle anti-Indigenous racism and systemic barriers in government policies, programs, and services.
• You understand the public policy development and government decision-making process (e.g. preparation of Cabinet submissions, briefing notes etc.) to advance the mandate on addressing systemic racism.
Stakeholder engagement and political acuity:
• You have strong relationship building skills to develop meaningful relationships and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• You take a collaborative approach to working with ministry staff and stakeholders, and cross-government partners to advance common goals
• You demonstrate political acuity, judgement skills to anticipate and manage contentious issues and to identify mitigating strategies.
Additional information:Open House (Internal and External Applicants)Interested in learning more about these positions, how we work and what to expect? We are hosting an open house for potential applicants, where you'll have the opportunity to engage our senior leaders about the new Indigenous Equity Branch and the OPS. You will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session.
If you are interested in attending the open house, please
click here to sign up.
Open House (External Applicants)This open house will be offered for applicants who do not work in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) to find out more about the OPS, its role in serving the people of Ontario and its role as an employer. Participants will be invited to bring their questions and have the opportunity to hear from Indigenous employees about their experiences in the OPS.
If you are interested in attending the open house, please
click here to sign up.
