EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Engagement Specialist, Indigenous Health Equity Fund

Full Time Term Position to March 31, 2026

(with possibility of extension)

Location: Thompson, MB or Winnipeg, MB

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is currently searching for a highly motivated and passionate individual to join our Indigenous Health Equity Fund (IHEF) team as an Engagement Specialist. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the improvement of healthcare outcomes for First Nations communities in northern Manitoba. Working under the guidance of our IHEF Administrator and IHEF Funding Officer, the successful candidate will build strong relationships and clear communication channels with First Nations and other stakeholders. Through delivery of informative presentations and continuous support, the Engagement Specialist will help ensure that all First Nations and partners are well-informed about IHEF funding opportunities and processes.

Role and Responsibilities

Outreach & Presentations:

• Develop and deliver presentations and workshops tailored to the needs of First Nations and organizations.
• Contribute to environmental scanning and reports on local, regional and national issues and other processes relevant to policy implications for MKO Nations.
• Develop and implement follow-up initiatives for events, such as reports, event summaries, communities of practice, workshops, or other initiatives.
• Assist in identifying emerging trends and policy shifts that could impact MKO Nations.
• Collaborate with senior staff to ensure analyses are thorough and address desired perspectives.

Engagement & Communication:

• Serve as a liaison between the applicants and the IHEF team, clarifying program objectives, funding processes, and outcomes.
• Develop, implement, assess, and adapt outreach and engagement approaches.
• Engage with applicants to assess needs, invite input and feedback, raise awareness of IHEF activities, build ongoing relationships, and evaluate initiatives.
• Prepare presentations, briefings, draft correspondence for internal and external audiences.
• Represent MKO in meetings and public forums as required.

Community Support:

• Provide technical and informational support to help communities submit successful proposals.
• Works with program staff to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate IHEF initiatives to support community applicants.

Feedback Collection:

• Gather input from community engagements to refine program processes and ensure responsiveness to local needs.
• Assist in maintain policy tracking system and relevant documentation.
• Coordinate schedules, meetings, engagement activities to ensure efficient time management and organizational priorities.
• Provide general support to the IHEF team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in a relevant discipline such as Indigenous Studies or Human Services disciplines from an accredited education institution.
• Communications or engagement experience, preferably with experience liaising with Indigenous stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Intergenerational impacts of residential schools.
• Understanding of Indigenous specific racism and cultural safety.
• Knowledge of the UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action and Calls to Justice.
• Awareness of trauma informed care.
• Working knowledge and experience working with First Nation community resources and organizations.
• Excellent oral presentation and experience delivering materials to senior management and executive level leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to clearly present complex information
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to effectively manage time.
• Ability to speak Cree or Dene is a definite asset.
• Valid Class 5 Full drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours as required.
• Ability to travel by air, road, boat, skidoo and other means as necessary.
• Proficient computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check, Child and Adult Abuse Registry Check, and vulnerable sector check.

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position applying for and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (include a most recent employer reference) by 4:00 p.m. on August 22, 2025.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Preference will be given to qualified First Nations applicants; applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their resume or cover letter. No phone calls will be accepted.

Incorporated in 1981 as the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). MKO is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that provides a collective voice on issues of inherent, Treaty, Indigenous, and human rights for citizens of the 26 sovereign First Nations we represent. The MKO First Nations are signatory to Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10.

Please visit our website at mkonation.com