Research Manager - Indigenous Negotiations (Internal Applicants Only)

Position Title: Research Manager

Team: Indigenous Negotiations (IN)

Reports to: Business Lead

Job Location: Hybrid in Firelight office preferred (Edmonton Vancouver Victoria) possibility of homebased remote office

Travel: Up to 10 days of travel per month required

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

One of the largest Indigenousowned research firms and valuesbased organizations the Firelight Group has provided socially responsible communitydriven research services across Canada since 2010. Indigenous clients have trusted Firelight to provide highquality research and technical services that decolonize research practices and centre on Indigenous Knowledge and values to protect rights and advance selfdetermination. Firelight has an expanding diverse team of over 100 talented professionals working on multidisciplinary projects in nine business units: Indigenous Knowledge Research SocioEconomic Research Environmental Assessment Indigenous Negotiations Mapping & GIS Planning & Implementation Ecology and Indigenous Health.

Firelight has offices in Xwmlchtstn xmkym Territory Lkwungen and (Amiskwacwskahikan). Firelight acknowledges that most of our work is with clients on territories where we are invited guests and we are deeply grateful for this trust. We bring respect humility and a willingness to learn while recognizing that our work supports realizing our clients needs and objectives. Firelight proudly provides clientidentified services that amplify and strengthen community voice and participation.

JOB OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Business Lead the Research Manager is a technical specialist on their team. With expertise in research project management engagement negotiations and implementation the Research Manager supports and leads their own consulting files informing the design strategy and execution of projects. The Research Manager provides consistently superior client experience enhancing the image and reputation of the company and ensuring Firelights values guide project strategies and processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES DUTIES

Technical Advising

• Lead project design strategy and execution alongside communities within the business area under the supervision of the Business Lead
• Work with Business Lead and other Research Managers to provide strong technical skills in research and the negotiation and implementation of agreements and supports processes between Indigenous governments and companies or governments
• Lead discussions with clients to define strategies visavis companies and governments on complex relationships involving financial and organizational issues
• Lead the development of best practices in Indigenous research methods engagement and implementation staying current in new and emerging trends in the field of negotiations
• Lead discussions with clients to define client requirements and priorities on complex financial and organizational issues

• Support the implementation of innovative practices that are aligned to emerging trends and best practices in their business area
• Lead or support the development of deliverables for multiple clients and external stakeholders
• Present in community and leadership settings the process outcomes and milestones of the negotiation and the implementation of an agreement

Project Management

• Lead client engagements engaging new and existing clients communicating the project plan and identifying when there is a change in purpose scope or timeline
• Oversee the development execution and evaluation of complex multimethod projects aligned to Firelight values and client expectations
• Develop and monitor project scope plans budgets and schedules to ensure successful project delivery; ensure timely execution of current planned and adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
• Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources developing workplans and delegating tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success
• Oversee and coordinate the work of Analysts and Researchers and provide feedback mentorship and support to identify areas for further development and growth
• Oversee and manage project budgets to ensure project profitability and healthy cash flow
• Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely invoicing
• Manage information data and documents following established procedures; assure quality control and security of research data
• Oversee logistical coordination of multiday community engagement with research teams
  

Client Engagement

• Represent Firelight to clients communities and in expert technical meetings with minimal supervision and review
• Work with and coordinate the activities of community partners and others including Firelight team members and external consultants to develop design and implement projects
• Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence knowledge transfer and skills development
• Support and coach others in effective community engagements aligned to Firelights values and with shared objectives
  

People Leadership

• Foster a positive and respectful workplace aligned to Firelights values and objectives
• Provide feedback on Researcher and Research Analyst performance to Program Managers to inform performance management and professional development
• Supervise Researchers and Analysts on projectspecific work including quality review and mentorship
• Ensure the workplace including while traveling for incommunity and onterritory work meets all health and safety guidelines and regulations
• Support the development of Firelights organizational learning and knowledge
• Mentor Researchers and Analysts in support of their growth and development

QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE

• 5 years of recent relevant experience in the negotiation and implementation of agreements between Indigenous communities and companies or governments
• 5 years of experience working with and for Indigenous Nations and communities
• Masters degree or equivalent in experience in negotiation and/or implementation which may include communitybased knowledge lived experience and connections to Indigenous communities (i.e. incommunity ontheland experience).
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Valid drivers license
  

Please respond to our online ad with the following: (1) resume and (2) cover letter. All files should be in PDF format using your last name as the file name.

The application deadline is May 19 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those individuals will a full package (resume and cover letter) and who meet the requirements of the role will be considered.

At Firelight we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome all cultures ages genders sexual orientations and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of all peoples and actively promote development of intercultural competence within our team.

As an Indigenousowned organization we are particularly committed to supporting the employment of Indigenous individuals because we recognize the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people and because we feel it is necessary to reflect Indigenous perspectives and values in the work that we do. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to selfidentify in their cover letter so that we consider their application accordingly as Firelight may give preference to these applicants.

If any candidate requires accommodation or support to participate in the application process please contact our HR Department via email at.

Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team with a very exciting future.