Manager, Project Engagement and Communications

Reporting to the Director Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative the Manager Project Engagement and Communications supports the successful planning coordination and delivery of the Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative (CASI) - an Inuit-led multi-partner research and capacity-building program. Working closely with Inuit organizations ICC Canada leadership the Memorial University CASI Administration Centre and other project partners the Manager Project Engagement and Communications ensures that engagement activities strategic communications research project workplans timelines budgets and reporting requirements are effectively managed and aligned with the Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative Partnership Agreement and Inuit self-determination principles.

This role is highly collaborative and execution-focused requiring strong project management discipline cultural competency and comfort operating in complex multi-sector environments. The role collaborates closely with Initiative research teams the Manager of Operations at Memorial University CASI Administration Centre ICC Canada and Inuit Treaty Organization (ITO) technical staff.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Research Project Laison Planning & Coordination

• Collaborate with academic research project teams to design implement and monitor Inuit Engagement Plans and Inuit Data Governance Plans that reflect the spirit and intent of the CASI Partnership Agreement (PA) and the National Inuit Strategy on Research (NISR).
• Collaborate with the Manager of Operations at Memorial University to ensure that Initiative Research Projects comply with the spirit and intent of the PA and the NISR.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Operations at Memorial University to develop the mandatory training program for researchers and ensure that it is delivered in accordance with the PA.
• Monitor Initiative research projects to ensure that the Intellectual Property Rights of Inuit as described in the PA are upheld.
• Represent ICC Canada and ITO interests on research projects where ICC Canada is identified as the Inuit Companion organization.
• Monitor the progress of research projects against approved plans and proactively identify risks issues and dependencies.
• Coordinate and lead Initiative events workshops and meetings (virtual and in-person).

Strategic Communications & Reporting

• Initiate design and implement communications strategies to promote CASI to Inuit academic national and international audiences.
• In collaboration with the Manager of Operations at Memorial University lead the preparation of internal and external reports presentations and initiative updates.
• Work with Inuit Treaty Organizations to identify enhanced reporting obligations beyond Tri-agency requirements and ensure these are being met.
• Initiate design and lead the development of communications products related to project activities milestones and events.
• Ensure accurate documentation of progress outcomes and lessons learned.
• Support knowledge-sharing activities aligned with CASI objectives.

Governance & Partner Coordination

• Act as secretary to the CASI Research Committee by coordinating workplans meeting agendas and follow-up items.
• Prepare briefing materials meeting agendas action logs and follow-ups for CASI governance bodies committees and working groups including the CASI Governance Board Executive Committee and Research Committee as required.
• Act as a central coordination point for approved research projects between ICC Canada staff academic partners Inuit representatives and contractors.
• Review any information proposed for publication and dissemination by Initiative research projects to determine if they include Inuit Information as defined in the CASI Partnership Agreement and if so ensure the relevant consent and review provisions of the PA are adhered to.

• Support the development tracking and execution of CASI workplans timelines milestones and deliverables.

• Coordinate research project activities across ICC Canada Memorial University Inuit organizations and other partners.
• Ensure project activities align with governance direction and Inuit self-determination principles.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners through clear communication and follow-through.

Financial & Administrative Support

• Lead and coordinate budget tracking forecasting and financial reporting for ICC Canadas CASI activities.
• Liaise with Inuit Treaty Organizations to ensure that Inuit Research Projects meet Tri-agency policies with respect to allowable direct and indirect expenses and their established ratios.
• Track contracts invoices and expenditures in collaboration with ICC Canada ITO and Memorial University finance staff and partners.
• Assist with preparation of financial and narrative reports required by funders and partners.
• Maintain organized project documentation records and information-management systems.

Inuit-Led Research & Capacity Building Support

• Support administration and coordination of Inuit-led research initiatives including the Inuit Research Fund.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Operations at Memorial University to evaluate Inuit Research Projects with respect to their compliance with Tri-agency policies and make recommendation to the Governance Board Executive Committee.
• Assist with outreach engagement and coordination with Inuit organizations and communities across Inuit Nunangat.
• In collaboration with ITOs initiate and design capacity-building initiatives and report on participation activities and outcomes.
• Support collaboration between Inuit researchers community partners and academic institutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate university degree in a relevant field (e.g. engineering natural sciences public administration social sciences Indigenous studies project management communications research administration) or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in project management strategic communications program coordination or research administration.
• Experience supporting large or complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.

Knowledge Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management coordination and organizational skills.
• Strong strategic communication and relationship-management skills.
• Familiarity with the shipping industry (shipping operations and infrastructure; ship design; Arctic shipping)
• Experience working in multi-partner multi-sector initiatives.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and timelines in complex environments.
• Cultural competency and experience working with Indigenous organizations or communities.
• Understanding of Indigenous research principles and community-led approaches.
• Attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with standard office and project-management tools (e.g. Microsoft Office).

Assets:

• Experience working in Indigenous-led or community-based research initiatives.
• Experience with research funding reporting or academic partnerships.
• Experience supporting governance bodies or committees.
• Inuktut language skills.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment (office and work from home).
• Prolonged periods of desk-based work.
• Occasional domestic and international travel.
• Work may involve politically sensitive topics and tight timelines.
• Periodic short-notice deadlines and peak workload periods.

ICC is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race colour religion gender gender identity disability age or veteran status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation please contact us at:

Required Experience:

Manager