Director of Communications, Knowledge, & Impact (CKI)

(Indigenous applicants preferred)

Job term: Permanent, Full Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Canada, remote (must reside within Canada to be eligible for consideration)

Reports to: Executive Director

Who We Are

Indigenous Youth Roots is a national, Indigenous youth-led organization rooted in community. We envision a future where Indigenous youth are connected, empowered, and thriving as leaders within their communities. We work alongside communities to offer programs, grants, and opportunities grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, with the goal of strengthening and uplifting Indigenous youth voices. Our work is guided by seven core principles: Reciprocity, Innovation, Accountability, Reclamation, Advocacy, Resurgence, and Solidarity; along with being centered in Indigenous youth perspectives, that shape how we act and relate to one another.

At IYR, we center our people and our communities in all that we do. As a living wage employer, we honour the importance of balance by supporting versatile ways of working, time for ceremony, and the responsibilities that shape our lives. We are committed to meeting accessibility needs and creating a supportive, responsive work environment. Guided by purpose, we focus on meaningful outcomes that reflect our values, rather than upholding the status quo.

Your Impact

The Director of Communications, Knowledge & Impact (CKI) leads a department responsible for amplifying Indigenous youth voices, advancing organizational priorities through strategic initiatives, and embedding knowledge mobilization and impact measurement into IYR's work. The Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination across communications,



strategic initiatives, and knowledge systems. This role ensures IYR's public presence, storytelling, and evidence of impact are clear, accessible, and aligned with the organization's vision, values, and purpose.

Summary of Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Collaboration

- Provide vision, leadership, and direction for the Communications, Knowledge & Impact Department.
- Champion cross-department collaboration to ensure communications and knowledge strategies strengthen organizational priorities.
- Represent IYR with external stakeholders, partners, and funders, positioning the organization as a leader in youth-centered, equity-driven communications and impact.
- Foster an inclusive, culturally safe, and equitable workplace culture rooted in humility, integrity, and collaboration.
- Support departments in building capacity for adaptive leadership, effective decision-making, cross-team collaboration, and navigating organizational change.
- Lead the development and oversight of the department annual work plans and budgets.
- Participate actively as a member of the IYR Directors Circle, contributing to unified, principled decision-making and modeling values-based leadership in alignment with IYR's guiding principles and leadership commitments.
- Hold accountability for team performance, goal achievement, and organizational alignment.




- Supervise and support departmental staff, providing direction, training, mentorship, and performance management.
- Contribute to internal systems that strengthen project management, cross-department knowledge sharing, and organizational learning.

Strategic Communications

- Ensure IYR's brand, messaging, and storytelling authentically reflect Indigenous youth perspectives, organizational values, and strategic priorities.
- Oversee and support the Strategic Communications Manager in developing and executing their portfolio.
- Oversee the development and execution of communication strategies across digital platforms, media relations, publications, and events.
- Lead the preparation and release of organizational documents such as the Annual Report, newsletters, evaluation summaries, and public statements.
- Provide quality checks such as copy-review and Indigenous cultural accuracy alignment throughout communications projects and campaigns.
- Direct the planning and delivery of major communication campaigns, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation.
- Cultivate and manage constructive relationships with media, partners, and community organizations.
- Ensure staff formal performance evaluations are conducted with a focus on continuous development.
- Recruit and onboard staff, students, or volunteers as needed, ensuring equity-driven hiring and culturally safe integration.

Strategic Initiatives

- Lead the planning, development, and delivery of special and large-scale initiatives prioritized by IYR leadership and guided by the Strategic Plan.
- Provide executive oversight of IYR's cornerstone events, including the Yo

📌 Director of Communications, Knowledge, (Edmonton)
🏢 Indigenous Youth Roots
📍 Edmonton