Director of Communications, Knowledge, & Impact (CKI) (Indigenous applicants preferred) Permanent, Full Time Location: Canada, remote (must reside within Canada to be eligible for consideration) 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.

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 flexible ways of working, time for ceremony, and the responsibilities that shape our lives.

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.

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.

Support departments in building capacity for adaptive leadership, effective decision-making, cross-team collaboration, and navigating organizational change. 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.

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 Youth Gathering, the Celebration, and other high-profile strategic engagements that advance the organization's mission and strengthen its visibility. Oversee event budgets to ensure alignment with IYR and funder commitments.

Provide engagement and event support for ongoing programs in other departments as needed, ensuring alignment with organizational values and priorities. Data & Impact Measurement Work directly with the data management team, providing managerial oversight and direction. Embed knowledge mobilization practices across all initiatives, translating research, data, and evaluation into accessible resources for youth, partners, and the public.

Oversee the development of internal systems and processes that support outreach, impact measurement, and strategic communications.

Community Engagement

Engage with the Indigenous community and support initiatives that strengthen relationships and collaboration. Health, Safety, and Wellness Maintain high ethical standards and demonstrate integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness in all endeavours and communications. Participate in external and internal committees, working groups, or projects as required.

Post-secondary Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, media studies, evaluation, knowledge mobilization,



public policy, or a related field is preferred. ~ A graduate degree in a relevant discipline (such as communications, organizational leadership, or evaluation) is considered an asset. ~3 or more years' experience in a senior leadership capacity. ~5 or more years' of experience in communications, knowledge mobilization, evaluation, or strategic initiatives. ~ Demonstrated expertise in digital communications, media relations, branding, storytelling, and public engagement. ~ Leadership experience in planning and executing public-facing events and gatherings. ~ Experience working in values-based, Indigenous-led, or trauma-informed organizations. ~ Experience working with Indigenous youth communities an asset ~ Experience managing diverse teams of graphic designers, event planners, data researchers, and/or media coordinators. ~ Strong administrative experience, with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously. ~ Proven written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly. ~ Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and create shared ownership for outcomes.

Experience cultivating and sustaining relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders in youth-serving or community-based contexts. ~ Bilingual in French and English is an asset.

Visionary and Strategic Leadership: Ability to set a explicit direction, connect strategy to action, and drive implementation in alignment with IYR's mission and values.

Exceptional Communication: Skilled at conveying ideas with empathy, transparency, and adaptability across diverse audiences, including youth, staff, funders, and community partners.

Coaching and Mentorship: Proven ability to support staff development, build team confidence, and nurture future leaders.

Emotional Intelligence and Integrity: Innovation and Creativity: Brings fresh thinking to communications, storytelling, knowledge mobilization, and impact measurement, encouraging proactive approaches rather than reactive responses.

Equity and Inclusion: Applies equity-driven approaches, centers Indigenous youth voices, and integrates cultural safety and anti-racism into all aspects of leadership. Collaboration and Partnership-Building: Resilience and Crisis Management: Provides steady leadership during periods of change, risk, or conflict, while supporting staff and organizational stability.

Vacation: 15 days and statutory holidays, in addition to a 2-week winter closure Personal Days: 15 days Flexible Work Week Options: 4 and 5 Day work week options Accommodation & Equity Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

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