Community Engagement Coordinator

Position Title: Community Engagement Coordinator

Department: Health and Wellness

Reports To: Manager of Health and Wellness

Location: Inuvik, NT

Employment Type: Full Time – Term (until March 31, 2027)

PURPOSE

Reporting to the Manager of Health and Wellness, the Community Engagement Coordinator supports the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) Health & Wellness Department in building and maintaining strong relationships with Gwich’in communities, Designated Gwich’in Organizations (DGOs), Indian Act Bands, community partners, and other organizations. The Coordinator organizes and coordinates department community engagements, meetings, workshops, conferences, gatherings, and other Health & Wellness activities across the four Gwich’in Settlement Area (GSA) communities of Inuvik, Aklavik, Fort McPherson, and Tsiigehtchic.

The position serves as a key communication link between the Health and Wellness Department and the communities, and partners, helping ensure GTC is informed of priorities, emerging concerns, upcoming activities in the GSA and areas where support may be required. Working closely with the Health and Wellness team, the Community Engagement Coordinator ensures engagement activities are well organized, community-informed, respectful, and responsive to the needs of Gwich’in Participants. The position strengthens communication between GTC, DGOs, community organizations, and Gwich’in Participants while ensuring community engagements and Health and Wellness activities are organized, responsive, and informed by what is happening across the Gwich’in Settlement Area.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain communication with the four DGOs, Indian Act Bands, community organizations, and other relevant partners regarding Health and Wellness activities and initiatives.

• Build positive and respectful working relationships with community leadership, staff, Elders, service providers, and community partners.

• Support meaningful engagement with Gwich’in Participants to identify community wellness priorities, concerns, strengths, and ideas.

• Ensure community perspectives and feedback are communicated back to the Manager and Health and Wellness team.

• Help coordinate community consultations, surveys, focus groups, meetings, and other engagement activities.

• Support Health and Wellness staff when they require community engagement for specific programs, projects, funding initiatives, or planning.

• Coordinate the department logistics for community engagements, meetings, conferences, workshops, gatherings, and special events.

• Arrange venues, travel, accommodations, catering, transportation, equipment, supplies, honoraria, and other logistical requirements.

• Coordinate community schedules and communicate event information with partners, participants, presenters, staff, and leadership.

• Develop and maintain engagement calendars, schedules, contact lists, and event plans.

• Support Health and Wellness events taking place both within and outside the GSA.

• Assist with event setup, delivery, participant registration, and follow-up as required.

• Work with Health and Wellness staff to ensure activities are organized, appropriately resourced, and communicated to communities.

• Act as a central Health and Wellness contact for community organizations regarding engagement activities and community wellness matters.

• Maintain awareness of significant events and emerging situations within Gwich’in communities that may require attention or support from the Health and Wellness Department.

• Communicate relevant information to the Manager and appropriate Health and Wellness staff in a timely manner.

• Help the department respond appropriately to community situations involving loss and grief, suicidal distress, addictions, intergenerational trauma, family or community crises, and other significant wellness concerns.

• Coordinate communication with community leadership and organizations when additional Health and Wellness supports may be required.

• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries when receiving or sharing sensitive community information.

• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or degree in a related field such as Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Health Promotion, Community Development, or Human Services.

• Experience in community engagement, program coordination, event planning, administration, health and wellness, social services, or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of the Gwich’in Settlement Area and the four GSA communities.

• Understanding of Gwich’in culture, values, communities, organizations, and governance structures.

• Experience building relationships with Indigenous governments, community organizations, leadership, Elders, and service providers.

• Strong organizational and event-planning skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple activities, schedules, deadlines, and logistical requirements.

• Ability to work respectfully with individuals and communities experiencing grief, trauma, addictions, mental health concerns, and other difficult circumstances.

• Understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and culturally safe practices.

• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong computer skills and experience with email, Microsoft Office, virtual meetings, calendars, and basic record keeping.

• A combination of education, training, lived experience, community knowledge, and relevant work experience may be considered.

• Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout the GSA and occasionally outside the region.

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and ability to travel to communities and land-based program sites as required.

• Clean Criminal Record Check.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position requires regular travel throughout the Gwich’in Settlement Area. Some activities may take place during evenings or weekends depending on community schedules, gatherings, and departmental needs.

• During their employment the Coordinator may become aware of difficult or sensitive situations affecting individuals, families, or communities. The incumbent must maintain confidentiality, appropriate professional boundaries, and communicate concerns through established Health and Wellness Department processes.

APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter combined into a single PDF file via email to [email protected] with the subject line Community Engagement Coordinator. Kindly indicate if you are a Gwich’in Participant or Indigenous applicant requesting priority consideration or if you require any accessibility accommodations.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.