Indigenous Government Relations Specialist

If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life.

The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

The Indigenous Government Relations Specialist supports The City of Calgary in building respectful, reciprocal and strategic relationships with Indigenous governments. The role advances government-to-government engagement, shared priorities and reconciliation commitments, and helps ensure City policies, programs and decisions consider Indigenous perspectives, rights and governance systems. The Specialist provides strategic advocacy, identifies legislative and policy opportunities, coordinates corporate responses, and supports culturally informed decision-making across municipal priorities. Primary duties include:

• Monitor and analyze political, legislative, policy, funding and governance activity affecting Indigenous governments and The City.
• Assess potential impacts on City operations, priorities and services, and provide regular updates on emerging issues and opportunities.
• Lead cross-corporate work to identify issues, develop advocacy positions and align subject matter experts and leadership around a unified corporate position.
• Develop and implement advocacy and relationship strategies, including priorities, objectives, timing and culturally grounded engagement approaches.
• Build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities and regional partners to advance shared priorities and reconciliation commitments.
• Coordinate engagement with Indigenous governments and external partners on policy, legislation, programs and agreements.
• Represent The City in discussions and negotiations, advocate for City interests, and work toward outcomes aligned with Indigenous and municipal priorities.
• Prepare strategic communications, including briefing notes, Council and Committee reports, formal submissions, executive correspondence and meeting packages.
• Translate complex policy, legislative and technical information into clear, concise and accessible messaging for diverse audiences.
• Provide advice and recommendations to leadership on Indigenous issues, risks and opportunities, including alignment with reconciliation, Treaty obligations and Indigenous governance principles.

• Coordinate corporate responses and knowledge sharing on emerging legislative, policy and funding matters.

Qualifications

• A degree in Indigenous Studies, Indigenous governance, Indigenous law, public policy, public administration, political science, urban studies or a related discipline, supplemented by related formal training, and at least 5 years of progressive related experience.
• Equivalent combined with a degree in relevant training and/or equivalent lived experience, community leadership, cultural knowledge, and professional expertise within First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities; supplemented by at least (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Indigenous governance, relationship building, consultation, advocacy, policy development, intergovernmental relations, or partnership development with Indigenous governments, communities, organizations, and leadership.
• Experience developing briefing notes, memos, Government reports, formal submissions and strategic correspondence that translate complex policy issues into clear, actionable recommendations is required.
• Formal training in Indigenous governance, consultation and engagement, cultural safety, Treaty relationships, Indigenous rights, or Indigenous public policy is considered an asset.

• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous governments, communities or organizations in relationship building, consultation, negotiation, governance or advocacy is required.

• Well-developed communication, presentation, facilitation, negotiation and problem-solving skills are required.
• Ability to work with political acumen, tact and discretion in complex, culturally sensitive and time-constrained environments is required.
• Commitment to political neutrality while carrying out job responsibilities and representing The City is required.
  

Pre-employment Requirements

Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Workstyle

• This position may be eligible to work from home for at least part of the time as one of several flexible work options available to City employees. These arrangements depend on the operational requirements of the role, employee suitability, and are subject to change based on operational needs and corporate direction.

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Government Relations
• Union: CUPE Local 38
• Position Type: 3 Permanent
• Compensation: Pay Grade 12 $48.54 - 64.88 per hour
• Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week.
• Days of work: This position works a 5-day work week with 1 day off in a 3 week cycle.
• Location: 800 Macleod Trail S.E.
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: November 12, 2026
• Job ID: 315604