Senior Strategic Advisor, Defence and Security

About US

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 150 full- and part-time degrees, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields – while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Accessibility and Accommodations

RRC Polytech is committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you experience barriers accessing or using the online application system, or require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please contact People Services at [email protected] or 204-632-2319. We will work with you to identify appropriate supports and discuss available options.

Senior Strategic Advisor, Defence and Security (Term Full-Time)

Indigenous Strategy & Business Development

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Term Position Available (anticipated December 7, 2026 up to December 14, 2029)

POSITION LOCATION: Notre Dame Campus (Winnipeg, MB), Hybrid**

** RRC Polytech reserves the right to modify work arrangements in alignment with operational and organizational needs.

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union

For the purposes of this job posting, internal applicants and applicants from MITT will be given preference over external applicants.

At RRC Polytech we aspire to have a workforce that is representative of the diversity within our communities. For this hiring process, a preference hiring practice will be applied. Consideration will be given to applicants who self-identify within their application as one or more of the following equity-deserving group(s): Women, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Racialized Persons, Persons of the 2SLGBTQlA+ Community. For more information about our hiring practices, please visit: www.rrc.ca/hr/work/hiring-process/.

Employment support is available to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) seeking employment at Red River College Polytechnic. For guidance on the application process, interview preparation, or to discuss accommodation needs, applicants are invited to contact our Indigenous Recruitment Consultant at [email protected].

TALENT POOL: This competition may be used to establish a 12-month talent pool of qualified candidates for future vacancies. Even if you do not meet all of the listed qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Defence, Research & Strategic Partnerships department is responsible for advancing strategic initiatives that strengthen RRC Polytech’s role in applied research, workforce development, innovation, and industry collaboration. Working with partners across government, industry, academia, and the defence sector, the department identifies opportunities that align with institutional priorities while supporting Manitoba’s and Canada’s evolving economic and strategic needs. Through partnership development, applied research, and talent pipeline initiatives, the department contributes to building innovation capacity, enhancing workforce readiness, and creating meaningful impact for communities and industries served by RRC Polytech.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Senior Strategic Advisor leads the development and implementation of RRC Polytech’s strategy to strengthen its role within Canada’s defence and security ecosystem.

This position is a 3-year term reporting to senior leadership, the role provides strategic advice on defence-sector opportunities, partnerships, funding, and institutional positioning.

The Advisor advances initiatives that integrate applied research, workforce development, industry engagement, and government relations, ensuring alignment with Canada’s defence priorities and broader national interests. The position also leads strategic planning, partnership development, governance and performance frameworks, and the preparation of funding proposals, briefings, and submissions in collaboration with industry, government, and Indigenous partners.

Through these efforts, the Senior Strategic Advisor drives the execution of strategic initiatives that enhance RRC Polytech’s leadership in defence-focused innovation, talent development, and applied research commercialization.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Post-secondary education in public administration, business, defence studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Extensive years of experience in one or more of the following: defence sector and procurement ecosystems; applied research and innovation systems; or workforce development and training systems
• Experience in strategic planning within complex, multi-stakeholder organizations
• Strong knowledge of government relations, particularly at the federal level
• Experience developing funding proposals and establishing strategic partnerships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of executive-level briefing materials.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex environments and build relationships across sectors
• Experience working with defence, aerospace, or security sectors
• Experience building a respectful workplace culture that promotes diversity, learning and continuous improvement

NICE TO HAVE

• Familiarity with AI tools and willingness to adopt new technologies
• Ability to use AI tools to gather, analyze, and report data
• Familiarity with Canadian Armed Forces structures and priorities
• Experience supporting Indigenous economic development and partnership initiatives.
• Experience in post-secondary, polytechnic, or applied research environments
• Demonstrated success in securing federal funding

WHY WORK WITH US

At RRC Polytech, we believe our people are our greatest assets. We offer supportive, inclusive workplace where you can grow, contribute and thrive.

• Salary Range for this position: $107,294 - $143,712 per annum
• Generous Paid Vacation: full-time employees accumulate a minimum of 15-days vacation per year, increasing to 30 days with service, while full-time Instructors accumulate 44 days per year. Information on casual and part-time vacation accrual is outlined in the Collective Agreement or the Terms and Conditions for Excluded Employees as applicable
• December Break: employees receive time off with pay during the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day
• Defined Benefits Pension Plan: Employer and Employee contributions to future retirement benefits
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including Health and Group Life insurance, Long Term Disability, employee & family assistance program, mental health support up to $1,000, and a robust Health Care Spending Account
• Inclusive Leave Programs: Wellness, maternity, adoptive, and parental leave, as well as ceremonial, cultural, religious and spiritual leave
• Growth and Recognition: Professional development, professional licensing and fees coverage, and severance pay on retirement

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• This position may be required to work evenings and/or weekends
• May be required to work at various RRC Polytech campuses
• This position may be required to travel

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.