Indigenous Research Partnership Coordinator

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. Join one of Canada’s top applied research, innovate for the future and bring industry-generated ideas and game-changing technologies to life.

Job classification
: A5068 - Information Officer II

Salary: $72,000 - $80,000

Hours per week: 40

Paid leave: 3 weeks vacation per year

Position End Date: 12 month contract

Final date to receive applications: 4:00PM, February 3, 2026

The Indigenous Research Partnerships Coordinator (IRPC) will report to the Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS). This role is dedicated to advancing SAIT’s applied research initiatives with Indigenous communities by working with communities to understand their challenges and where applied research might bring innovative solutions. The aim is to foster collaborative opportunities within the Alberta College and Polytechnic:
Alberta Research Network. The IRPO will build and nurture relationships with Community leadership, Community and Indigenous companies, industry partners, educational institutions, communities and funding agencies to address challenges through research and innovative solutions. The IRPO will engage with SAIT training opportunities as appropriate.

• Proposal Development & Contract Management
• Collaborate with Indigenous and Inuit communities to identify research needs and partnership opportunities.
• Monitor emerging trends in the applied research ecosystem and align opportunities with institutional priorities.
• Identify suitable funding programs and work with internal teams to develop high‑quality, tailored research proposals.
• Ensure proposals reflect SAIT’s commitments to applied research excellence, Indigenous and Inuit Data Sovereignty, Two‑Eyed Seeing, and Traditional Knowledge.
• Review and assess research agreements and contracts for alignment with organizational policies, involving legal teams as required.

• Partner Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with Indigenous and Inuit communities, band offices, businesses, industry, and research partners.
• Spend meaningful time in community to understand goals, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Support ongoing engagement to ensure alignment, resolve issues, and strengthen partnerships.
• Manage Indigenous and Inuit partner portfolios, including relationship care, opportunity development, and coordination of research activities.
• Proactively identify new partnerships through networking, events, and community participation.
• Ensure Traditional Knowledge and Two‑Eyed Seeing principles guide project development.
• Provide community support as requested and aligned with institutional priorities.

• Strategic Collaboration & Coordination
• Develop and implement strategies to grow partnerships and expand applied research initiatives.
  
  Provide feedback to improve research collaboration processes and workflows.
• Monitor external research activity to identify new collaboration opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with internal partners to support alignment with ARIS priority areas.
• Support project planning, resource allocation, and operational coordination.
• Track and report on partnership activities, progress, and key metrics for senior leadership.
• Maintain CRM systems and ensure all work aligns with Research Office processes.

• Bachelor's degree in business, psychology, anthropology, sociology, or other relevant program
• 3-5 years in building and managing strategic research partnerships, partner engagement, or research development with a strong understanding of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the history of Indigenous and Inuit people in Canada
• 3-5 years’ experience working with Indigenous or Inuit communities in Alberta
• Strong interpersonal relationships, technical knowledge, business acumen with a high degree of complexity in coordinating various partners, managing risks and identifying market opportunities is required
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team!…