Manager, Indigenous Systems and Negotiations Unit

Manager, Indigenous Systems and Negotiations Unit

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Division: Child Welfare and Protection Division

City: Toronto

Position term: 1 Temporary contract/assignment – 12‑18 months with possibility of extension

The Child Well‑Being Branch is seeking a Manager for the Indigenous Systems and Negotiations Unit to lead negotiations and policy work that supports Indigenous‑led child and family services systems across Ontario. The role oversees negotiations with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, supports community‑led approaches grounded in prevention and well‑being, and provides strategic advice to senior leadership. The manager leads a team of negotiators, coordinates with legal services, federal and provincial partners, and builds relationships with Indigenous communities through respectful engagement.

The role has a direct impact on Ontario’s work toward reconciliation and supports the transfer of legislative authority to Indigenous communities.

• Lead and oversee multiple negotiations with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to help establish coordination agreements that support the development of Indigenous‑led child and family services systems.
• Provide strategic advice that shapes negotiation mandates, agreement terms, and ministry positions, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and intergovernmental priorities and enabling timely decisions across active negotiations.
• Build and maintain relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to support ongoing negotiations, strengthen engagement over time, and ensure agreements reflect community priorities.
• Coordinate input from policy, legal, and federal and provincial partners to resolve issues, confirm positions, and ensure negotiation materials are accurate, aligned, and ready to support decision‑making.
• Guide a team of negotiators overseeing multiple active files, setting direction, reviewing work, and supporting consistent approaches to ensure steady progress and quality across negotiation processes.

Meet your New Team

You will join the Indigenous Systems and Negotiations Unit within the Child Well‑Being Branch, where the team leads negotiations and policy work that support Indigenous‑led child and family services systems. The team brings together negotiation, policy, and advisory roles to support communities as they develop and implement their own approaches. The team works closely together to manage complex and evolving files, shares information, solves problems as a group, and supports each other in navigating new and emerging issues.

You lead a group that is engaged in this work and focused on supporting outcomes for children, youth, and families.

• Leadership
  
  Experience:
  
  Established experience leading people and teams with clear accountability for results, team development, and performance. Lead by setting direction, coaching others, and building a culture of trust, inclusion, and high performance.
• Team Environment: Build a team culture based on trust, inclusion, and shared accountability. Support collaboration, knowledge sharing, and an environment where people can contribute and adapt to changing priorities.
• Supporting Performance: Guide team members by setting expectations, providing feedback, and supporting their development to meet team and branch priorities.

• Negotiation Oversight: Lead and oversee negotiation processes with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners, providing direction that supports consistent and informed approaches.
• Relationship Building: Build and maintain relationships through ongoing engagement that reflects community priorities and supports trust over time.
• Managing Perspectives: Navigate differing priorities and viewpoints, supporting discussions that lead to practical and respectful solutions.
• Clear communication: Communicate clearly in writing and verbally to convey information, expectations, and decisions.

• Subject Matter Knowledge: Apply knowledge of Indigenous child and family services systems and relevant legislation to guide work and decisions.
• Ind…