Job Description

Position Details: New position
MNO’s culture is at our core
The MNO workplace culture is full of potential ready to be unlocked. As our Self-Governance agreement materializes, we are building a workplace culture of action, responsibility, and most importantly a desire to serve the Métis community. When defining what MNO culture is, it’s difficult, because of our diverse leadership styles, and the different programs and services offered. What that really means is there is a place for almost everyone under the MNO employer umbrella. We recognize people are different, and that is our source of strength. We bring opinions together, welcome healthy conflict, and look to always find answers, not problems.
Click here to learn about the Métis Nation of Ontario, and help you decide if we are the right fit for you
What We Can Offer You

• Comprehensive employer-paid health benefits and pension plan
• Generous vacation allotment starting at 15 day's for regular employees and 20 day's for management
• Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December
• 16 paid public and employer holidays
• 15 paid health & wellness days
• Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development
• Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
• An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
• Other perks
◦ Employee Assistance Plan
◦ Telemedicine plan
◦ Health care spending account
◦ Goodlife corporate membership discount
◦ Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
◦ Staple's corporate discount
◦ Dell member purchase program
◦ Mark's corporate discount

About the Role:
The Associate, Intergovernmental Relations supports the advancement of the Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) government relations, advocacy, and policy priorities through political analysis, research, strategic communications, issues management and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategy, the Associate works closely with the Intergovernmental Relations Strategic Communications Lead, Political Lead, and Lead Funding Specialist to support coordinated advocacy efforts across the Métis government.
This position plays a key role in aligning advocacy initiatives across MNO political leadership, branches, departments and the Métis National Council to ensure that government engagement activities, policy priorities, and communications strategies are coordinated and strategically advanced. The Associate monitors and advises the Intergovernmental Relations team and MNO leadership on government and legislative developments of the Federal Government, Government of Ontario and other Indigenous governments. They support the preparation of strategic materials, meeting read outs, and the identification of funding and partnership opportunities that benefit Métis citizens and communities.
The ideal candidate is an organized, politically astute, and collaborative professional with strong writing, communication, and analytical skills, as well as a demonstrated interest in Indigenous governance and public policy.
What you will be doing:
• Support strategic relationship-building and ongoing engagement with elected officials, political staff, public servants, Indigenous organizations, and external stakeholders, coordinating and supporting intergovernmental advocacy initiatives across MNO branches, departments, and leadership teams to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Coordinate MNO’s participation within the Metis National Council by aligning technical table and working group participation with political leadership and strategic event participation.
• Work collaboratively with internal program areas to identify advocacy opportunities, emerging issues, and government engagement needs that advance MNO priorities and support Métis citizens and communities.
• Track and analyze political, legislative, regulatory, and funding developments across all levels of government, maintaining internal systems and records to support advocacy, engagement, and strategic decision-making.
• Conduct research on legislation, public policy, and Indigenous affairs to prepare environmental scans, briefing notes, and strategic materials for leadership.
• Prepare strategic materials, briefing packages, coordination documents, and supporting resources for internal and external intergovernmental relations activities, including the development and implementation of strategic messaging that aligns with MNO priorities, advocacy objectives, and the broader political and policy environment.
• Draft political speeches, speaking notes, presentations, key messages, briefing materials, correspondence, and other strategic communications for MNO leadership.
• Prepare letters, memoranda, responses to government inquiries, stakeholder communications, and advocacy materials in support of Métis government priorities.
• Track traditional, digital, and social media on Indigenous affairs and government policy, preparing media scans, issue summaries, rapid-response materials, and briefing notes to support proactive and reactive communications.
• Support issues management related to emerging political or policy developments; coordinate media relations by fielding inquiries and drafting responses with MNO leadership.
• Support the coordination and preparation of funding applications, supporting documentation, briefing materials, and reporting requirements, tracking funding deadlines, reporting obligations, program developments, and partnership opportunities to support effective planning and accountability.
• Promote the values of the MNO within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with others (employees, citizens, council, volunteers, advocates, etc.)
• Report all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within the MNO’s policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
• Perform other job/branch-related duties as required, including financial and administrative.
• Travel and flexible job hours may be required.
Qualifications:
• University Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, communications, policy, Indigenous governance, political offices, or related environments.
• Experience in conflict management
• Experience designing and implementing project work plans.
• Strong desire to act in the service of Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Significant knowledge of Métis and/or Indigenous policy issues and principles or a demonstrated ability to quickly acquire knowledge
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in applications, integrations, best practices and standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Highly detail-oriented
• Elevated levels of problem-solving and analytical skills
• Exceptional project management, change management, time management and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-awareness
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of Canadian government systems, legislative processes, and public policy development.
• Strong understanding of strategic advocacy and intergovernmental engagement processes.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Exceptional writing, editing, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated political acuity and ability to analyze complex and evolving political environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and policy/media monitoring tools.

AODA Statement

The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.
Please email human resources if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.

Special Services Organization
The Métis Nation of Ontario is a special services organization. All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

The Métis Nation of Ontario uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help in the screening and assessing of applicants within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).