Position Title: Program Manager, Planning and Implementation
Business Unit: Planning and Implementation
Reports to: Business Lead, Planning and Implementation
Job Location: Firelight offices (Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Toronto) or Home-based remote working
Start Date: January 2025


JOB OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Planning and Implementation Business Lead, the Planning and Implementation Program Manager provides critical administrative oversight and support to the business area embedding Firelight project management, human resources and finance policies and practices in the day-to-day work of the area. As a link between Firelight administration/operations and technical team members, the Program Manager ensures consulting work is done in accordance with Firelight best practice, policy and procedure. The Program Manager leads the human resources functions of the team, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding and management of staff performance and development.


ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
The Firelight Group is an Indigenous-owned, dynamic, socially responsible business providing community-based research and consulting services across Canada. Since 2010, we have been trusted by our clients to do high quality work that centers Indigenous knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. We have a growing team of over 100 professionals, and offices in Xwmélch’tstn, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory, Lkwungen, Tkarón:to and ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan).


RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES


People + Culture

• Work with the Business Lead to identify staffing requirements and support the formation of project teams and cross-functional work based on availability and expertise
• Support the Business Lead and other people leaders in fostering a positive and respectful workplace, aligned to Firelight’s values and objectives
• Manage the business unit research team with direct oversight of staff evaluation, professional development and performance management and dismissal
• Champion and support Firelight values and culture across the unit
• Implement the Firelight strategic plan and objectives at the business unit level to support organizational change initiatives and growth
• Lead the hiring, appointment, onboarding, management, and growth of team staff
• Maintain employee files with the People + Culture department and track vacation, sick time and leaves in alignment with project schedules
• Ensure the workplace, including while traveling for in-community and on-territory work, meets all health and safety guidelines and regulations

Business Management

• Maintain and monitor project budgets in coordination with Project Managers
• Manage business unit allocations to ensure adequate staffing across the program
• Produce financial reports and maintain financial records related to the program
• Track and oversee business development opportunities
• Work with the Technical Lead or Research Director to manage risk and conduct project evaluations
• Support business unit level procedures in alignment with Firelight policies
• Support client relationship development
• Ensure project files are maintained and kept up-to-date through oversight of Project Managers
• Ensure the consistent application of Firelight's data management policies for project related work completed within the business unit
• Maintain and update program files, including methods guidelines, templates and training materials

Project Management

• Develop, implement and support the processes and systems for project development, planning, and implementation with ongoing communication with the project lead(s), management, and internal collaborators
• Monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to support successful project delivery
• Support the Business Lead and project lead(s) with assigned projects from initiation to completion
• Maintain project management information system and project management documentation
• Track project changes and produce updated schedules when required
• Support and guide researchers by providing mentoring and coaching related to project management skills and processes
• Support Project Managers in the planning and coordination of project travel
• Provide project updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders regarding strategy, adjustments, and progress
• Oversee project evaluations, measure project performance and identify areas for improvement on individual, team and organizational scales

Technical Advising

• In some cases, Program Manager responsibilities will include completion of project tasks

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE

• 5-7 years of recent, relevant experience working in management of research and engagement projects
• 5-7 years of experience working with and for Indigenous nations
• Master’s degree or equivalent in experience
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Please respond to our online ad with a resume and cover letter. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals will a full package will be considered.


Firelight is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce and specifically to increasing the number of Indigenous employees within our organization.

As a result, we encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in our recruitment and staffing processes and preference may be given to these applicants.

Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.