Executive Director -Luminary

Luminary is seeking a National Executive Director (ED) to lead our Luminary Indigenous innovation initiative and strategy. You will develop and direct public and private programs to support the Indigenous business community, research agencies and the post-secondary business schools and academic community to advance the Indigenous Innovation eco-system for economic transformation, employment and wellbeing.  Luminary is expanding its organizational capacity with a senior management team supported by a new five-year federal funding commitment (2024-2029) from the new Strategic Science Fund at Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

The ED will be responsible for 2 Senior managers, a Coordinator as well as support from specialists in consulting, finance, research, curriculum development, and research collaborations.  The ED reports to the Chief Engagement Officer (CEO). The CEO is responsible for the governance, engagement strategy and supporting the Executive Director to achieve partnership and program outcomes to advance a new era of Indigenous business innovation and wellbeing.

 To learn more about the Luminary Strategy  click here .

Language:

• English
• Proficiency in French is an asset.
• Proficiency in an Indigenous language is an asset.

 Experience:              

• Extensive experience (10 years or more) in management roles including managing teams of people, finances, and multiple projects simultaneously, preferably in fields related to the position.
• Experience collaborating and engaging with a wide range of organizations in the Indigenous, academic, private and public domains.
• Knowledge and experience working with Indigenous organizations and businesses in Canada and abroad.
• Experience in developing and managing programs at the regional, national and international level to member organizations or individuals.
• Experience in adult education, cross-cultural programming and reconciliation.
• Experience in project management and program development.

Desirable Assets    

• Experience in the Indigenous business and economic domain and the academic community.
• Certification and experience in project management.
• Experience in post-secondary academic research on Indigenous areas such as business, education, traditional knowledge etc.
• Knowledge and experience in Canada’s research systems and programs.

The successful candidate will be adaptable, patient, quick thinking, committed to the Luminary vision and able to serve as a national and international spokesperson.

The ED will be responsible for:

• Attracting and growing new partners, members, and collaborators;
• Building strategic program relationships and initiatives with national education bodies, research agencies, Indigenous businesses and Indigenous organizations.
• Developing and executing Indigenous-led implementation research and innovation strategies resulting with a focus on Indigenous economic priorities.
• Supporting relationships with partner organizations in Canada and with global partners to co-create Indigenous-led programs, services, and tools.
• Leading and directing a team to achieve project, program and membership outcomes.
• Implementing systems for sharing and managing knowledge, resources and tools that will build the capacity of the Indigenous business community and the academic community to design research and innovation collaborations.
• Designing a suite of products and programs to generate new revenue streams to enhance and supplement programs development and reach.

An advanced degree (MA / PhD/ DBA) preferably in a field related to the position such as management, business administration , social sciences, public administration, engineering, agriculture, law, medicine.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send us your application including cover letter, resume and CV.  Please also submit a sample of your writing, such as a research paper, analysis, proposal, report etc., of no longer than 1000 words.

Your application must demonstrate how you meet the required qualifications for this position.

Please send your application by midnight EST on May 31, 2024 to:

Kelly Lendsay, Luminary CEO

klendsay@iworks.org  with a copy to contactus@iworks.org

Diversity Statement:

As an Indigenous-led organization, Luminary is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and the communities we serve. We value the unique contributions that each member brings, reflecting the diversity of Indigenous cultures and perspectives across Canada and around the world. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from Indigenous individuals (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), as well as those from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups, to join us in driving Indigenous innovation and economic reconciliation.

Acknowledgement:

This project is supported by a five-year funding agreement (2024-2029)  from Innovation, Science and Economic Development and its new Strategic Science Fund (SSF).