Lead negotiations that advance Indigenous-led child and family services.

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. In this role, you oversee negotiations with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, partners, as well as supporting community-led approaches grounded in prevention and well-being.

You lead a team of negotiators managing multiple concurrent processes and provide oversight, direction, and decision-making support across complex files. You work closely with legal services, federal and provincial partners, and colleagues across the ministry to align policy, advice, and negotiation positions. You build and maintain relationships with Indigenous partners through consistent and respectful engagement.

This role has a direct impact on Ontario's work toward reconciliation. In particular, you support the transfer of legislative authority to Indigenous communities by guiding coordination agreements developed under federal legislation or other processes. The work you lead helps communities design and deliver their own child and family services, contributing to long-term system change and improved outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Note: This role requires some travel to communities across Ontario, including remote and northern locations.

About the job We believe great leadership starts with high standards and strong support. In the OPS, that means showing up with authenticity, acting with integrity, and having the courage to do what's right, even when it's hard.

As a leader, you'll shape a team culture that sparks innovation, supports collaboration, and champions inclusion. You'll help build a workplace that is diverse, anti-racist, and accessible, where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.

You won't be doing it alone. We invest in our leaders through mentorship, learning opportunities, and cross-ministry networks that help you grow your impact and connect with peers across the organization.

Leadership is about impact, and in this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful one. You will:

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 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. Members share information, solve problems as a group, and support 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.

You also work with partners across the ministry, legal services, and the federal and provincial governments to support aligned approaches. This includes coordinating input and supporting decisions across multiple partners and priorities.

What you bring to the team

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

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

Technical Expertise Subject Matter Knowledge: You apply knowledge of Indigenous child and family services systems and relevant legislation to guide work and decisions. Indigenous Governance Awareness: You support approaches that reflect Indigenous governance structures and community priorities. Coordinated Policy Application: You work across policy, legal, and intergovernmental areas to support aligned and informed approaches to negotiations and agreements.

Political Acuity and Decision Making Understanding Context: You recognize how government priorities, relationships, and public considerations influence decisions and outcomes. Risk and Impact Awareness: You anticipate risks and consider the broader impacts of decisions in complex or sensitive work. Informed Decision Making: You provide advice and make decisions based on policy, legal considerations, and community context.

Apply by: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 11:59 pm EDT