Position Title: Research Manager
Team: Indigenous Negotiations (IN)
Reports to: Business Lead
Job Location: Hybrid in Firelight office preferred (Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria), possibility of home-based remote office
Travel: Up to 10 days of travel per month required
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
One of the largest Indigenous-owned research firms and values-based organizations, the Firelight Group has provided socially responsible, community-driven research services across Canada since 2010. Indigenous clients have trusted Firelight to provide high-quality research and technical services that decolonize research practices and centre on Indigenous Knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. Firelight has an expanding, diverse team of over 100 talented professionals working on multi-disciplinary projects in nine business units: Indigenous Knowledge Research, Socio-Economic Research, Environmental Assessment, Indigenous Negotiations, Mapping & GIS, Planning & Implementation, Ecology, and Indigenous Health.
Firelight has offices in Xwmélch’tstn, x?m??k??y??m Territory, Lkwungen, and ???????????? (Amiskwacîwâskahikan). Firelight acknowledges that most of our work is with clients on territories where we are invited guests, and we are deeply grateful for this trust. We bring respect, humility, and a willingness to learn while recognizing that our work supports realizing our clients’ needs and objectives. Firelight proudly provides client-identified services that amplify and strengthen community voice and participation.
JOB OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Business Lead, the Research Manager is a technical specialist on their team. With expertise in research, project management, engagement, negotiations, and implementation, the Research Manager supports and leads their own consulting files, informing the design, strategy, and execution of projects. The Research Manager provides consistently superior client experience, enhancing the image and reputation of the company and ensuring Firelight’s values guide project strategies and processes.
RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES
Technical Advising
Lead project design, strategy, and execution alongside communities within the business area under the supervision of the Business Lead
Work with Business Lead and other Research Managers to provide strong technical skills in research and the negotiation and implementation of agreements, and supports processes between Indigenous governments and companies or governments
Lead discussions with clients to define strategies vis-a-vis companies and governments on complex relationships, involving financial and organizational issues
Lead the development of best practices in Indigenous research methods, engagement, and implementation, staying current in new and emerging trends in the field of negotiations
Lead discussions with clients to define client requirements and priorities on complex financial and organizational issues
Support the implementation of innovative practices that are aligned to emerging trends and best practices in their business area
Lead or support the development of deliverables for multiple clients and external stakeholders
Present, in community and leadership settings, the process, outcomes, and milestones of the negotiation and the implementation of an agreement
Project Management
Lead client engagements, engaging new and existing clients, communicating the project plan, and identifying when there is a change in purpose, scope, or timeline
Oversee the development, execution, and evaluation of complex, multi-method projects aligned to Firelight values and client expectations
Develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery; ensure timely execution of current, planned, and adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources, developing workplans and delegating tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success
Oversee and coordinate the work of Analysts and Researchers, and provide feedback, mentorship, and support to identify areas for further development and growth
Oversee and manage project budgets to ensure project profitability and healthy cash flow
Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely invoicing
Manage information, data, and documents following established procedures; assure quality control and security of research data
Oversee logistical coordination of multi-day community engagement with research teams
Client Engagement
Represent Firelight to clients, communities, and in expert technical meetings with minimal supervision and review
Work with and coordinate the activities of community partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants to develop, design, and implement projects
Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development
Support and coach others in effective community engagements aligned to Firelight’s values and with shared objectives
People Leadership
Foster a positive and respectful workplace, aligned to Firelight’s values and objectives
Provide feedback on Researcher and Research Analyst performance to Program Managers to inform performance management and professional development
Supervise Researchers and Analysts on project-specific work, including quality review and mentorship
Ensure the workplace, including while traveling for in-community and on-territory work, meets all health and safety guidelines and regulations
Support the development of Firelight’s organizational learning and knowledge
Mentor Researchers and Analysts in support of their growth and development
QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE
5 years of recent, relevant experience in the negotiation and implementation of agreements between Indigenous communities and companies or governments
5 years of experience working with and for Indigenous Nations and communities
Master’s degree or equivalent in experience in negotiation and/or implementation, which may include community-based knowledge, lived experience, and connections to Indigenous communities (i.e., in-community on-the-land experience).
Fluency in spoken and written English
Valid driver’s license
Please respond to our online ad with the following: (1) resume and (2) cover letter. All files should be in PDF format using your last name as the file name.
The application deadline is May 16, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals will a full package (resume and cover letter) and who meet the requirements of the role will be considered.
At Firelight, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome all cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of all peoples and actively promote development of inter-cultural competence within our team.
As an Indigenous-owned organization, we are particularly committed to supporting the employment of Indigenous individuals because we recognize the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people and because we feel it is necessary to reflect Indigenous perspectives and values in the work that we do. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their cover letter so that we consider their application accordingly, as Firelight may give preference to these applicants.
If any candidate requires accommodation or support to participate in the application process, please contact our HR Department via email at hr@firelight.ca.
Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.
