Program Manager - ISO-BEA
Work at ISO

Program Manager

The Indigenous Screen Office is Hiring:
Program Manager

Full-Time Permanent
Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants based in Canada are eligible to apply

Indigenous Screen Office
The Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) is an independent national advocacy and funding organization serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators of screen content in Canada. The ISO’s mandate is to foster and support narrative sovereignty and cultural revitalization by increasing Indigenous storytelling on screens and promoting Indigenous values and participation across the sector.

The ISO is an exciting and growing organization with an Indigenous team currently located in Ontario, Quebec, BC and Manitoba. ISO operates as a virtual office and applicants for this role can be based anywhere in Canada. ISO offers a competitive salary and vacation time, a comprehensive health benefits plan and a pension program for employees.

Title and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Funding Programs, the Program Manager is responsible for managing funding programs within ISO’s growing framework of programs organized under the umbrellas of Story Fund, Sector Development and Strategic Initiatives. The incumbent plays an important role in supporting the development of ISO’s funding initiatives in alignment with ISO’s mission to support and develop Indigenous screen storytellers through increased representation of Indigenous peoples throughout the screen industries.

Key Responsibilities

Manage Funding Programs:

  • Lead the end-to-end management of ISO funding programs, including planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure they effectively contribute to the ISO’s organization’s goals.
  • Develop detailed project plans outlining key milestones, timelines, and responsibilities to ensure the successful delivery of funding initiatives.
  • Oversee budget allocation for the ISO programs, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and financial accountability.
  • Review and assess applications to effectively provide funding recommendations to the Director and ISO team.

Policy and Process Development:

  • With the support of the Director, create and continuously refine a comprehensive set of policies, procedures, and best practices to guide the distribution of ISO funding.
  • Ensure these policies and processes are in alignment with industry standards and overall organizational requirements.
  • Regularly review and update policies and procedures with the support of the Director of Funding Programs to reflect changes in the funding landscape with feedback from applicants & stakeholders.
  • Create strategies that guarantee equitable representation in distributing ISO funds and actively seek new applicants who align with ISO priorities.
  • Conduct regular assessments to identify inequities or gaps in funding distribution, and design initiatives to address these areas.

Outreach Initiatives:

  • Collaborate with the communications team to discuss engaging opportunities for ISO programs.
  • Attend industry events, community gatherings, and other forums to promote ISO’s funding opportunities and establish strong community connections.
  • Speak publicly on panels, webinars and info sessions about ISO funding opportunities.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

  • Develop and implement strategies to maintain continuous engagement with Indigenous storytellers.
  • Plan and develop outreach strategies such as dialogue sessions, workshops, and feedback forms etc. to understand the needs and challenges faced by Indigenous storytellers.
  • Support the creation of a supportive network and community of practice guided by ISO values and mandate.

Assessment and Evaluation:

  • Ensure a transparent, fair, and merit-based assessment process for all funding and grant applications.
  • Work collaboratively with the other ISO Program Managers to train and support assessment panel members to ensure they understand and uphold ISO’s values and criteria.
  • Implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the effectiveness and impact of the funding allocation processes.
  • Continuously refine and review the program evaluation process and criteria to align with the ISO’s current needs.
  • Develop quantitative and qualitative metrics to evaluate the success and impact of funding programs.
  • Regularly analyze data and prepare detailed reports on the outcomes of funding initiatives, presenting findings to the Director.

Strategic Support:

  • Provide strategic advice and support to the Director of Funding Programs in developing and refining initiatives that promote the visibility and success of Indigenous screen storytellers.
  • Collaborate with other departments to ensure a unified approach to supporting Indigenous Storytellers.
  • Stay informed of trends and developments in the screen industry to proactively adapt strategies that enhance the representation and opportunities for Indigenous storytellers.
  • Collaborate closely with the Director of Funding Programs to envision the broader objectives of the ISO funding initiatives.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

  • An undergraduate degree in arts management, communications, administration or a related field or an equivalent combination of professional experience and education related to the responsibilities of the position and in Indigenous arts;
  • 5+ years of experience directly related to the principal responsibilities of the position with at least 1 year in an Indigenous arts and cultural environment;
  • Understanding of the Indigenous context in Canada;
  • A proven track record of successfully managing funding programs and/or project management experience.
  • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the mission and values of ISO;
  • Knowledge of not-for-profit funding practices and governance structures;
  • Thorough knowledge of the history and current state of a variety of Indigenous arts in Canada and of the trends and new developments in the arts, culture and/or broadcasting sectors;
  • Knowledge of funding applications and reporting policies and procedures for Federal, Provincial and Municipal funding programs;
  • Ability to identify the project objectives, needs, outcomes and deliverables of funding opportunities;
  • Excellent interpersonal and very strong person-to-person relationship-building skills;
  • Excellent proposal writing and proposal development skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and be self-motivated in a high pressure and demanding work environment;
  • High level of business administration skills: CRM and data management systems, Microsoft Office and Google Workspace;
  • Demonstrated analytical, critical and strategic thinking skills;
  • Proven ability to exercise diplomacy and good judgment;
  • Exemplary attention to detail with excellent planning, organizational and time management skills;
  • Ability to commit to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities;
  • Ability to take initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing;
  • Ability to contribute to building and being a part of a positive culture;
  • Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as required;
  • Fluency in French and English, or in an Indigenous language, would be considered an asset.

Application

In accordance with section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, and sub-section 24(1)(a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code, selection will be limited to Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) applicants as outlined in Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Indigenous candidates are asked to self-identify in their cover letter.

No phone calls, please.

Your application must include:

  • A cover letter outlining the qualifications and experience you would bring to the position including your experience working with Indigenous communities or in-depth knowledge of Indigenous governance, administration and/or policy issues through lived or learned experience.
  • A CV/resumé

Applicants with disabilities who are qualified and selected for an interview will be accommodated upon request.

Indigenous Screen Office wishes to thank all those that apply, however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Indigenous Screen Office is an equal-opportunity employer.

Please send all applications to recruiter@reddoorhr.com.