Community Development Manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON

Shared Value Solutions

Shared Value Solutions (SVS) is an environmental and community development consulting firm. Our team includes folks who are skilled in science, cultural heritage, planning, and regulatory fields who work alongside First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Nations across Canada. We support Indigenous Nations with technical guidance, regulatory advice, peer reviews, planning, and negotiation strategies related to major resource development projects. At the heart of our work is a commitment to braiding Indigenous Knowledge with Western science to advance our clients' goals of prosperity, stewardship, and self-determination.

Our Work Culture

At SVS, we value the ambitions and passions of our team members, both professionally and personally. To support work-life balance, we offer flexible hours, remote work options, and time-in-lieu. We aim for this position to align with your life goals rather than detract from them. Our work is guided by the priorities of our community partners, including seasonal calendars (harvest seasons, festivals, etc.) and project deadlines. Through strong communication and mutual support, we create a work environment that fosters both personal well-being and professional growth.

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

SVS is committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, women, members of the global majority (visible minorities), LGBTQ2S+ individuals, veterans, and persons with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer, and if you require accommodations during the hiring process, please let us know-we are happy to support you.

Indigenous Hiring Preference

We prioritize hiring qualified Indigenous candidates, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit individuals, to help build teams that reflect the lived experiences of the communities we serve. We recognize that expertise can be gained in many ways, and that formal education and conventional work experience are not the only measures of qualification. Candidates with traditional knowledge and community-based experience relevant to this role are strongly encouraged to apply, even if their experience differs from the qualifications listed.

If you feel comfortable, you are invited to self-identify as Indigenous in your application. We recognize the impacts of colonization and respect that this is a personal decision. Any information shared will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes of the hiring process.

We look forward to welcoming new team members who share our dedication to supporting Indigenous sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and community-driven development.

The Position

We're looking for a Lands and Resources Consultant, Project Manager (Remote) to fill a full-time permanent position.

Join Our Team and Make a Meaningful Impact

At Shared Value Solutions, you'll work alongside Indigenous Nations to support sovereignty, stewardship, and self-determination-grounded in respect for Indigenous Knowledge and strong, relationship-based collaboration. Your lived experience, expertise, and perspectives will be valued as part of diverse projects that make a meaningful difference for land, water, and communities.

We are committed to an inclusive, culturally affirming workplace rooted in respect, reciprocity, and collaboration. We support balance between work, family, community, and personal well-being.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation & annual bonus
• Remote work allowance
• Comprehensive health benefits & employee assistance program (health, dental, vision, and life insurance)
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
• Professional designation reimbursement & development opportunities
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, cultural days, bereavement, and family care leave
• Winter tire rebate to support safe travel
• Flexible work options, including remote work

We welcome you to bring your whole self to this role-your knowledge, passion, and connection to community-and join a team dedicated to uplifting Indigenous voices, protecting the environment, and creating lasting positive change.

Requirements:

• A degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science or similar equivalent
• At least 4+ years of professional work experience as Project Manager on lands and resources, environmental, economic development, and/or regulatory projects and/or in a role such as Lands Manager or Lands Coordinator working with Indigenous communities.
• Understanding of the regulatory process, environmental best practices and potential impacts and mitigation of development projects, such as pipelines, energy, mining, waste, and other major infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience providing training sessions, facilitating workshops, and conducting community engagement
• Skills and experience working in cross-cultural settings, preferably with First Nation, Metis, and/or Inuit communities
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent technical writing and analytical skills, including experience with data management and analysis, preparing technical reports, and communicating complex issues in plain language (written, verbal, presentations) for a variety of audiences
• Working knowledge of land management issues and legislation affecting First Nations both locally and federally (Indian Act and Regulations as they pertain to the administration and management of Indian Reserve Land, Land Registry, and Land Titles Act, Impact Assessment Act, Duty to Consult, precedents and court judgments affecting Indian Reserve Lands etc.)

Responsibilities:

• Building and maintaining client relationships through a comprehensive understanding of client needs, priorities, and objectives while providing excellent client service.
• Liaising effectively with Indigenous community clients, regulators, proponents, Band Managers, legal counsel, and economic development corporations.
• Managing projects focused on lands and resources, planning, environmental management, capacity building and training, and community engagement.
• Acting in the capacity of a Lands Manager for client Nations by:
  - Managing notifications, consultation and engagement requests for the lands offices. This includes tracking incoming requests, managing databases, responding to proponents and government, coordinating internal teams and technical expertise, and communicating with various parties to support timely responses.
  - Supporting the Lands Director on lands office recommendations, engagement and strategic communications with the client.
  - Working collaboratively and participating in meetings with client representatives, legal counsel, other advisors as well as proponents and government to further the clients' lands and resources objectives.
  - Preparing and managing funding applications, supporting clients to meet project deliverables and preparing reporting to funders.
• Preparing other deliverables, such as reports, strategic communications and memos to support the objectives of our client communities.
• Engaging in business development and sales efforts
  

Asset Qualifications:

• Experience withIndigenous law and governance, UNDRIP, FPIC, shared decision-making.
• Awareness of data and communication security and confidentiality.
• Experience providing training in environmental monitoring or impact assessment
• Experience with planning and implementing communication and consultation programs and activities, Traditional Knowledge, land use and occupancy, GIS, community economic development, conflict resolution, negotiations, capacity building / training, technical reviews, and multimedia story-telling.
• This role requires frequent travel to Western Canada. The ideal candidate will be located near there for efficient travel within the region.
  

Let us know if you speak:French, Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Blackfoot, Dene, Innu, or other languages that might be useful for this position.

Summing it Up - Why Should you Apply?

• Fully remote working
• Fun company culture
• Learning and career growth opportunities
• Flexible working hours
• Meaningful work

Our head office is on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the historic lands of the Attawandaron People. We honour the original ancestors of this land and also offer respect to our Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Metis neighbours. We strive to be accountable by acknowledging this history and cultivating respect in our relationships with our Indigenous neighbours and the land.