About the Role
The Lead, Fellows Program is responsible for leading the successful implementation, growth, and continuous improvement of the Mastercard Foundation Fellows Program. This role oversees a portfolio of host organization partnerships that support Fellows across Canada, ensuring high-quality program delivery and meaningful youth experiences. The position focuses on developing partnerships, advancing Indigenous approaches to program learning and impact measurement, and elevating Fellows' stories and leadership.
Responsibilities
- Lead relationship management and performance oversight for a portfolio of Fellows Program host organization partners across Canada.
- Support host partners in delivering high-quality programming aligned with program goals and principles.
- Lead planning, implementation, problem-solving, and adaptive management with partners, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Monitor partner performance and progress against objectives, budgets, and reporting requirements.
- Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships for program growth and sustainability.
- Develop and maintain relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders and organizations to create opportunities for Fellows.
- Serve as a connector within the Indigenous youth leadership ecosystem.
- Support contracting, grant management, budgeting, reporting, and compliance processes.
- Coordinate annual program planning and support the implementation of workplans.
- Collaborate with Foundation colleagues across various departments for effective program delivery.
- Lead planning and coordination of Fellow convenings and engagement opportunities.
- Contribute to recommendations regarding program growth, innovation, and strategic direction.
- Support the development and implementation of an Indigenous evaluation and impact framework.
- Analyze program reports and data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the development of internal reporting, briefings, and decision-making materials.
- Support the identification and amplification of Fellows' stories and accomplishments.
- Represent the Fellows Program in external learning events and internal working groups.
- Contribute to Foundation learning and thought leadership on Indigenous youth leadership.
- Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies, Education, Community Development, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous worldviews, leadership approaches, and community development practices.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Indigenous education, youth leadership, youth development, employment, community development, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, Nations, organizations, and youth across Canada.
- Experience developing and managing strategic, complex partnerships, networks, and stakeholder relationships.
- Experience leading or supporting the implementation of large-scale programs involving multiple partners and workstreams.
- Experience supporting program evaluation, learning, impact measurement, or research initiatives.
- Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.
Skills
- Strong partnership management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong program and project management capabilities.
- Excellent verbal, written, facilitation, and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate insights effectively to diverse audiences.
- Strong planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of Indigenous youth leadership, education, and community development ecosystems across Canada.
- Understanding of Indigenous approaches to evaluation, learning, and community engagement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams).
Location
- Canada
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Full-Time
Experience Level
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience
Education Level
- Undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies, Education, Community Development, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field
- Graduate degrees are considered an asset
- Training or certification in project management, partnership development, evaluation, or related disciplines is considered an asset
Salary/Compensations
- $125,000 to $140,000 (CAD)
Benefits
- Accommodation due to a disability or any other protected ground under applicable legislation during any stage of the recruitment process.
About the Company
- The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
- For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit http://www.mastercardfdn.org/
- Follow the Foundation on Twitter at @MastercardFdn
Equal Opportunity
- The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace.
- We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
- Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
- Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates due to the nature of this position, which requires direct engagement with Indigenous communities.
- Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self-identify and apply even if they do not meet all components listed.
