Lead, Fellows, Canada Programs

Reporting to the Head, Indigenous Youth Leadership Program, The Lead, Fellows Program is responsible for leading the successful implementation, growth, and continuous improvement of the Mastercard Foundation Fellows Program. Reporting to the Head, Indigenous Youth Leadership Program, the role oversees a portfolio of host organization partnerships that support Fellows across Canada. The Lead works closely with partners to ensure high-quality program delivery, meaningful youth experiences, and strong outcomes for Fellows and their communities.

The role is responsible for developing and deepening partnerships, advancing Indigenous approaches to program learning and impact measurement, elevating Fellows stories and leadership, and identifying opportunities to expand the program's reach and influence. The Lead, Fellows Program collaborates across Foundation teams and with external stakeholders to ensure that Indigenous youth voices remain at the center of program implementation, learning, and growth.

Due to the nature of this position, which requires direct engagement with Indigenous communities, preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates.

Applicants who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify in their applications and will be required to provide reasonable confirmation of Indigenous identity.

Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self-identify and apply even if they do not meet all components listed.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Partnership Relations

• 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 that aligns with the goals, principles, and outcomes of the Mastercard Foundation Fellows Program.
• Lead planning, implementation, problem-solving, and adaptive management with partners, identifying risks and opportunities and escalating issues as required.
• Monitor partner performance and progress against agreed objectives, budgets, learning commitments, and reporting requirements.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that support the growth and long-term sustainability of the Mastercard Foundation Fellows Program.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, organizations, institutions, and networks to create opportunities for Fellows.
• Serve as a connector across the Indigenous youth leadership ecosystem, strengthening relationships among Fellows, partners, institutions, communities, and Foundation networks.

Program Management

• Support contracting, grant management, budgeting, reporting, and compliance processes related to Fellows Program partnerships.
• Coordinate annual program planning processes and support the implementation of program workplans, collaborating with host partners and internal Foundation staff.
• Collaborate closely with Foundation colleagues across Canada Programs, Finance, Legal, Communications, Impact, and other functions to support effective program delivery.
• Lead planning and coordination of Fellow convenings, gatherings, engagement opportunities, and other program activities.
• Contribute to recommendations regarding program growth, innovation, and future strategic direction for Foundation executive.
• Support the development and implementation of an Indigenous evaluation and impact framework for the Mastercard Foundation Fellows Program.
• Analyze program reports, data, and emerging insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development of internal reporting, briefings, learning products, and decision-making materials.
• Support the identification and amplification of Fellows' stories, accomplishments, and leadership journeys.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Foundation teams to share implementation learnings, strengthen program delivery, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Represent the Fellows Program in external learning events and internal communities of practice, working groups, and cross-functional initiatives related to youth engagement, leadership development, Indigenous programming, and partnership management.
• Contribute to Foundation learning and thought leadership on Indigenous youth leadership, Indigenous ways of knowing, and youth engagement.
• Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

WHO YOU ARE

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• 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.
• Graduate degrees are considered an asset.
• Training or certification in project management, partnership development, evaluation, or related disciplines is considered an asset.

Experience

• 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.
• Experience working with fellowships, scholarships, youth leadership, or leadership development programs is considered a strong asset.
• Experience applying Indigenous ways of knowing and being is considered a strong asset.
• 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).

Leadership and Behavioral Competencies

• Lived experience as an Indigenous person in Canada is strongly preferred.
• Deep commitment to Indigenous youth leadership, self-determination, and community well-being.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates humility, cultural awareness, active listening, and respect in all interactions.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and evolving priorities.
• Commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and improvement.
• Alignment with the Foundation's values and mission.

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