Special Projects Manager, Early Learning Programs

Special Projects Manager

Location: #200 12308 111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidate Found

Position Status: Full-time (40 hours/work) Permanent Position

Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager, the Children and Family Services Department is seeking a Special Projects Manager to lead the development and implementation of innovative, large-scale projects that enhance early learning experiences for Métis children and families. This position drives the creation of engaging, culturally grounded projects that bring Métis stories, language, and culture to life through interactive, educational, and community-based platforms. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision, strong project management skills, and collaborative leadership to plan, develop, staff, and budget large-scale initiatives from concept to completion—then transition them smoothly to ongoing program teams. Collaboration is central to this position. Working closely with internal teams, community partners, and creative professionals, the Manager will ensure every project is impactful, inclusive, and aligned with departmental goals and Métis values.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of special projects that promote early learning and cultural engagement across Alberta.

- Oversee the development of creative educational tools, digital resources, and interactive materials that reflect Métis identity and values.

- Manage project lifecycles from concept through completion, including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and performance evaluation.

- Collaborate with our Strategic and Cultural Advisor to ensure programming is inclusive, culturally grounded, and reflective of Métis identity, language, and values.

- Supervise and support a dynamic team responsible for project design, implementation, and evaluation.

- Build and maintain partnerships with contractors, consultants, and community organizations to support project success.

- Contribute to the development and refinement of processes, policies, and evaluation tools to ensure project efficiency and accountability.

- Work closely with Senior Leadership to align projects with departmental strategies and funding priorities.

- Collaborate with the Strategic and Cultural Advisor as well as Senior Leadership to assess program impact and outcomes.

- Build and maintain meaningful relationships with Métis families, communities, and partners across Alberta.

- Contribute to the development and implementation of the CFS Early Learning strategy and workplan.

- Collaborate with the CFS communications team to develop programs specific communication strategies.

- Other duties as required or assigned.

Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate is a strategic, creative, and solutions-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about advancing Métis-specific early learning initiatives through innovation and design.

- Proven ability to lead complex, multi-phase projects from vision to launch and hand-off.

- Strong leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to mentor and motivate diverse teams.

- Strong project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder coordination.

- Demonstrated excellence in project management, including budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder coordination.

- Experience working with creative, educational, or digital development projects.

- Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation skills.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on creativity and continuous improvement.

- Ability to build and sustain strong relationships with internal teams, partners, and external collaborators.

Qualifications

- Post-secondary degree in Early Learning, Human or Social Services, Education, or a related field (equivalent experience will be considered).

- Minimum three years’ experience in a management or leadership role.

- Minimum two years’ experience overseeing program delivery.

- Experience working with Métis communities is a strong asset.

Other Requirements

- Availability to work evenings and weekends on occasion.

- Must be willing to travel within Alberta and work irregular hours as needed.

- Must have a valid Class 5 driver’s license.

- Acceptable attainment and annual maintenance of a Clear Police Information Check with a Clear Vulnerable Sector Check and a Clear Intervention Record Check is required.

What We Offer

- The opportunity to work for the newly ratified Otipemisiwak Métis Government and be part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada.

- An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, languages, and art.

- Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.

- Training and professional development opportunities.

- A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.

- Generous time off policies.

Métis applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Otipemisiwak Métis dGovernment thanks all applicants for their interest. We are committed to a fully human-led recruitment process and do not use artificial intelligence to review candidate applications. We take a deliberate and thoughtful approach to selecting candidates, ensuring integrity and equity at every stage.

As a Métis government, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is committed to the recruitment, retention, mentorship, and advancement of Métis Citizens and other Indigenous Peoples while maintaining a fair and equitable hiring practices to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and we value the lived experiences and cultural knowledge of all candidates.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that candidates who have been selected to move forward to the next stage of the recruitment process will receive an email to complete a short online video submission. Our team receives a large volume of applications and will reach out only as applicable.

If you experience barriers to applying or require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please contact  [email protected] . We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience.