Indigenous Post-Secondary Knowledge & Research Lead

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is committed to improving services and support for individuals living with mental illnesses and addictions issues, and to the promotion of mental health in Ontario.

The Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) is a provincial hub developed by CMHA Ontario in partnership with Colleges Ontario, the Council of Ontario Universities, the College Student Alliance, and the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance to support new and existing initiatives that address the mental health needs of post-secondary students. CICMH works with post-secondary institutions and community organizations to enhance their capacity to support student mental health and wellness. A key piece of our work involves creating new knowledge tools (toolkits, webinars, trainings) to support gaps in campus mental health.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of CICMH, the Indigenous Post-Secondary Knowledge & Research Lead will create tools, facilitate knowledge management, and research wise, emerging and best practices for campus mental health specific to Indigenous students, staff, and faculty, and to support and advance the goals and objectives of CICMH. This is a part-time (21 hours/week), contract role until March 31, 2027.

Core Responsibilities

To engage and support Ontario post-secondary institutions in their commitment to Indigenous students', staffs’, and faculty's mental health and well-being. 

Work collaboratively with Indigenous partners (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) on post-secondary campuses and other health service providers to identify strategies that support Indigenous post-secondary student mental health.

Draw on existing bodies of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and work with key stakeholders to provide tailored, evidence-informed guidance and practical tools to facilitate desired changes in practice, programs, or policies. 

Maintain knowledge of current national and international wise, best and emerging practices in post-secondary student mental health research and evaluation.

Develop and compile evidence-based resources for online and offline knowledge management purposes (training sessions, toolkits, information sheets, webinars) 

Prepare and facilitate knowledge exchange programs, including online courses, videos.

Organize and facilitate sharing circles

Develop curriculum and facilitate trainings and presentations at regional forums, conferences, workshops, and symposia.

Through facilitating the collaborative efforts of stakeholders and partners, use effective knowledge mobilization approaches to encourage the application of evidence in practice, program and policy development and implementation. 

Conduct statistical analyses to determine the effectiveness of CICMH’s work. 

Maintain, update, and manage relevant sections of CICMH’s website. 

Facilitate the Indigenous post-secondary community of practice. 

Prepare reports, documents, and publications for internal and external audiences. 

Assist in developing and reorganizing online platforms. 

Conduct outreach to community partners and campus mental health projects across the province. 

Create and facilitate curriculum delivered to varied campus stakeholders, including Campus Mental Health Works training. 

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Skills & Experience

We are seeking a highly collaborative individual with strong interpersonal skills, who takes initiative, has well-developed time management skills, and is highly adaptable. The successful candidate will have solid organizational commitment, and strong critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills.

University degree in psychology, sociology, Indigenous studies, social work,
health-related research, or a related field required.

Minimum 3-5 years of experience with knowledge management, psychoeducation, or research analysis.

Minimum five years related experience and experience developing and delivering Indigenous cultural programming and engaging in Indigenous communities within a mental health or wholistic wellness capacity.

Competency in understanding Indigenous experiences, including the effects of intergenerational and colonial trauma, through active engagement in the Indigenous community. Sound understanding of barriers faced by Indigenous students in obtaining post-secondary education and the ability to apply a structural anti-oppression analysis to clinical work. 

Demonstrated knowledge of the diversity of cultural traditions and spiritual practices of First Nation, Inuit, and Metis peoples. 

Experience with knowledge mobilization, including webinars, online resource libraries, and developing emerging and best practices content. 

Behavioural Competencies

Self-starter/Initiative 

Teamwork/Collaboration 

Interpersonal Communication 

Problem solving/Troubleshooting 

Time Management 

Organization/Administration 

Adaptability 

Creativity 

Salary

This position pays $39.67 - $40.87 per hour.

Working Conditions

This is a special funded part-time, temporary contract, position working 21 hours/week. This position is based in Toronto, Ontario and travel is expected 1-2 times per month, possibly requiring an overnight stay depending on location. We are currently operating within a hybrid model, with colleagues working from the office at least 3 days/week and from home up to 2 days/week.

This position is also a desk job with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. This position involves some moderate lifting, shipping, and handling. Attendance at various meetings throughout the workday/workweek will be required; meetings may occur on short notice, depending on the circumstances.  

This position is within the OPSEU Bargaining Unit.

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to maintain and submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

The Canadian Mental Health Association celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings professional and lived experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.

Workplace and candidate accommodation is available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process upon request. To request accommodation, please contact us at [email protected].

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.

Deadline to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume online via BambooHR by end of day Friday, May 22, 2026. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest.