Community Liaison

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Liaison – Indigenous Relations is responsible for developing and maintaining effective business engagements and trusted relationships with Indigenous and First Nations communities in support of Forbes Bros.’ projects and business operations.

Working closely with project teams and internal and external stakeholders, the Community Liaison leads the development and execution of Indigenous community engagement and consultation plans. This includes identifying and prioritizing key community considerations, supporting open and collaborative dialogue, and assisting project teams in developing mutually beneficial short- and long-term economic agreements with Indigenous communities.

The Community Liaison also provides strategic advice, ongoing reporting, and presentations to senior management regarding Indigenous engagement, consultation, and economic participation. The role supports the development of Indigenous participation and procurement plans for major projects and maintains awareness of national, regional, and local Indigenous issues that may affect Company operations and growth opportunities.

Core Responsibilities

Indigenous Community Engagement & Consultation

• Lead the development and execution of Indigenous community engagement and consultation plans, emphasizing collaboration, open dialogue, and mutually respectful relationships.
• Develop strategic Indigenous engagement plans that outline how Forbes Bros. will support long-term relationship building with Indigenous communities affected by major projects.
• Engage proactively with Indigenous communities to understand community priorities, identify critical issues, and maintain effective working relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support project teams in identifying and prioritizing Indigenous engagement and consultation considerations relevant to project planning and execution.

Relationship Management & Economic Participation

• Develop and maintain trusted, strategic relationships with Indigenous communities, government representatives and staff, economic development corporations, businesses, and community members.
• Support project teams in developing mutually beneficial short- and long-term economic agreements with Indigenous communities.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external parties to develop Indigenous participation and procurement plans for Forbes Bros.’ major projects.
• Promote consistent and respectful engagement practices that support long-term relationships between Forbes Bros. and Indigenous communities.

Strategic Advice, Reporting & Organizational Awareness

• Provide strategic advice to senior management regarding Indigenous engagement, consultation, economic participation, and community relationship matters.
• Prepare and deliver ongoing reports and presentations regarding Indigenous engagement activities, community priorities, emerging issues, and project requirements.
• Maintain awareness of national, regional, and local Indigenous issues that may affect Company operations, project delivery, and growth opportunities.
• Communicate relevant community considerations to project teams and senior management to support informed planning and decision-making.

Safety, Governance & Professional Standards

• Demonstrate Forbes Bros.’ value of WE WORK SAFE and never compromise safety in any aspect of the role.
• Ensure Indigenous engagement and consultation activities are conducted in accordance with applicable ethical guidelines, project protocols, and research procedures.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and maintain appropriate confidentiality when managing community, project, and business information.
• Perform other duties related to the Indigenous Relations function as assigned.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Social Work, Communications, or a related field of study.
• Minimum of four years of experience in Indigenous, community, or public relations, business development, or project management, with demonstrated leadership in relevant engagement activities.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders.
• Direct experience engaging with First Nations and/or Indigenous communities is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of a First Nations language and demonstrated cultural understanding are considered assets.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with community members, project teams, senior management, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, professional judgment, and the ability to identify and prioritize critical issues.
• Demonstrated ability to meet firm deadlines, work with minimal supervision, and operate effectively as a self-starter.
• Proficiency with standard business software, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and an acceptable five-year driver’s abstract.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout Ontario to Indigenous communities and project sites.
• Ability to satisfy client and project-site requirements, including pre-access screening where required.