Join our team

Project Lead

Contact: Send a resume, cover letter optional, to information@ykcf.ca. Any questions can be directed to information@ykcf.ca.

Location: NWT (our physical office is in Yellowknife, position has flexibility for remote/virtual work across the NWT). Minimum 2 trips involved within NWT.

Term: Contract beginning September 2025, with approximately two months of full-time work (or the equivalent in part-time hours). Work can be spread out as needed, but work must be completed by January 31 2026.

Position Type: Term employment

Eligibility: Canadians and authorized workers

Rate of Pay: $40 – $65, based on skills and experience

About the Role

The Yellowknife Community Foundation (YKCF) is leading the Priorities for Northern Impact Strategy, a territory-wide research and engagement initiative. This project will explore key community priorities, map existing services and gaps, and develop goals and measurable targets to guide investment and strengthen communities across the Northwest Territories. This Strategy will be used internally at YKCF and will also be shared with Northern funders, donors, and community organizations.

YKCF is a charitable organization formed in 1993 to provide interested individuals and organizations with a means of supporting projects in Yellowknife for the enduring future. Over the years, the Foundation has grown and evolved, reaching beyond Yellowknife to serve individuals and organizations in communities across the Northwest Territories (NWT). Today, YKCF is proud to manage more than 40 funds that address a wide spectrum of community needs and interests. We continue to grow to impact communities in the NWT outside of Yellowknife – from 2024–2028, we are raising $3 million for the Northern Legacy Fund, which will grant to organizations and municipalities across the NWT annually.

Role Summary

The Project Lead will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Priorities for Northern Impact Strategy, from research and data collection to engagement and analysis. The role requires strong organizational skills, experience with community-based research, and a strong understanding of and respect for Northern and Indigenous contexts.

Key Responsibilities

Framework & Priority Areas

  • Refine and confirm project priority areas in collaboration with YKCF and stakeholders.
  • Develop guiding questions for each priority area (services available, gaps, success stories).

Research & Data Collection

  • Conduct desktop research (review reports, census data, community profiles, organizational plans, territorial strategies).
  • Compile information on existing services, organizations, and initiatives across the NWT.
  • Design and test survey tools for community groups and residents.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Map stakeholders by region, including Indigenous governments, municipalities, non-profits, grassroots groups, and funders.
  • Schedule and conduct engagement sessions (virtual and in-person) across NWT regions.
  • Lead interviews with stakeholders.
  • Collect community stories and examples of resilience.
  • Travel to at least 2 NWT communities for in-person engagements.

Analysis & Reporting

  • Analyze and synthesize data to identify service gaps, strengths, and common themes.
  • Draft goals, objectives, and long-term targets for each priority area.
  • Prepare the final Priorities for Northern Impact Strategy.
Skills & Assets
  • Background in research, community development, social sciences, public policy, or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in community engagement, participatory research, or facilitation.
  • Strong understanding of Northern and Indigenous contexts; experience working in the NWT is a strong asset.
  • Excellent communication skills (writing, facilitation, relationship-building).
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • Experience producing reports, frameworks, or plans.

Apply by: 11:59 pm MT, Monday September 15th 2025
Interviews to occur week of September 15th. Role expected to begin week of September 22nd

Contact: Send a resume, cover letter optional, to information@ykcf.ca. Any questions can be directed to information@ykcf.ca.