Call for Applications
Project Coordinator, Independent Contract
Application Deadline: Open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on February 13, 2026
The Indigenous Editors Association is seeking an experienced Project Coordinator to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of our Four Directions Professional Development Program. This program is intended to offer a holistic approach to professional development for Indigenous publishing professionals. It is rooted in Indigenous ways of teaching and knowledge transmission and aligns with the four directions/teachings. The intent is to support Indigenous professionals in varying stages of their careers through the centring of decolonized methods, relationship building, and skill-building. We are looking for someone with strong project coordination and planning skills, attention to detail, and who prioritizes relationship building and reconciliation-focused skill development in their work.
About the Organization
The Indigenous Editors Association is a membership organization that was formed by Indigenous editors and publishing professionals as a mutual support network. The IEA connects Indigenous people who work with stories and the publishing industry, and believes Indigenous stories and knowledge systems must be approached with Indigenous community-focused editing practices, employed with care by Indigenous editors. Thus, our purpose is to:
• Strengthen relationships among Indigenous editors, storytellers, and publishing professionals;
• Create opportunities for training and professional development for Indigenous editors;
• Promote Indigenous editors in the publishing industry; and
• Create educational opportunities for the mainstream publishing industry to learn about working with Indigenous editors.
Contract Details
Position: Project Coordinator, Independent Contract
Start date: February 2026
Term: 10 months, with potential for extension
Rate: $40/hr CAD for 40 hours per month
Location: Remote
About the Role
The Project Coordinator will oversee the development of our Four Directions Professional Development Program. They will collaborate with stakeholders on the scope of the project, participate in planning discussions, lead the development, oversee implementation, track and document the process, and prepare reports.
Primary Responsibilities
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of the Four Directions Professional Development Program, ensuring alignment with Indigenous ways of teaching, the four directions/teachings, and the symbolism of the circle.
• Develop and manage a multi-year program plan, including timelines, milestones, budgets, and reporting requirements for the three-year program cycle.
• Coordinate the Gregory Younging Memorial Mentorship Program, including planning mentorship lunches, matching emerging editors with experienced mentors, and supporting participants throughout the mentorship period.
• Plan, organize, and deliver webinars and Kitchen Table Talks, including topic development, speaker engagement, scheduling, accessibility considerations, and post-event evaluation.
• Support the planning and delivery of the Indigenous Editors Circle, working collaboratively with IEA staff, partners, and community members to ensure the Circle reflects Indigenous protocols, values, and relationship-based approaches.
• Plan and develop the internship program, including recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and meaningful integration of interns into IEA's work and learning objectives.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous publishing professionals, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, facilitators, and partners.
• Monitor program outcomes, gather feedback from participants, and contribute to continuous improvement, evaluation, and reporting.
• Collaborate closely with IEA staff to ensure program activities align with organizational priorities, capacity, and values.
Skills and Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination or program management, preferably within arts, publishing, education, or Indigenous-led initiatives
• Strong understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, and knowledge transmission, with the ability to centre decolonized and reconciliation-based approaches
• Experience designing and delivering professional development, mentorship, or capacity-building programs
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple program components and timelines simultaneously
• Proven ability to build and sustain respectful, relationship-based partnerships with Indigenous professionals, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, facilitators, and community members
• Strong communication skills, including experience coordinating speakers, mentors, interns, and participants
• Experience planning and supporting events such as webinars, workshops, mentorship gatherings, or conferences (in-person and/or virtual)
• Knowledge of accessibility and barrier-free approaches to professional development and event delivery
• Experience supporting or supervising interns, students, or early-career professionals
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt programming based on community feedback and evolving needs
• Experience with evaluation, reporting, and tracking outcomes for funded programs
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a small, values-driven team
• High level of cultural competency, professionalism, and ethical practice
• Lived experience as an Indigenous publishing professional and/or strong connections to Indigenous storytelling communities is a strong asset
If you don't meet all the criteria but are enthusiastic about the position, please let us know in your cover letter by detailing what you would bring to the role. We value employment equity and strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities, all genders, and the LGBTQ2S+ community. If you require accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know by email at info@indigenouseditorsassociation.ca
How to Apply:
Send your cover letter and resume (or curriculum vitae) in a single PDF to info@indigenouseditorsassociation.ca with "Project Coordinator" as the subject heading. In your cover letter, please demonstrate your connection to your Indigenous community/ies and outline your qualifications and skills for the role.
Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We look forward to receiving your application!
It is with deep sadness that the IEA announces the passing of former council member Amber Boyd.
Amber was a proud citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta (formerly known as the Métis Nation of Alberta. She was a creative soul, channeling her spirit into writing, art, and photography.
Her stories "Life's Nectar" and "Forevermore" are in Amazon's number one best-selling anthology Above and Beneath. Her other published short stories include Howling at the Moon, "The Arcane Protector," "Time Ryder," and "The Gift." In 2019 and 2022, she won second place in the Kemosa contest, and in 2021, her writing was shortlisted for the Constance Rooke CNF Prize, winning her a spot to participate in the Audible Indigenous Writers' Circle. Her previous work experience includes working as an Instructor for the University of Calgary Continuing Education creative writing department.
Amber's artwork has appeared in the Indigenous Motherhood and Matriarchy art show, From the Land: Indigenous Ecological Art for a New Era show, Mino-Pimatisiwin: Reclaiming the "Good Life" photography exhibition, and the Truth and Reconciliation exhibition in Calgary. Amber has been an active volunteer with the Indigenous Editors Association since 2020.
Amber played a pivotal role in the early days and continued growth of the IEA, always showing up with helpful and thoughtful perspectives and a positive attitude. Her presence will be missed dearly.
Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Amber Boyd Legacy Project, info@rockyviewMétis.com. The family kindly requests that no flowers be sent.
Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to Amber's family.
January 21, 2026
The Indigenous Editors Association is a membership organization formed by Indigenous editors, storytellers, and publishing professionals in lands claimed by Canada as a mutual support network. Members include Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organizations working together to create transformative change in the ways Indigenous stories and knowledges are shared.
We create and share effective tools and initiatives to make publishing more accessible for emerging Indigenous professionals.
We welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organizations. Whether you're an emerging or well-established industry professional, or an employer looking for the right team member, we can help you advance in your career and connect with others in your field.
A profile on our Indigenous Professionals Directory;
Access to job postings via our Jobs Board;
Invitations to events dedicated to Indigenous members; and
Discounts and member rates from vendors and partners.
Our Jobs Board allows employers to connect with a diverse range of Indigenous professionals, including editors, authors, poets, educators, language experts, Knowledge Keepers, publishers, and not-for-profit organizations.
|
Karon ShmonPast-President, Indigenous Editors Association |
I believe the best leaders build capacity in others by encouraging and guiding them to their fullest potential and by removing any obstacles the leader has the influence to remove.
3573 - 515 Hastings St W
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6B 5K3
A info@indigenouseditorsassociation.ca
The lands we live on connect us to the stories of our past and those that will be told in the future-the stories upon which our profession is based. These lands sustain and nourish us, and our relationships with each other help us thrive. The Indigenous Editors Association gives thanks to the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Peoples who continue to steward the lands on which our head office is located, in Vancouver, BC. It is in this spirit of gratitude that we carry out our work as Indigenous members of the publishing community.
