Join our team

Nine members of the ACET team stand smiling in a semi-circle facing the photographer

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through local, community-based collaborations. You can learn more about us here or through our stories.

We're looking for talented, motivated and value-driven professionals to help advance our mission. See below for our current employment opportunities!

Communications Designer

Location: University of Victoria
Reports to: Strategic Communications Officer
Salary: $70,000 (one year contract)
Deadline for application: September 1, 2025

Position summary

With support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, ACET is a partnership between Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Yukon University, led by the University of Victoria.

Reporting to the Strategic Communications Officer, the Communications Designer is responsible for creating visually-rich public- and partner-facing content and materials that generate interest, drive engagement and support ACET’s strategic communications, project development, partner engagement and knowledge mobilization goals.

The Communications Designer will play an integral role in maintaining and enhancing ACET’s website, social media channels (incl. LinkedIn and Facebook), branded assets and collateral, and photo/video database.

This role is ideal for a visual storyteller who can bring a brand to life through graphic design, photography, videography, illustration and/or data visualization, and effectively mobilize that content across platforms and channels.

Key responsibilities

Visual storytelling, graphic design and media production

Strategic asset and collateral design and development (e.g. branded banners, brochures, presentation decks, digital signage, videos, reports, newsletters and swag).
Identify and develop opportunities for visual-first content, including photo essays, graphic narratives, and/or short- or long-form videos.
Incorporate video, photo, illustrations and graphics into existing assets and collateral.
Build compelling new web pages and content sections and/or enhance existing web pages with new visual element while ensuring content is accessible, equitable and on-brand.
Provide in-house graphic design support and visual identity development for Strategic Research Area (SRA) Managers, project leads and divisional partners by developing templates, iconography, branding and other research- and project-specific assets.

Digital media coordination

Website administration, maintenance and updates.
Newsletter development.
Photo and video asset collection, dissemination and archiving.

Social media coordination

Collaborate with the Strategic Communications Officer and Social Media Intern to create clear, compelling and professional content for social media channels (incl. LinkedIn and Facebook) for key audiences (incl. communities, researchers, partners, funding agencies and professional networks).
Monitor and assess comments, responses, messages and partner posts. Track, reply or escalate to leadership as appropriate.
Track metrics and make recommendations for improvement.
Promote events, project updates, research outputs and milestones.

Misc.

Coordinate branded asset orders and distribution among ACET’s core team.
Consult and coordinate with staff, researchers, project partners and interest-holders on content development when appropriate.
Contribute to storyboarding and creative ideation for content development as appropriate.
Support tracking of external communication efforts to fulfill ACET reporting requirements.
Uphold ACET values related to EDI and safe and healthy workplaces.

Skills and Qualifications

This position requires proven and practical experience creating high-quality multimedia content that incorporates text, graphics, illustrations, photos and/or videos for multiple applications and professional contexts.
Excellent working knowledge of graphic design fundamentals for print and digital media.
Extensive experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (incl. InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro) or equivalent.
Proficient in Microsoft 365, including Word and PowerPoint.
Clear understanding of web development, publishing processes and/or Content Management Systems (e.g. Cascade).
Working knowledge of social media (incl. LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube) best practices.
Experience with or understanding of brand standards, development and/or implementation.
Excellent communications skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build positive relationships while collaborating with diverse individuals across a broad network of overlapping teams.
Proven track record of producing high-quality deliverables and achieving project goals on time while prioritizing competing priorities.
Understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Assets

Experience working at a university, research institute, think tank or research-focused NGO; or with research services, knowledge mobilization or marketing or communications in an academic context.
Abilities in illustration, data visualization, video production or podcasting.
Experience communicating impact-oriented and/or community-centred research.
Familiarity with data analysis tools, techniques and reporting.
Experience using digital analytics insights to improve user experience, readability, accessibility, searchability and quality.
Knowledge of social media management platforms (e.g. Hootsuite).
Familiarity with clean energy policy, issues and/or technologies.
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

Accessibility and Equity Statements

Information about our accessibility and equity policies can be found below and/or accessed using the navigation menu on the left.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will be accepted until September 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
To apply, email contactacet@uvic.ca with the subject line “ACET Communications Designer application” and the following attachments:

A cover letter
Your CV
Max. 2 page PDF portfolio with a curated selection of relevant works that demonstrate your proficiency in graphic design, multimedia production, and/or visual storytelling in print, digital or social

Community Economic Development and Business Case Lead – Electricity Transmission Study

Number of positions: 1
Location: University of Victoria
Reports to: Senior Project Manager – Electricity Transmission Study
Salary: $70,000 - $75,000
Deadline for application: September 1, 2025

About the Project

Vancouver Island has a deficit of capacity and electricity and must import a significant amount from mainland BC. This poses a risk of transmission line losses, interruptions and overall electrical resiliency for Vancouver Island, and as the Island overall electricity needs increases in clean energy will be required. The existing BC Hydro transmission line along the east side of the Island north of Gold River is known to frequently interrupt the power supply, which hampers the livelihood of North Island communities and their economic development opportunities.

This research project is relevant given:

The drive towards electrification outlined within the CleanBC plan, along with the current review and future updates of CleanBC.
Noted shortfalls in supply given forecasted demand increases within the province (specifically for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland), upcoming possible development of future industries on Vancouver Island and the coast of BC (mining, electrification of industry, hydrogen production and deep-sea port development)
Provincial government commitments to explore and support Indigenous utilities and First Nations partnerships in transmission infrastructure
BC Hydro’s efforts to increase energy security on Vancouver Island
2024 Call for Power from BC Hydro and the recent 2025 Call for Power

About the Role

The Economic Development & Business Case Lead for the technical and economic electricity transmissions study (“the electricity transmission study”) will be working with a small project team in the ACET Initiative.

This is a two-year project focused on supporting a consortium of First Nations in B.C. exploring the technical and economic feasibility of a new transmission line in the north area of Vancouver Island. The goal of the project is to support Nations in decision-making around the viability and options for this new transmission line that would improve grid stability, increase access to electrical capacity and electricity, and open up business and economic opportunities for these Nations.

This role will lead the analysis and strategic planning related to community-driven economic development and business opportunities enabled by the potential transmission line. This position centers First Nations-led economic visioning, energy sovereignty, and long-term value creation through infrastructure development, new industries, and ownership models. The successful candidate will work closely with the project team, the consortium of First Nations, technical experts, capital providers, and community leadership to assess energy-related business opportunities and help develop an actionable and inclusive business case.

Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities for this position will include:

Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with participating Nations and community leaders.
Participate in engagement sessions and workshops with First Nation communities to understand economic development aspirations, energy goals, capital needs, and community-owned asset opportunities.
Facilitate discussions around regional energy economy planning and future economic use cases for the transmission line, and future clean industrial and community development opportunities.
Work closely with the Project Manager, Community Engagement Lead, and technical team to integrate economic analysis and insights into the overall feasibility study, ensuring business case components are responsive to community engagement findings and aligned with Nation-defined goals and energy sovereignty priorities.
Develop robust business model scenarios and identify economic pathways that reflect the energy needs, values, and ambitions of participating Nations, including infrastructure investment and Indigenous ownership opportunities
Work with external consultants to assess the economic viability of proposed opportunities including new energy generation, transmission capacity, and industrial use cases.
Explore innovative financial mechanisms (e.g., blended finance, community outcomes finance) and coordinate investor and capital provider roundtables to support Indigenous-led infrastructure and business development.
Collaborate with legal and governance advisors to co-develop ownership models, revenue sharing arrangements, and utility participation structures that ensure long-term Indigenous equity and benefit.
Quantify potential employment, training, and long-term job creation impacts and evaluate return on investment using community-defined success indicators and capacity-building outcomes of proposed scenarios.
Ability to travel to communities as needed (travel support and flexibility provided).
Uphold ACET values related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and safe and healthy workplaces.

Skills and Qualifications

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in economic development, Indigenous business planning, infrastructure finance, and/or impact investment strategy.
Proven experience working in partnership with Indigenous communities on community-driven economic planning or business development.
Understanding of Indigenous economic development, self-determination, and principles of community ownership and governance.
Demonstrated experience with business case development, financial modeling, or economic feasibility studies.
Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting economic, demographic, or infrastructure-related data to inform planning and investment decisions.
Strong facilitation and communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial and technical ideas in community-accessible ways.
Familiarity with the Canadian funding landscape, blended finance models, Indigenous capital investment strategies, and/or community outcomes-based finance.
Experience in the clean energy sector, energy transition industries, or large-scale infrastructure planning.
Background in structuring Indigenous equity partnerships or utility ownership models.
Experience with regional planning, economic reconciliation strategies, or clean industrial policy in BC.
Knowledge of transmission systems, load analysis, and/or grid economics in a regional context is an asset.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Commitment to community-led planning, governance and decision-making.
Awareness of Indigenous rights, governance, and legal frameworks related to infrastructure development.
Competency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Project, Teams, SharePoint, MS Suite 365).
High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work across cultures, disciplines, and institutions.

Assets or preferences

Post-secondary degree or equivalent experience in Indigenous business, economics, finance, economic development, planning, or related fields.
Lived experience or direct connection to Indigenous economic development processes.
Knowledge of Vancouver Island's Indigenous communities and regional energy challenges.

Working conditions

This is a two-year, full-time position with opportunity to extend based on project requirements, impact, and funding, or getting involved in other ACET projects.
This is ideally a Victoria-based position at the University of Victoria; a hybrid-remote position is a possibility depending on the candidate.
Travel to participating First Nations communities is expected and will be funded through ACET.
Applicants must be permitted to work in Canada and be available to begin by September or October 2025.

Accessibility and Equity Statements

Information about our accessibility and equity policies can be found below and/or accessed using the navigation menu on the left.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV to contactacet@uvic.ca with subject line “Community Economic Development and Business Case Lead – transmission study” by September 1 at 11:59 AM.

First Nations Engagement Lead – Electricity Transmission Study

Number of positions: 1
Location: University of Victoria
Reports to: Senior Project Manager – transmission study
Salary: $80,000
Deadline for application: Aug 27, 2025

About the Project

Vancouver Island has a deficit of capacity and electricity and must import a significant amount from mainland BC. This poses a risk of transmission line losses, interruptions and overall electrical resiliency for Vancouver Island, and as the Island’s overall electricity needs increases clean energy will be required. The existing BC Hydro transmission line along the east side of the Island north of Gold River is known to frequently interrupt the power supply, which hampers the livelihood of North Island communities, their energy security and their economic development opportunities.

This research project is relevant given:

The drive towards electrification outlined within the CleanBC plan, along with the current review and future updates of CleanBC.
Noted shortfalls in supply given forecasted demand increases within the province (specifically for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland), upcoming possible development of future industries on Vancouver Island and the coast of BC (mining, electrification of industry, hydrogen production and deep-sea port development)
Provincial government commitments to explore and support Indigenous utilities and First Nations partnerships in transmission infrastructure
BC Hydro’s efforts to increase energy security on Vancouver Island
2024 Call for Power from BC Hydro and the recent 2025 Call for Power

About the Role

The Community Engagement Lead of the technical and economic electricity transmission study (“the electricity transmission study”) is a community engagement position working within the project team in the ACET Initiative.

This role is focused on working closely with Nations involved in the project to understand and support their goals, gather community perspectives and insights, and ensure that research processes and knowledge-sharing are conducted in a manner that is non-extractive, transparent, and fully aligned with community priorities and OCAP® principles.

This position is an opportunity for a values-driven individual with strong Indigenous engagement experience to shape a meaningful clean energy research initiative grounded in energy sovereignty, Nation-led planning, and long-term community benefits.

Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities for this position include:

Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with participating Nations and community leaders.
Co-develop and implement culturally responsive engagement plans tailored to each Nation’s governance structures, protocols, and communication preferences.
Support and uphold First Nations’ sovereignty, energy goals, and research priorities throughout all stages of the project.
Facilitate respectful dialogues, interviews, and engagement sessions to gather insights on community needs, visions for energy security, and economic development aspirations.
Ensure meaningful participation from all relevant community members, including Nation leadership, Elders and youth.
Document and synthesize community knowledge and feedback in a clear, respectful, and accessible manner.
Adhere to the University of Victoria’s Research Ethic guidelines.
Ensure community data sovereignty and uphold OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) principles in all research and engagement processes.
Collaborate with Nations to determine how information is collected, stored, used, and shared, and support each Nation’s Research Collaboration Agreements as required.
Work closely with the Project Manager, project team, external consultants, technical experts, policy experts, government policymakers and researchers.
Contribute to reports, presentations, and briefings that reflect community perspectives with accuracy and cultural integrity.
Identify opportunities for skills-sharing, mentorship, and knowledge transfer that benefit communities.
Help build internal capacity within communities to engage with infrastructure planning, energy systems, and governance options.
Ability to travel to communities within the project region as required.
Upholding ACET values related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and safe and healthy workplaces.

Skills and Qualifications

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in community engagement, Indigenous relations, or participatory research, preferably in an energy, infrastructure, or environmental context.
Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities in BC in ways that prioritize community self-determination, knowledge systems, and governance.
Understanding of OCAP® principles and Indigenous data governance.
Experience facilitating dialogue in culturally diverse, intergenerational, and/or community-led settings.
High emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and sensitivity to community protocols and values.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into accessible language.
Familiarity with community-based research methodologies and ethical research practices in Indigenous contexts.
Lived experience or strong personal/professional commitment to Indigenous energy sovereignty, self-determination, and just transitions.
Knowledge of Vancouver Island First Nations and regional energy and infrastructure challenges.
Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and engaging across sectors (government, utilities, academia, and community organizations).
Familiarity with BC’s CleanBC plan, energy transition goals, and Indigenous energy policy landscape.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Indigenous cultural competency and commitment to community-led planning, governance and decision-making.
Awareness of Indigenous rights, governance, and legal frameworks related to infrastructure development.
Competency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Project, Teams, SharePoint, MS Suite 365).
High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work across cultures, disciplines, and institutions.

Assets or preferences

Master’s or PhD degree in Indigenous studies, community development, environmental studies, planning, public policy, or a related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered.
Experience working with visual storytelling, community mapping, or other participatory engagement tools.
Lived experience or demonstrated commitment to Indigenous energy sovereignty, justice, and self-determination.
Knowledge of Vancouver Island's Indigenous communities and regional energy challenges.

Working conditions

This is a two-year, full-time position with opportunity to extend based on project requirements, impact, and funding, or getting involved in other ACET projects.
This is ideally a Victoria-based position at the University of Victoria; a hybrid-remote position is a possibility depending on the candidate.
Travel to participating First Nations communities is expected and will be funded through ACET.
Applicants must be permitted to work in Canada and be available to begin by September 2025.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV to contactacet@uvic.ca with subject line “First Nation Engagement Lead – transmission study” by Aug 27, 2025 at 11:59 AM.

Accessibility and Equity Statements

Information about our accessibility and equity policies can be found below and/or accessed using the navigation menu on the left.

Senior Project Manager – Electicity Transmission Study

Number of positions: 1
Location: University of Victoria
Reports to: ACET Partnership Manager
Salary: $80,000 to $90,000

Deadline for application: Aug 27, 2025

About the Project

Vancouver Island has a deficit of capacity and electricity and must import a significant amount from mainland BC. This poses a risk of transmission line losses, interruptions and overall electrical resiliency for Vancouver Island, and as the Island’s overall electricity needs increase, clean energy will be required. The existing BC Hydro transmission line along the east side of the Island north of Gold River is known to frequently interrupt the power supply, which hampers the livelihood of North Island communities, their energy security and economic development opportunities.

This research project is relevant given:

The drive towards electrification outlined within the CleanBC plan, along with the current review and future update of CleanBC.
The noted shortfalls in supply given forecasted demand increases within the province (specifically for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland), upcoming possible development of future industries on Vancouver Island and the coast of BC (mining, electrification of industry, hydrogen production and deep-sea port development)
Provincial government commitments to explore and support Indigenous utilities and First Nations partnerships in transmission infrastructure
BC Hydro’s efforts to increase energy security on Vancouver Island
2024 Call for Power from BC Hydro and the recent 2025 Call for Power

About the Role

The Senior Project Manager of the technical and economic electricity transmission study (“the electricity transmission study”) is a project management position within the ACET Strategic Research Areas (SRA) management team. The position will commence with managing this two-year project focused on supporting a consortium of First Nations in B.C, and exploring the technical and economic feasibility of a new transmission line in the north area of Vancouver Island. The goal of the project is to support First Nations in decision-making around the viability and options for this new transmission line that would improve grid stability, increase access to electrical capacity and electricity, and open business and economic opportunities for these Nations.

This position will focus on the electricity transmission study as the primary task and the position will grow over time with responsibilities for other complex projects within the ACET Initiative.

Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities for this position include:

Maintain strong relationships with collaborating First Nation communities – built on trust, transparency and collaboration.
Support and steward a co-creation research process that centres First Nations’ energy priorities, sovereignty goals, governance and decision-making structures into project design and execution.
Manage the collaborative work between the First Nation’s consortium and the ACET Initiative, consultants, utilities, policy experts, government policy makers and researchers.
Work collaboratively and facilitate engagement across the multiple Nations to support inclusive participation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing throughout the project.
Lead and manage all phases of a complex, Indigenous-led energy infrastructure feasibility study, including community engagement, technical modelling and research, economic development research, business case development, and presentation of results.
Ensure timely progress tracking, budgeting, and reporting of all project phases.
Oversee the coordination and execution of technical studies evaluating options for new and expanded transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation potential, supply and demand forecasting.
Support the integration of socio-economic, environmental, and cultural impact considerations into the technical, economic and business case assessments.
Manage and co-ordinate the preparation and presentation of research findings, project briefings to the consortium of First Nations and other technical stakeholders involved in the project. Manage and coordinate findings for technical and policy audiences, including provincial ministries and BC Hydro.
Coordinate policy research on regulatory barriers and evolving energy frameworks and identify opportunities for strategic influence in the evolving BC energy policy.
Represent the project and ACET with integrity throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Ability to travel to communities within the project region as required.
Upholding ACET values related to Equity, Diversion and Inclusion, and safe and healthy workplaces.

Skills and Qualifications

Experience

Minimum 7 years of experience in general project management and minimum 5 years experience in energy and energy transition technologies.
Minimum 5 years experience working with and supporting Indigenous communities’ efforts to decarbonize their community energy systems .
Experience with incorporating Indigenous values, knowledge systems, and self-governance goals into project planning.
Experience working with Indigenous governments or organizations, ideally in a collaborative, and co-development framework.
Demonstrated success managing complex multi-stakeholder engagement projects, and technical feasibility projects.
Have experience and an understanding of BC climate and energy policy, CleanBC goals, BC Hydro Integrated Resource Planning, BC Hydro Call for Powers and electrification strategies
Co-ordination experience in working with a small team of researchers.
Proven ability to manage interdisciplinary research with technical teams in an academic environment and synthesize outputs for variety of stakeholders.
Experience managing projects with business case development, partnership structuring, and project ownership models.
Experience with milestone tracking and having accountability to multiple partners.
Involvement in energy policy advocacy and strategy, First Nations economic development and energy sovereignty projects is a strong asset.
Understanding of energy regulations (BC Utility Act) and the inquiry on Indigenous Utility Regulations.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Strong understanding of project management practices and methodologies, managing and tracking project status.
Indigenous cultural competency and commitment to community-led planning, governance and decision-making.
Awareness of Indigenous rights, governance, and legal frameworks related to energy and infrastructure development.
Understanding of information and data sovereignty including OCAP® principles.
Understanding of feasibility analysis and its placement in the overall lifecycle of project development.
Managing multiple research projects including budgets, timelines, and KPIs
General knowledge of electricity transmission systems, demand and load forecasting, grid resiliency, renewable energy generation and integration.
Background in utility planning and electricity transmission systems is highly desirable.
Ability to identify and analyze policy gaps and support the creation of innovative policy options and pathways.
Familiarity with energy policy development or regulatory reform processes in British Columbia or similar jurisdictions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills tailored to diverse audiences—from technical experts to community members.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to balance long-term planning and short-term deliverables.
Competency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Project, Teams, SharePoint, MS Suite 365).
High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work across cultures, disciplines, and institutions.
Work with other ACET Project Managers to maximize efficiency, share experience and support each other.

Assets or preferences

PMP or equivalent project management certification or experience.
University degree in engineering, social sciences, environmental studies, public policy and/or Indigenous governance, or a related field.
Knowledge of Indigenous utility development, IPP partnerships, and/or transmission ownership models.
Familiarity with BC Hydro’s interconnection and procurement frameworks, including the 2024 Call for Power.
Knowledge of investment decision-making processes used by utilities or governments.
Understanding of policy development processes and how to influence provincial and federal energy strategies.
Experience with place-based and community-initiated infrastructure development.
Understanding of economic analysis methods for assessing infrastructure-driven opportunities.
Familiarity with Vancouver Island’s energy system, infrastructure challenges, and regional economic trends.
Lived experience or demonstrated commitment to Indigenous energy sovereignty, justice, and self-determination.

Working conditions

This is a two-year, full-time position with the opportunity to extend based on project requirements, impact, and funding, or getting involved in other ACET projects.
This is ideally a Victoria-based position at the University of Victoria; a hybrid-remote position is a possibility depending on the candidate.
Travel to participating First Nations communities is expected and will be funded through ACET.
Applicants must be permitted to work in Canada and be available to begin by September 2025.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV to contactacet@uvic.ca with subject line “Senior Project Manager – transmission study” by Aug 27, 2025 at 11:59 AM.

Accessibility and Equity Statements

Information about our accessibility and equity policies can be found below and/or accessed using the navigation menu on the left.

Equity Statement

ACET and the University of Victoria are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

Read UVic's full equity statement at www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement

If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact uviccareers@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Territory Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, the Musqueam people, the fourteen Yukon First Nations, Atikamekw and other Indigenous People on which ACET partner institutions stand, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.