Job Title

Forum is an investor, developer, and asset manager operating across Canada for over 28 years. With an enterprise value of assets under management exceeding C$3 billion, Forum invests in real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. The firm focuses on acquiring and growing businesses valued between $100 million and $600 million, with a long-term commitment to partners, communities, and shared prosperity. Forum is actively exploring opportunities to acquire companies in partnership with First Nations, particularly in real estate, infrastructure, and broader asset management. These efforts reflect a belief in trust-based relationships, long-term investment horizons, and meaningful community impact. Forum aims to be a responsible capitalist and a trusted partner, building enduring value at scale. To support this vision, the company is seeking a thoughtful, aligned individual to join the Toronto head office team in the inaugural role of Managing Director of Indigenous Partnerships. This position will lead the strategy, execution, and stewardship of investments and partnerships that promote Indigenous ownership, equity participation, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth. THE ORGANIZATION Forum is a private investment management firm that partners with investors to deliver what it calls Extraordinary Outcomesmeasurable benefits for all interested parties and the communities in which it operates. Founded over 28 years ago, Forum has grown into a Canadawide investor, developer, and asset manager focused on real estate, private equity, and infrastructure, with a strategic emphasis on housing. The firm prides itself on its impact-driven approach, defining the environment and local communities as valuable partners in every project, is a member of the Responsible Investment Association (RIA), and is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). With more than $3 billion in assets under management, Forum is committed to sustainability, responsible investing, and long-term value creation. Its $2.5 billion open-ended Real Estate Income and Impact Fund (REIIF) positions the firm as a leader in Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA). In 2024, Forum completed the acquisition of Alignvest Student Housing REIT, becoming the largest owner and developer of PBSA in the country. Its development pipeline now exceeds $3.5 billion, with projects spanning coast to coast. Forums team brings a wide range of cultural and professional experiences to its work, encouraging innovation, accountability, and long-term thinking. The firm values integrity, trust, and transparency, and believes that extraordinary outcomes are only possible by investing in an extraordinary team. CONSTITUTION Our Core Purpose Is to deliver Extraordinary Outcomes to our stakeholders Our Stakeholder Model Team: Opportunities for advancement, connection to team, values and cultural alignment, meaningful work, and earning competitive total compensation. Investors: Pride of association, exceed expectations, and aligned with values. Environment: Make investments with a positive environmental impact. Customers: Exceed expectations, drive engagement, and create pride of association. Community/Impact: Significant and measurable impact on communities, including positively impacting 50,000+ lives by 2030. Operating Partners: Aligned, engaged, and flexible; grounded in integrity and committed to exceeding expectations. Our Shareholders: Meet our financial returns and goals while living within our values. Our BHAG We will grow our business to an AUM of at least $15 billion by 2030 while positively impacting a minimum of 50,000 lives. Who We Are A dynamic, entrepreneurial team focused on creating value and positive impact. What We Do A Canadawide alternative asset manager, investor, and developer. VALUES High Performance: We are focused with an entrepreneurial mindset. Our growth-minded team delivers. Innovation: We are adaptable and agile. We seize unique opportunities, challenge traditional approaches and foster an environment of innovation and excellence. Integrity: We build trust by communicating honestly and leading with humility. Diversity: Forum is an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Impact: We are committed to sustainability and responsible investing. HOW FORUM DELIVERS EXTRAORDINARY OUTCOMES Innovation: Were adaptable and agile. We seize unique opportunities, challenge traditional approaches and foster and environment of innovation and excellence. Sustainability: Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) is in our DNA. We make investments with positive environmental impact. Social Impact: Were committed to improving our communities in a significant, measurable way with a goal of positively impacting 50,000 lives by 2030. Teamwork: We avoid bureaucracy and hierarchy. Our agile, diverse team works together to create a lasting positive impact for all our stakeholders. CULTURE Celebrate success and learn from mistakes: We value and recognize the efforts and contributions of our team members. Accountable and generous, taking 100% of the responsibility while sharing the credit. We are leaders: We are transparent and lead with humility. We strive for openness and seek drama-free living. Politicians need not apply. The best idea wins: Flat and nimble. We welcome unconventional thinking and creative abrasion. Jam, not marmalade: We say it simply and directly. The future aint what it used to be. : We are committed to lifelong learning and development. We do well by doing good: We are committed to giving back and making a positive impact. Get stuff done: We act efficiently and purposefully. People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing. : We value a positive work environment that encourages collaboration. Success is about achieving our goals and enjoying the journey. Team well-being: We support our teams health and wellness. DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Forum is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to accessible and inclusive employment practices. The firm believes that inclusivity and diversity are essential to building a high-performing team. Currently, 66% of Forums team members identify as women and/or visible minorities. For more information about Forum Asset Management please visit the website: Forumam.com THE LOCATION: TORONTO, ONTARIO Forum is located at Forum House in Brookfield Place, East Podium, 2nd Floor, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The citys name comes from the Mohawk word Tkaronto, meaning where there are trees standing in the water. It sits on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples, and is home to diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Mtis communities. The land is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties with several Mississaugas and Chippewa communities. As Canadas largest city, Toronto has 2.8 million residents and welcomes 40 million visitors annually. It is one of the worlds most multicultural cities, offering a rich arts and culture scene, including the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, and the various Indigenous events that the city hosts. Institutions like the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) and Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT) provide cultural and healthcare support for Indigenous communities, while organizations like Indspire offer scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students. Toronto is also a hub for education, with major universities and colleges offering Indigenous programs and student support. For those seeking nature, the Toronto Islandsheld sacred by the Mississaugas of the Creditoffer green spaces, beaches, and North Americas largest urban car-free community. THE ROLE The Managing Director of Indigenous-Focused Business will be a founding executive and strategic leader for this new business line. The successful candidate will drive the vision, strategy, and partnerships that empower Indigenous communities through ownership, equity participation, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth. This role combines commercial leadership with cultural insight. It requires a deep understanding of Indigenous worldviews alongside strong investment, development, and business-building capabilities. Reporting directly to Tate Abols, Managing Partner, as well as indirectly to the Founder and CEO, Richard Abboud, the Managing Director of Indigenous Partnerships will play a pivotal role in achieving Forums impact ambitions while generating attractive risk-adjusted returns for all interested parties. RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic and Commercial Leadership Design and implement a growth-oriented business strategy aligned with Forums commercial goals and its BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal, pronounced Bee Hag) of improving 50,000 lives. Lead development projects that generate both financial and social returns. Drive platform expansion through innovative structuring, joint ventures, co-investments, and long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities. Partnership and Relationship Development Cultivate trusted, long-term relationships with Indigenous governments, economic development corporations, and community leaders. Develop agreements that reflect shared governance, economic empowerment, and cultural respect. Act as a trusted ambassador for Forum within Indigenous communities and vice versa. Operational and Investment Oversight Collaborates with key stakeholders across investment, development, legal, and Indigenous engagement functions to oversee project development and investment underwriting. Oversee project development and investment underwriting to ensure alignment with community needs, risk-return expectations, and ESG standards. Monitor performance metrics, impact outcomes, and financial results across the business unit. Leadership and Influence Represent the business at industry events, Indigenous economic forums, and investor meetings. Collaborate closely with Forums leadership team to ensure integration, strategic alignment, and knowledge-sharing across business units. THE CANDIDATE The successful candidate for this role will have the following: QUALIFICATIONS Required Experience Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in partnerships, investment management, infrastructure, real estate, private equity, or development. Proven track record of successfully sourcing, structuring, and executing commercial transactions or capital partnerships. Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, economic development corporations, or in cross-cultural engagement roles. Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, governance structures, and socio-economic aspirations across Canada. Deep financial acumen capable of leading underwriting, due diligence, capital structuring, and negotiations. Experience building and scaling a business or platform is a strong asset. Exceptional interpersonal, cross-cultural communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Required Skills and Abilities Forum is looking for someone who thrives in external environments and is comfortable out on the conference circuit, meeting people, building relationships, and representing Forum with authenticity and clarity. The ideal candidate is curious, proactive, and always exploring new opportunities. They will bring a commercial mindset, but also understand that success in the role will also be measured in trust, alignment, and impact. The successful candidate will need to balance emotional intelligence and business acumen, and be comfortable navigating both boardrooms and community gatherings. THE APPLICATION PROCESS Forum is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. It welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the future of the organization. All candidates are welcome to apply. We especially encourage candidates who identify as members of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit) to apply. Candidates from this designated group are invited to identify in their cover letter, including details relevant to their community and lived experience, as part of the application process. Candidates who progress to the later stages of the recruitment process may be asked to provide information to confirm their eligibility under this special program (as per the Ontario Human Rights Code), in a confidential and respectful manner. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in PDF formatto Pathways Executive Searchoutlining yourinterest,qualifications,and experience by August 5th, 2025. Email: , please include Forum in the subject line. For more details or to further explore this impactfulleadership opportunity, please contact: Laurie Sterritt, Managing Partner 1.778.838.4569 Terra MacPhail, Consultant 1.416.712.7407 Pathways Executive Search is an international executive recruitment firm known for its ability to attract and recruit talent in culturally grounded ways. Guided by Indigenous values and principles of Indigenous inclusion, Pathways walks with those looking to broaden candidate pools, find qualified and experienced candidates, and live out their values and commitment to creating workplace cultures where people can thrive. #J-18808-Ljbffr