Indigenous and Cultural Advisor Ontario Tech University Apr 15 Oshawa, Ontario

Faculty/Department: Office of the Deputy Provost

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week 

Salary Range:  Level 10 - Starting Salary, Step 1 $81,033

Posting Date:  April 15, 2024

Closing Date: April 29, 2024

Job Summary: Reporting to the Director, Indigenous and Cultural Relations, The Indigenous and Cultural Advisor leads in the provision of holistic, culturally appropriate, and culturally sensitive support to the Ontario Tech community (Students, Staff and Faculty) as they seek opportunities to find healing through reconnecting to self, the land, family, ceremony, culture, and relationships and provides referrals to campus and external services to support student transition, retention, and success. The Indigenous and Cultural Advisor is also responsible for the identification and coordination of culturally based programming and ceremonies for the university community.

Responsibilities/accountabilities: 

1. Indigenous Programming, Events and Ceremonies

• Leads in the process of identifying and implementing Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) programming, events, and ceremonies to hold regularly throughout the year to promote the health and well-being of Ontario Tech community (students, faculty, and staff) with prioritized focus to contributing to the advancement of culturally relevant programs and commitments.
• Identifies and connects with Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) Community-based Elders and Knowledge Keepers to conduct ceremonies and facilitate programming for the Ontario Tech community.

2. Leadership and Administration

• In collaboration with the Director of Indigenous and Cultural Relations, participates as an active member on institutional committees (e.g., IEAC, IRC, and other committees) that support the strategic involvement of Indigenous peoples in institutional decision-making and university reconciliation efforts. Leads and supports in the selection and ongoing supervision of student employees and volunteers.
• Leads in the selection and ongoing supervision of student employees and volunteers including goal setting and reflection.

3. Cultural Advising and Support

• Provides advocacy, advising, and referrals to support students leveraging Indigenous best practices to find healing through reconnecting to self, the land, family, ceremony, culture, and relationships. This will include coordinating appointments and paperwork related to counselling and support.
• Works in partnership with the university and local community support services to build a network of support services, resources, and referral to traditional Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) counselling and services to support student transitions and success.
• Collaborates with the Student Life communications team to develop a communications plan to support the transition and retention of students, while supporting to help build community and connect them to available cultural programming and resources.
• Supports identified university and community partners with the provision of cultural advising as requested.
• Coordinates the provision of access cards to student for culturally respected spaces on campus.

Required Skills: 

• Problem Solving
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills including collaboration and conflict management to partner with internal and external stakeholders and staff at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the Google Suite of business tools
• Presentation and program delivery

Required Education:

• Completion of a college or university program of four academic years
• Preference will be given to candidates with successful completion of a Native Counselling Training Program or an undergraduate degree in social work or counselling
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

* Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience: 

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in student advising (or counselling), program development and delivery with a focus on working directly with Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) learners or community
• Experience leading, planning, and facilitating cultural programming, events, and ceremony.
• Global cultural competency and understanding (understanding of diverse perspectives and practices), knowledge of Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) peoples, nuances, cultural perspectives, world views and community contexts.
• Work experience in a university setting is considered an asset

Skills:

• Problem Solving
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills including collaboration and conflict management to partner with internal and external stakeholders and staff at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the Google Suite of business tools
• Presentation and program delivery

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until April 29, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the university and the OPSEU. To the extent that policies are not included in the collective agreement, employment will also be governed by the university’s policies which may also be found on our website  and which may be amended from time-to-time.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous Peoples in Canada will be given priority. 

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day , Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Don't forget to mention you found this opportunity via Academica Careers.