Director of Indigenous University Communications

Responsibilities Etalew̓txʷ | ÁTOL,ÁUTW̱ – Office of the Vice‑President Indigenous (OVPI) provides leadership and direction that furthers UVic's commitment to the strategic priority ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL (respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things), in UVic’s Strategic Plan, and the Indigenous Plan. The OVPI is responsible for: the development of a strategy that integrates Indigenous cultures, histories, beliefs and ways of being and knowing across all aspects of the university’s mission; supporting the work of the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) including student supports and community connections working closely with the office of Equity and Human Rights on a coordinated approach to systemic issues. The OVPI will seek guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, colleagues and community leaders to achieve this visionary direction, as well as taking direction from key international, national and provincial recommendations, such as UNDRIP, the TRC Calls to Action and DRIPA Action Plan. Our work is guided by our vision and values: Rooted in the teaching of ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL | showing respect for the rights of one another and all living things, and honouring the laws and protocols of the traditional territories, the Office of the Vice‑President Indigenous leads the university’s Indigenous initiatives and priorities. For more information about the OVPI, please visit: www.uvic.ca/ovpi. Mandate/Core Purpose Of The Role The Director of Indigenous University Communications provides strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and stewardship of Indigenous communications across the university. This role ensures that institutional messaging is culturally grounded, strength‑based, and informed by Indigenous voices, perspectives and priorities. Working collaboratively across OVPI, IACE and UCAM, the Director guides the creation and sharing of timely, thoughtful, and community‑centred communications that advance UVic’s Indigenous strategic priorities and elevate Indigenous research, programming, and leadership at local, national and international levels. The position holds a key leadership responsibility in communicating and reporting on the implementation of the Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to Move Each Other Forward Indigenous Plan (IP), ensuring storytelling, updates, and institutional communications honour the teachings and commitments embedded within the plan. Central to this role is an intimate understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and the ability to hold space for respectful relationship‑building, cultural safety, protocol adherence and nuanced communication on the impacts of colonization, decolonization, sovereignty, land relations and Indigenous–settler dynamics. The position also supports OVPI and IACE programs, initiatives, and events—including those held during evenings and weekends—and demonstrates flexibility in serving Indigenous students, staff, faculty, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners. Objective This position will lead the strategic Indigenous communications and marketing plan that will position UVic as a leader in Indigenous reconciliation initiatives both nationally and internationally. Under the direction of the Vice‑President Indigenous and a strong relationship with the Associate Vice‑President of University Communications and Marketing (UCAM), this role covers a broad set of leadership responsibilities requiring Indigenous specific expertise in student, staff and faculty communication, issues management and communication and marketing strategic planning and implementation. This role will lead Indigenous communities of practice across UCAM and the university to ensure Indigenous communication strategies are cohesive across various platforms. As a leader within the OVPI, IACE and UCAM, the Director will develop with their team Indigenous communication practices that are data‑driven and strategically focused. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) in communications, advertising, marketing, public relations, journalism or relevant discipline or an equivalent level of education training and experience. Minimum of 5 to 10 years of digital media communications and marketing experience including: Monitoring and responding to emergencies and reputational issues with social media Developing and implementing institutional digital media strategies differentiated by audience with measurable outcomes Developing and implementing institutional digital media campaigns to manage reputational issues Tracking the success of digital media campaigns by measuring social media KPIs, Google Analytics, etc. Direct or indirect supervising of employees to set and achieve goals as determined by department and institutional priorities Developing strong working relationships and partnerships, and working collaboratively at all levels and areas within an organization, including at the executive level on confidential or public issues Platform management across the digital ecosystem including social media, email platforms, media monitoring, digital asset management, websites, e.g. Knowledge Requirements Include Strategic use of digital media platforms, (Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Mailchimp, etc.) and online social media advertising platforms (e.g. Facebook Ads Manager, Google Ads and LinkedIn Ads Manager), understanding of the demographics, behavior and conventions of their respective participants, and how each platform can be optimally deployed in different scenarios to achieve an organization’s goals and objectives. Understanding of related legislation and risks Experience using social media as part of organizational strategy Social media marketing campaign management optimization practices across Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media applications for large, decentralized institutions Website best practices including user‑experience, API integrations, analytics Experience in writing and editing a variety of mediums Experience developing and managing the content of websites, including the use of content management systems Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating communications plans and materials Cultural Competency Knowledge Requirements Deep understanding of strength‑based and trauma‑informed communication practices when working with Indigenous communities, students, staff and partners. Colonization and the myriad of issues that arise from colonization i.e. racism, mental health, addiction Local Indigenous communities’ history and social circumstances Indigenous issues, particularly as they relate to post‑secondary education and local Indigenous communities Understanding of appropriate protocol with Indigenous communities and organizations, particularly Coast Salish protocols. Understanding of how systemic inequities show up in institutional communication practices, and how to mitigate harm through inclusive, culturally informed approaches. Skill Requirements Ability to work cross‑culturally, in particular across the range of urban and First Nations communities Ability to work effectively and respectfully with Indigenous students, Elders and community members Ability to work effectively with a variety of people in a complex decentralized environment Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, make decisions independently, be self‑motivated, and consistently meet deadlines Proven superior ability in written and oral communications, including demonstrated expertise in research, writing, and editing a range of materials Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, multi‑task and prioritize Ability to adapt writing style to a variety of purposes and audiences Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and all levels of university personnel and community stakeholders Strong computer skills and excellent knowledge of MS Office Programs is a requirement including experience with desktop publishing software Assets Experience with graphic design in the creation and design of print and multimedia materials Experience working with UVic systems, processes, governance structures, and academic communication frameworks Strong, trusted relationships with Indigenous communities, local Nations, on‑campus Indigenous partners, students, Elders and colleagues. #J-18808-Ljbffr