Special Projects Officer, Indigenous Initiatives

**Date Posted**:09/27/2024
**Req ID**: 39872
**Faculty/Division**: UofT Mississauga
**Department**: UTM:Ofc of the Vice President & Principal
**Campus**: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)

**Description**:
Reporting to the Director, UTM Indigenous Initiatives, the Special Projects Officer, Indigenous Initiatives, is responsible for advising and recommending solutions, implementing project plans, identifying, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the University’s strategic vision coming out of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee report.

The Special Projects Officer provides direct support to the Director, UTM Indigenous Initiatives, as well as supporting the Office of the Vice-President and Principal and other UTM academic, administrative and support units through project management; initiating and undertaking research on a wide variety of issues and topics; consulting and interacting with faculty, staff and students; providing advice to UTM units; following up on decisions, implementing and tracking the development and/or enhancements of Indigenous initiatives, programs and supports.

The incumbent will provide a high level of executive and confidential administrative support to the Director, UTM Indigenous Initiatives, as well as answer and direct incoming inquiries. The incumbent will also take the initiative to help ensure that deadlines and schedules are met; participate in the coordination of any correspondence; and organize meetings.

The incumbent works in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness, and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The role of the Special Projects Officer will continue to evolve, and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

**Qualifications Required**:
**Education**:
University degree required, professional or post graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

**Experience**:
Minimum six (6) years’ of project management (leading, organizing and tracking the outcomes of complex and multi-stakeholder projects) and senior executive assistant experience required, preferably within a post-secondary or government environment, and a minimum four (4) years’ related experience working within Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) communities/agencies in a project management, human resources /community development role.

Experience in a post-secondary setting in progressively senior positions with extensive experience and knowledge of post-secondary policies and procedures, organizational structure, including governance, is preferred.

Knowledge of media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy and excellent understanding of a post-secondary institution’s mission and intersection with the broader community is an asset.

**Skills**:
Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations). Internet, Acrobat, scheduling software and familiarity with Microsoft Sharepoint an asset.

**Other**:
Highly developed oral and written communication, research, analytical, relationship management and organizational skills. Demonstrated collaborative approach to problem solving. Demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the University as well as externally, including students, staff, faculty and community partners. High degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities Must embrace diversity and inclusion as an integral component of a quality university experience. Ability to produce detailed and comprehensive reports from a large volume of complex information.

Strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. Demonstrated relationships with services agencies within Indigenous communities and/or urban centers and governments. Competence in an Indigenous language a definite asset.

**Closing Date**:10/07/2024,11:59PM ET
**Employee Group**: Salaried
**Appointment Type**: Budget - Continuing
**Schedule**: Full-Time
**Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone**:PM 3 - Hiring Zone: $91,937 - $107,259 - Broadband Salary Range: $91,937 - $153,227
**Job Category**: Administrative / Managerial