Indigenous Projects Advisor

BCITs **Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships** (IIP) department is seeking a **regular, full-time (1.0**FTE**) Indigenous Projects Advisor**. This position works with the Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships (IPP) team, with a focus on supporting the implementation and evaluation of special projects. Responsibilities include advising Indigenous students, staff, faculty and visitors on various Indigenous programs and services for the Institute. The role works closely with team members of the IIP on priorities gathered from collaborations with various partners, post secondary institutions, Elders, other Indigenous groups, and from internal and external funding support for curriculum development, program, and project initiatives for Indigenous prioritization work. As the Projects Advisor, works with the various schools within the Institute to plan, implement, integrate and promote IIP activities and initiatives as part of the ongoing truth and reconciliation efforts to bring about Indigenization throughout the school to all staff, faculty, and students.

**Duties & Responsibilities**

**DUTIES**AND

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Based on the IIP vision, mandate and goals, works with the team to identify, implement and evaluate Indigenous programs, projects, and initiatives, regularly throughout the year to promote and contribute to the ongoing advancement of culturally relevant programs and the Institutes commitment to Indigenization and Truth and Reconciliation.
- Works with Faculty, consultants, Indigenous Advisors and Associate Director on developing and integrating Indigenous programs, projects and services into Institute programs, course planning and curriculum development. Develops an implementation plan and conducts evaluation of these programs and services.
- Promotes available resources to students, faculty, and staff to support the ongoing truth and reconciliation efforts throughout the Institute.
- Works closely with the Associate Director / Executive Director to develop collaborative partnerships with other Indigenous groups, internal and external funding supporters and colleges.
- Works with the Associate Director to support curriculum development and/or training around understanding Indigenous cultures and practices.
- Works with local community support services to build a network of support services, resources, and referrals to support student transitions and success.
- Collaborates with the team to develop communication plans to support the transition and retention of students, while supporting to help promote department and Institute commitment to Indigenous education.
- Works with the Administrative Assistant to monitor, track, and report on expenditures related to special projects and initiatives and participation at IIP sponsored special events. Assists with the compilation of funding related reports.
- Annually assesses department needs and prepares submissions regarding facilities and equipment needs specific to special funded projects and initiatives to the Associate Director.
- Participates with applicable working committees in the planning and implementing events with various guest speakers.
- Supports the team and works closely with the Indigenous Advisors on a variety of projects and programs to support the students, faculty, Elders and staff of the Institute.
- Provides advocacy, advising, and referrals to support students, leveraging Indigenous leading practices in finding healing through reconnecting to self, the land, family, ceremony, culture, and relationships.
- Participates in Records Custodian training and remains current with record keeping practices, policies and procedures (both BCIT and FOIPOP).

**Qualifications**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education**:

- Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education, training and experience.

**Experience**:

- 4 years of experience working with Indigenous peoples and groups or lived experiences of cultural transformation or change and working with community groups.
- Demonstrable experience with healthy, positive, and sustainable relationships and interactions with communities and/or Elders.
- Demonstrated experience in developing, managing, and reporting on projects of various complexities and budgets.

**Software/Computer Application(s) and Expertise**:

- Intermediate knowledge and experience of MS Software - Word, Excel, Powerpoint

**Communication/Interpersonal Skills**:

- Must have the ability to treat all individuals in a respectful, dignified and equitable manner. Always lead with kindness, gentleness, curiosity, an open heart and mind to create, maintain and enhance balance while respecting boundaries.
- Demonstrated compassion, sensitivity, and an ability to communicate with empathy and understanding with those who have experienced or experiencing trauma and/or who are struggling and referring them to services and resources that are available. Is also able to recognize same within themselves and to act and respond appropri