Executive Assistant to The Indigenous Education Lead

Indigenous Education Department
PASS Grade 3 $66,708 to $75,082 (under review)
A bout the Board
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to learning, equity, engagement and innovation. We are guided by our vision, Growing Together, the mission that every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential and build their own future, and our values of Compassion, Dignity, Trust, and Joy to guide our daily work and ensure that we honour the unique identities and needs of all. Proudly serving a community of approximately 50,000 students in the City of Hamilton and surrounding area, HWDSB operates across 80 elementary schools, 13 secondary schools and 1 Adult Learning Centre, in addition to providing support and service to approximately 8,800 staff members. As a key member of the Indigenous Education Kawátsire, Zaagi’idiiwin, Family, the Executive Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the administration and coordination of Indigenous Education strategic initiatives, policies, programs, and resources across the HWDSB.
Staff Wellness
At HWDSB, staff wellness is a priority. We are committed to co-creating and fostering an environment where staff feel safe, valued, and supported. We are continuously striving to support the needs of our diverse community and actively work to foster and maintain a culture of human rights.
Our holistic Staff Wellness program has been designed to support employee’s well-being in all dimensions of health. As one part of this comprehensive program, all staff as well as their dependents have access to free and confidential supports through our Employee and Family Assistance Provider (EFAP), in addition to many other program components.
About the Role
Reporting to the Indigenous Lead, the Executive Assistant will perform administrative tasks to support the Indigenous Education Lead, the Indigenous Education Circle (IEC), the broader Indigenous Education Kahwátsire, Zaagi’idiwin, Family, and overall operations of the Indigenous Education department. This position promotes a strong office environment to guide our growing programs and services while being responsive to the unique needs and complex realities of Indigenous students, families, staff, Treaty Partners, and community members in navigating the current education system
**Duties include but are not limited to**:
Receive and respond to inquiries and concerns, both verbal and written, from employees, community members, parent/guardian/caregivers on behalf of the Indigenous Education Lead.
Research and compile required information for meetings, reports, inquiries, agendas and presentations on behalf of the Indigenous Lead.
Maintain and administer the professional calendar of the Indigenous Lead.
Support the organization and coordination of meetings, activities, and events related to the Indigenous Lead’s portfolio of responsibilities.
Scheduling of Indigenous Education Kahwátsire, Zaagai’idiwin, Family Fire meetings, room bookings, agenda/calendaring, catering, minute taking and respond to inquiries.
Manage bookings for Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Elders, Aunties, and Guest Speakers or Presenters.
Coordinating of Socials, Information Nights, Community Events (evenings).
Support the coordination, implementation and evaluation of the Indigenous Education Circle Strategic Action Plan (IECSAP) and the Board Action Plan on Indigenous Education (BAP)
Maintain confidential files and records, including budget tracking and reports.
Distributes memos, news/newsletters, and other correspondence (internally and/or externally).
Respond to inquiries on behalf of constituents.
Respond to inquiries, prepare reports, process contracts as requested, budget - tracking and spending, student reports - data and program (Indigenous Education), Online reporting and school year calendar

**Qualifications**:
College diploma/certificate in Office Administration or related field of study.
Minimum five years of relevant experience in an administrative support role - experience in an Indigenous organization and/or relative work experience is an asset.
Indigenous to Turtle Island (North America) and/or First Nations, Metis or Inuit is an asset.
Indigenous lived experience related to Indigenous Educational Wellness is an asset.
**Additional Qualifications**:
Comprehensive knowledge of Ministry of Education, Board policies and procedures, and the complex and reciprocal connections among different elements of the organization.
Knowledge of the Indigenous Education Policy, the Indigenous Education Circle Strategic Action Plan (IECSAP), and the Board Action Plan on Indigenous Education (BAP).
Competent and compassionate leader and learner with a thorough understanding of intergenerational trauma/intergenerational wellness and the unique circumstances and complex realities of Indigenous learners and families in education systems.
Demonstrated management, planning, organizational, analytical,