Director, Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre

**Director, Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre**:
The Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre is dedicated to supporting the personal, social, cultural, and academic success of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students.

**Primary Purpose**: This position will be a key member of the Teaching, Learning and Student Experience (TLSE) leadership team, ensuring that services and initiatives involving students consider the unique and diverse circumstances of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). This role provides leadership in the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre (the Centre) whose key functions are to: (a) provide an inclusive gathering space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike, (b) partner with stakeholders to provide a holistic model of support for Indigenous students and a continuity of care throughout their time at Usask, (c) facilitate opportunities for Indigenous students to be connected to the diversity of Indigenous cultures, and (d) act as an advocate and source of expertise at the university for Indigenous student support, service needs and success.

**Nature of Work**: Reporting to the Vice-Provost, Students and Learning, the Director is a key member of this unit’s leadership team and is responsible for developing and implementing an Indigenous student success strategy that aligns with USask’s strategic plan, strategic enrolment management initiatives and the Vice-Provost: Students and Learning focus on student success initiatives that support academic progression and lead to graduation. The position requires a deep commitment to and understanding of Indigenization, and transformative decolonization leading to reconciliation which are prized aspirations of the University of Saskatchewan.

The position requires close and effective communication, collaboration, and diplomacy with stakeholders across campus that includes: Deans, Associate/Assistant Deans; college advisors; Indigenous support programs and service areas; the University Learning Centre; directors and senior directors within the TLSE as well as other service unit directors/managers; the executive leadership of USSU and GSA, the Indigenous Student Council, and other Indigenous student groups. The position also requires collaboration and diplomacy with external stakeholders that may include: government organizations; community service providers; First Nations and Métis organizations; school and band counselors; provincial postsecondary institutions; Inuit Collectives, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, and importantly the Office of the Vice-Provost: Indigenous Engagement.

The work requires meaningful and sustained collaboration with internal and external stakeholders as a part of program and service development, delivery, and evaluation. It also requires significant knowledge of the concerns of First Nations, Métis and Inuit postsecondary students, understanding of the diversity of Indigenous cultures and Indigenous worldviews, and a willingness to engage meaningfully with students and other stakeholders with unique cultural perspectives.

**Accountabilities**:
**_Strategic/Unit Level Planning_**
- Develop, implement, and annually review a unit plan ensuring that the Centre is aligned with the strategic directions of the University, the TLSE, and importantly ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan: The University’s Indigenous Strategy
- Provide advice and direction to the TLSE senior leadership team and the directors of the TLSE operational units to ensure the unique and diverse needs of Indigenous students are addressed
- Collaborate with the colleges/schools and other student support units at the university to improve ways in which they address the unique and diverse needs of Indigenous students.

**_Team Leadership_**
- Facilitate the creation of a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus for Indigenous students, ensuring that the Centre and staff foster a sense of community and belonging within the larger campus environment;
- Partner and coordinate activities with colleges, First Nations/Métis/Inuit communities, student organizations, and internal/external programs and services to provide a holistic model of support for Indigenous students, and a continuity of care throughout their time at the university
- Facilitate effective communication, coordination and collaboration at USask to support Indigenous students through the programs and services they delivery
- Provide opportunities for Indigenous student leaders and students to connect through culture, ceremony and tradition
- Provide opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to interact and connect.

**_People leadership_**
- Recruit, supervise, and manage the performance of the Centre staff and student employees;
- Ensure that the TLSE’s and the Centre’s mission, values, goals, and priorities are communicated to all direct reports; and that these values are demonstrated in all activities and actions
- Set and c