Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator

**Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator**:
**Primary Purpose**:The Indigenous Initiative coordinators play a crucial role in creating an inclusive educational environment that respects and promotes Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. The Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator works closely with Indigenous students, faculty, and community members to ensure that the students’ unique needs and aspirations are met throughout their graduate studies.

**Nature of Work**: Under the direction of the Executive Office, College of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, the Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator is responsible for developing and supporting new and existing initiatives that advance strategic priorities to enhance Indigenous graduate student success. In addition, the coordinator works collaboratively with various units and student organizations across campus to develop and implement activities to support Indigenous graduate students and encourage community building between Indigenous graduate students and the university. This role works in a team environment contributing to developing a culture of belonging, connection, and community for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) graduate students at USask.

**Program coordination and project management**: Coordinate the planning, delivery, and evaluation of key CGPS initiatives that include:

- On-going events and workshops to further enhance Indigenous Graduate student’s support, learning, development, and sense of community.
- Contributes to the ongoing tracking and evaluation of CGPS programs and services for Indigenous Graduate Students and documents results.
- Seek student input on current and proposed initiatives, both by liaising with existing student groups and by arranging specific-purpose focus groups as needed.

**Community outreach**
- Work with CGPS Communications Team in the creation of web communications and marketing materials to inform, guide, and support prospective and current Indigenous graduate student programming.
- Coordinate with campus partners to ensure CGPS programs and services are communicated through their channels and networks.
- Foster a sense of community through:

- Creating accessible networking opportunities for Indigenous graduate students.
- Organizing regular social events for Indigenous graduate students.
- Work with various campus partners to develop and inform existing workshops and seminars to support Indigenous graduate student success.
- Promotion of the Cousins peer-to-peer digital network and spotlight on student success initiatives and expansion of these initiatives across the academy.

**Special projects and initiatives**
- Provide input and support towards new initiatives and pilot programs related to Indigenous graduate student success. This may involve committee work and leading focus groups.
- Work collaboratively with the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement on the Oyateki Partnership, and other related units on special projects as needed.
- Engage with Indigenous graduate students and various stakeholders to co-create and develop initiatives and implementation plans that contribute to student success that include networking, mentorship and skill building opportunities.

**Accountabilities**
- As the point of first contact for Indigenous graduate students, the work requires innovative thinking, excellent judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive situations with a strong commitment to creating exceptional experiences for Indigenous graduate students.
- Relationship building throughout the graduate community at USask is central to the role. Representing the College of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies among various levels of authority both within and external to the academy is common.
- Experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering programs, workshops and events. Experience in providing educational information and advising students. Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous and effective manner. Experience working in a collaborative, team environment; developing positive relationships with students, staff, and faculty.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous students and/or communities. Knowledge of Indigenous culture, worldviews and lived experiences combined with a strong commitment to advancing the educational aspirations of Indigenous peoples. Familiarity with Saskatchewan and Canadian Indigenous communities is essential.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt and to work effectively in a multi-tasked environment. Strong project management skills. Proven ability to think creatively and innovate solutions to organizational challenges. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively, take initiative, and meet deadlines.

**Qualifications**: A graduate degree in humanities and/or social sciences and the ability to speak an Indigenous language are considered assets. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

**Experience**: Three to