Special Advisor, Indigenous Initiatives

Organizational UnitUniversity of Victoria -> Faculty of LawLocationUniversity of Victoria - Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 CA (Primary)Posting Close Date6 November 2025Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.FTE1.0Salary Grade$91, $118,764.00Additional Posting InformationPlease note that while the university encourages and accepts external applications, a strong pool of internal candidates has been identified for this opportunity.Salary posted will be pro-rated based on FTE and achieved as per the collective agreement, if applicable.ClassificationSG15Employee Group:PEA - Regularof Hires Needed1CategoryOtherAbout this OpportunityUvic Law is one of Canada's leading law schools, known for the strength of our academic program, approach to experiential learning and our commitment to community engagement and social justice. UVic Law has a longstanding commitment to and international reputation in Indigenous law and Indigenous legal education which has culminated in the formation of the Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders joint degree program (JD/JID) and the establishment of the Centre for Indigenous Laws.The salary range for this position is:Recruitment range: $91,290 - $100,665 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.Performance range: $118,764 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.Job SummaryMandate:The Special Advisor, Indigenous Initiatives, provides senior strategic leadership to advance UVic Law's commitment to indigenization by fostering inclusive, culturally grounded environments that promote Indigenous student success and strengthen Indigenous legal education. Through strategic alignment with institutional priorities, meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, and the development of responsive programming and training, the Special Advisor ensures that Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, and leadership are authentically embedded across UVic Law's vision, operations, and relationships.Objectives:Championing a commitment to indigenization within UVic Law's vision and strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with the institutional Indigenous Plan and related strategic frameworks.Cultivating authentic, respectful, and impactful relationships and partnerships with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and communities.Advising UVic Law's leadership, faculty, staff, and students on Indigenous topics, strategies, policies, protocols, and best practices for community engagement and outreach.Collaborating with faculty to develop and deliver field schools in Indigenous communities that advance community-based legal education and provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities for JD/JID students.Designing and overseeing curricular and co-curricular programs that advance success for Indigenous and JD/JID students.Understanding and evaluating national policy trends and grant landscapes in Indigenous legal education and Indigenous student success.Developing, delivering, and managing training initiatives that build competencies, enhance cultural fluency, and strengthen institutional capacity in Indigenous legal education for faculty, staff, and students.Collaborating with UVic Law's Admissions and Recruitment Office to create and implement targeted recruitment and outreach strategies that expand access for Indigenous students and communities.This role requires the ability to travel and to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of community engagement and field programs.Job RequirementsA level of education, training and experience equivalent to a graduate or professional degree, combined with a minimum of seven years of senior-level experience in Indigenous engagement and program development. Familiarity with legal education and legal initiatives would be considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.ExperienceDirect experience and demonstrated expertise in working in partnership with communities, in particular Indigenous communities, with an extensive understanding of Indigenous laws, protocols, knowledge and societies (knowledge/experience specific to Coast Salish laws and protocols an asset).Experience with navigating politically sensitive environments with diplomacy, integrity, and cultural acumen.Exceptional competency in Indigenous cultural acumen to ensure cultural protocols are observed and implemented.Proven experience in project management and budgeting, with a strong track record in delivering project goals on time and producing deliverables of a high quality.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesExcellent problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills, particularly as these relate to student support, Indigenous and racialized contexts.Exceptional relationship-building and intercultural communication skills, including facilitation of dialogue among Elders, knowledge keepers, legal scholars, community leaders, and senior administrators.Strategic foresight to anticipate risks, evaluate reputational impacts, and develop innovative solutions in rapidly changing contexts.Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including direct management of staff.Skilled in setting priorities, coordinating resources, and fostering collaboration to achieve strategic goals in dynamic environments.Territory Acknowledgement: We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.Equity Statement: UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.Read our full equity statement here: Accessibility Statement: If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.What UVic Offers: To learn more click here