Indigenous Initiatives Operations Supervisor

The Role

Working under the direction of the Director, Student Affairs & Services and guidance of the Director, Indigenous Academic Initiatives, the Indigenous Initiatives Operations Supervisor will provide administrative, operational and supervisory functions for Student Affairs & Services and Indigenous Academic Initiatives including coordinating initiatives, projects and programs that support the Indigenization priorities at the College. This role will work collaboratively with a wide range of College community members, including: Administrators, faculty members, community members, student services staff, Elders and students. Responsibilities 1.Develops and coordinates activities, programs, initiatives and academic support services for current and prospective Indigenous students. a. Conducts ongoing needs assessments to identify the needs of Indigenous learners at Douglas College to inform programming decisions;b. identifies programs and services to meet specific educational and vocational needs of Indigenous students;c. collaborates on College-wide orientation planning activities; develops orientation materials and delivers a variety of orientation information to individuals and/or groups;d. supports, develops, coordinates and evaluates on-campus programs and activities for Indigenous students in collaboration with various college departments;e. plans, develops and conducts workshops on academic success topics for Indigenous students;f. coordinates Indigenous student graduation celebrations;g. oversees appropriate use of the Indigenous Gathering Place, including making recommendations for booking decisions, maintaining an up-to-date schedule, and ensuring protocols are communicated and followed;h. coordinates the development, revision and production of educational materials for Indigenous Student Services;i. provides information to student service and academic departments on best practices for meeting the needs of Indigenous students;j. provides outreach services to Indigenous organizations, programs and institutions such as career fairs and presentations on Douglas College programs and courses;k. works closely with the Future Students’ Office, Enrolment Services and First Nations Bands to facilitate access to College programs for First Nations students;l. oversees coordination of cultural events and related activities (e.g., medicine gathering field trip, community kitchen events, etc.);m. works closely with Enrolment Services to maintain an up-to-date record of self-identified Indigenous Students and other relevant student records, such as confidential advising notes;n. manages student assistant budget, programming budget for Elders and special projects; monitors expenditures and resolves budgetary discrepancies.

2. Supervises the daily operation of positions under their responsibility. a. applies the BCGEU collective agreement to daily decision-making within established standards;b. hires, trains and evaluates staff including providing orientation and ensuring appropriate professional development;c. provides input into staff job descriptions;d. coordinates and approves staff work schedules, vacations, absences and time sheets;e. supervises and trains practicum students, work study students, student assistants and auxiliaries;f. ensures adequate coverage for areas within responsibility, within existing budget parameters.

3. Oversees the day to day coordination of the Elders in Residence program at the College. a. supports the hiring, scheduling and guidance of Douglas College ‘Elders in Residence’, including ensuring the Elders’ honorariums are processed in a timely manner;b. advises staff and faculty on cultural protocols for working with Elders and Indigenous community members;c. accompanies Elders to College events;d. liaises between College contacts and Elders to confirm details for event participation and classroom visits;e. purchases or procures supplies for Elders’ use (traditional medicines, workshop supplies, cultural items and gifts).

4. Represents the College on committees and initiatives related to Indigenization and Indigenous academic initiatives. a. identifies and communicates with College and community resources and services and shares these with the network of staff who support Indigenous students;b. acts as a College representative for Indigenous groups and initiatives for the College serving area;c. acts as the designated College representative on provincial committees;d. communicates with, initiates and maintains contact with appropriate community groups, professional organizations, government agencies, Indigenous organizations, and First Nation Band Educational Offices;e. participates in committees and meetings with external partners, such as host First Nations, provincial working groups, or the national community of practice for Indigenous student services;f. works closely with and provides support to the Indigenous Advisory Committee.

5. Performs other related duties as assigned. a. participates in departmental and college-wide committees, working groups, meetings and programs to support Student Affairs & Services priorities and College initiatives;b. performs the duties of subordinate positions for which they are qualified.

To Be Successful in this Role You Will Need A minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Child and Youth Care, Social Work) from a recognized post-secondary institution. Three years progressive related experience in a post-secondary (or similar) environment including one year of supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience may be considered. Indigenous ancestry preferred or extensive cultural awareness and understanding of ways of knowing and being, and experience working with Indigenous organizations and communities. Demonstrated supervisory skills, including organizational planning, scheduling, motivation, and adaptability to an ever-changing environment, along with experience in recruitment, hiring, training, coaching, and direct instruction. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external partners (e.g., Elders, education coordinators with Band offices). Thorough understanding of Indigenous history, culture, issues, values, and belief systems. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Indigenous peoples and communities, supporting Indigenous learners and communities. Knowledge of Indigenous student educational barriers/issues and available resources (e.g., band funding), as well as concerns related to study, work, and well-being. Good working knowledge of educational objectives and operations within the Student Affairs field, as well as student development theory. Knowledge of the BC post-secondary education system, including admission requirements, programs, graduation, partnerships, and articulated agreements. Knowledge of the post-secondary student lifecycle and service needs. Working knowledge of Douglas College academic policy and non-academic student-related policies or related experience from another post-secondary institution. Proven administrative, and organizational abilities, including excellent project management skills. Demonstrated competency in developing and implementing operating procedures and documentation. Capability to work independently with minimal supervision, establish and meet deadlines. Aptitude for working with people in stressful situations and managing conflict proactively, empathetically, and assertively. Demonstrated ability to:Coordinate events with multiple stakeholders in-person and online.Coordinate communications to large groups in a user-friendly manner.Interact effectively and tactfully with Indigenous peoples from diverse backgrounds and cultures (e.g., Urban Indigenous folks and diverse Nations).Gather, organize, and report on feedback from events and programs.Communicate persuasively, diplomatically, and tactfully verbally and in writing.Collaborate and seek help when faced with complex or challenging situations.Critically analyze, reason, problem-solve, and exercise sound judgment.Ensure accuracy of information.Maintain a high degree of confidentiality.Utilize time management skills to prioritize tasks for self and groups.Effectively lead and support project-based work using planning tools.Exercise initiative within a team and promote a positive work environment.Function effectively in an environment where professionalism, confidentiality, and sensitivity are of primary importance.Compose correspondence and reports and maintain records.Apply and work within relevant policies and procedures.Demonstrate good working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures with a proven ability to coordinate information.Use MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint at an advanced level.Keyboard accurately at 50 wpmExcellent English language skills, both oral and written.Criminal Record Check required as a condition of employment, in accordance with the Criminal Record Check Act.Will be required to obtain and maintain FOODSAFE Certification while performing in this role.Working knowledge of database management systems such as Banner would be an asset.

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