Program Lead, First Nations STEM Futures Academy

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We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

Indigenous Futures in Engineering at Queen’s University is looking for a motivated educator to join our award-winning outreach team, leading a program to expand our community-driven outreach model to high school aged First Nations youth. Reporting to the Director of Indigenous Futures in Engineering (InEng) out of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, you will join a dynamic environment that encourages and supports Indigenous achievement in STEM fields.

The Program Lead, First Nations STEM Futures Academy is responsible for the development of a new holistic and longitudinal delivery model of outreach programming for First Nations youth. Collaborating with existing elementary-school outreach programming and staff, the Academy model will extend the capacity of InEng’s suite of programs to the high-school audience, effectively forming a supportive and encouraging bridge for Indigenous students between First Nations-based elementary schools and post-secondary programs in STEM disciplines.

Drawing on your teaching experience, you will lead the development and launch of the First Nations STEM Futures Academy on campus, as well as establish relationships with First Nation communities and schools in order to promote the program. In addition, you will lead existing outreach staff and support their teaching roles in First Nation partner schools.

You will continue to use your own teaching skillset to deliver educational workshops working in both the physical locations of partner First Nation schools and through online virtual engagements across the country. You will develop relationships with other Indigenous educational professionals in the community and promote culturally safe familiarity and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math.

You will collaborate to create program curriculum, plan events, and assess program outcomes. The role will also provide learning and volunteer mentorship opportunities to Indigenous Queen’s students, overseeing the work of these students and managing resources as required.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for STEM education and be someone who can leverage their experience and network to support the Faculty of Engineering’s vision, mission and values, while simultaneously supporting our Indigenous outreach goals. They will prioritize elements of equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) across all operations, with the respect and appreciation necessary given the diverse cultural considerations associated with Indigenous culture. In order to address the unique needs and concerns of Indigenous youth, this opportunity is open only to qualified individuals who are able to verify their own Indigenous citizenship in accordance with the university’s Interim Policy on Hiring of Indigenous Specific Positions.

This position involves occasional travel (e.g., day and / or overnight) and requires you to work a variable schedule at times, including evenings and weekends, in order to support program and / or area needs.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develops outreach workshops, presentations, and experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (‘STEM’) specific to Indigenous populations, with a regard for Traditional Knowledges in STEM fields.
• Delivers outreach programming to a wide variety of audiences, primarily, but not limited to, intermediate school children in grades 6-8, and high-school aged youth.
• Liaises with classroom teachers, principals, guidance counselors, and community groups to determine type of outreach support required to complement current and future curricula as well as to meet InEng program objectives.
• Coordinates logistics for the delivery and development of on-campus resident programming.
• Represents InEng as required at Indigenous community events such as career fairs, post-secondary information sessions, and school visits designed to engage students for a future in STEM.
• Collects, compiles, summarizes, and reports relevant information and statistics on outreach activities, with specific reporting duties associated with the First Nations STEM Futures Academy.
• In collaboration with the Director, prepares funding reports to major donors on the progress and development of the First Nations STEM Futures Academy.
• Contributes to the fundraising objectives of the InEng unit, particularly as it involved the First Nations STEM Futures Academy and outreach programming more broadly.
• Researches and creates new material for marketing and communications related to Indigenous outreach in STEM and the First Nations STEM Futures Academy.
• Supports the talent framework process by hiring and supervising staff and volunteers, in collaboration with the Director.
• Provides guidance and day-to-day direction of the unit personnel, in collaboration with the Director.
• Advises the Director on general direction and policy needs for the overall K-12 outreach program, with special focus on the FN STEM Futures Academy.
• Undertakes other duties as required in support of program functions and priorities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• University degree in Education required, with a preference for undergraduate studies in Engineering, Sciences, or related area. Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Indigenous citizenship (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) with demonstrated community involvement and strong knowledge of First Nation cultures, communities, customs, practices, and communication styles required. Applicants are required to provide information to verify their Indigenous identity and will be expected to elaborate on the written information if invited to an interview.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check (‘CPIC’) and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
• Valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s licence required.
• Knowledge of the engineering profession and course of study, admission requirements, and general structure and function of universities preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Haudenosaunee and/or Anishinaabe languages considered an asset.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Able to work independently to organize, plan, and self-initiate both long-term and short-term goals.
• Able to analyze data to provide statistical reports and updates on outreach activities.
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively within a small group setting.
• Able to work with Indigenous youth from intermediate school aged through university.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular, the ability to empathize and communicate effectively with Indigenous clients and the Queen’s University community.
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail, time management, and the ability to set and balance evolving priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public presentation skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills combined with an ability to develop and proactively use networks to build rapport to seek or provide help.
• Computer and office skills, including web-based technology and ability to adapt to emerging technology.
• Experience with online teaching and learning considered an asset.
• Professional and respectful of client confidentiality.

DECISION MAKING:
• Identifies actions required to achieve project completion.
• Researches, identifies and recommends effective outreach practices and programs, in collaboration with Director and community partners.
• Makes decisions regarding the development, format, and content of communication tools, workshops, and presentations.
• Determines logistics for special events and on-campus programming.
• Establishes day-to-day work plan and travel schedule within budget allocations.
• Decides when to refer a matter to the Director, ensuring appropriate background information is provided.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs.