Employment Opportunity: Indigenous Support and Outreach Coordinator (One Year Contract (renewable) full-time, subject to a probationary period)
Established in 1789, the University of King’s College is Canada’s oldest chartered university and is associated with Dalhousie University. A small and extraordinarily lively academic community located in Halifax (Kjipuktuk), Nova Scotia, King’s is known nationally and internationally for its highly acclaimed interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, including its renowned Foundation Year Program, its professional programs in journalism and its fine arts programs in creative writing. King’s is a community where students, faculty, alumni, and staff work to bring greater understanding, creativity, and compassion to the world.
Under the direct supervision of the Equity Officer with support from the Dean of Students and in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office, the Indigenous Support and Outreach Coordinator serves as a liaison between Indigenous students, Mi’kmaq communities and the University to help support Indigenous students’ social and academic success at King’s. They will also work closely with the collaborative Auntie-in-Residence position with MSVU and join King’s Indigenous Advisory Circle.
SPECIFIC DUTIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES
Indigenous Student Programming and Support
The Indigenous Support and Outreach Coordinator provides opportunities for Indigenous students to build relationships, participate in meaningful programming, access support and learn valuable skills outside of the classroom:
- Host activities that celebrate Mi’kmaw identity, history and culture, including the Seven Sacred Teachings and Two-Eyed Seeing
- Help establish, coordinate and maintain an Indigenous space on campus
- Foster ways to enhance Indigenous student engagement, as well as intercultural engagement among Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty and staff
- Recognize the importance of sharing information within the institution, and beyond, to inform current and prospective Indigenous students of the array of services, programs and supports available to them on campus
- Implement programming and resources that support Indigenous students’ transition to university
- Collaborate with Dalhousie Indigenous Student Centre, community groups and other campus partners on campus-wide programming and events
- Offer referrals to supports on- and off-campus, including mental health and financial supports
- Develop resources, spaces and approaches that promote dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to promote a sense of belonging and understanding
Institutional Advice on Reconciliation Efforts
The Indigenous Support and Outreach Coordinator offers advice and recommendations to administrative units to support the University’s work of decolonization and Reconciliation:
- Advise the University on ways to enhance its response to the TRC’s Calls to Action, as appropriate
- Support institutional commitment at every level to develop opportunities for Indigenous students
- Organize collaborative educational campus events that contributes to greater exposure and knowledge for non-Indigenous students, staff and faculty on the realities, histories, cultures and beliefs of the Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous peoples
- Work with student support staff to help decolonize campus services to enhance cultural safety for Indigenous students
- Help raise awareness about the importance of facilitating Indigenous students’ success
- Recommend practices for recruitment, admissions, financial awards programs, etc. and their delivery for Indigenous students
Community Outreach and Engagement & Support for Recruitment and Retention
They will work in close collaboration with the Registrar’s Office to assist with building relationships with Indigenous communities to help provide continuity of support from high school through to students’ university degree completion:
- Foster collaborative relationships with Indigenous groups and associations in HRM and Mi’kma’ki (e.g. MNFC, CMM, etc.)
- Work with Indigenous communities to develop relationships with students and their respective liaison workers and education counselors
- Participate on the Mi’kmaq & Indigenous Post-Secondary Recruitment & Retention Working Group and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey’s Indigenous Student Advisors Group
- Visit schools and communities to provide information about King’s academic programs and student experience
- Provide guidance on communications strategies with community and students throughout the enrolment cycle
- Co-organize on-campus events to introduce Indigenous students and community members to King’s
- Help promote positive Indigenous students’ experiences at King’s and their contributions to the wider community
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Two years’ experience advising or mentoring Indigenous students is required (or an equivalent combination of training and experience)
- An undergraduate degree in the social sciences, education, or similar is required (a combination of school and experiential learning will also be considered)
- Ability to demonstrate adequate understanding of the complexity of elements important to members of Indigenous communities in relation to history, values, culture, communication styles, beliefs and practices with a focus on Mi’kmaq students
- Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services to the Indigenous student population, providing guidance and support to students throughout their time at King’s
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders and build a network of contacts
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to promote appropriate protocol and ceremony
- Program development and implementation is an asset.
Closing Date: September 29, 2023
The anticipated start date for this position is ASAP.
Salary will be commensurate with level of education and experience. The starting salary range for this position is: $54,797 to $62,178 including a benefits plan with medical and dental.
To apply for this position, please forward cover letter and resume to:
Pethrona Russell
Human Resources Manager
University of King’s College
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2A1
pethrona.russell@ukings.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The University of King’s College is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We encourage and welcome those who would contribute to the diversification of our staff and faculty including, but not limited to women, people who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In keeping with the principles of King’s employment equity policies and the nature of the position, applications will be restricted to candidates who self-identify as an Indigenous person (First Nations, Metis, Inuit). The ideal candidate will be from Mi’kma’ki.