Indigenous Relations Coordinator

Overview

Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Relations, the Indigenous Relations Coordinator supports the efficient operation of the department. The coordinator manages initiatives in line with the Office of Indigenous Relations strategic plan. This position involves a combination of administrative, indigenous verification and research activities.

This role provides direct support to the Director, Indigenous Relations and the Director of Faculty Relations including verification of indigenous documentation, reviewing requests, research requests, scheduling meetings, and other operational support as required.

In the University of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, it states, “We particularly recognize Indigenous students, faculty, staff and alumni. We are committed to learning about the rich history and culture of Indigenous people of this land and an institutional response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action.” In line with the University’s Strategic Plan, and Indigenous Strategic Plan, Indigenous Initiatives strives to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous people and to increase specialized support. The successful candidate will be First Nations, Inuit or Metis with familiarity of the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada and a keen understanding of Indigenous history, current affairs and a strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and the Truth and Reconciliation Final Report. The University is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

As part of our due diligence process, you will have to provide verification of citizenship/membership. Verifications will be done by the Indigenous Relations Office according to the process outlined here: https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous/indigenous-verification/. Please note that our recruitment system has limitations. Hiring managers will only see the last updated version of the application (cover letter and resume) as older versions will be overridden. Therefore, if you are applying to more than one job simultaneously, your self-identification will be available to all hiring managers.

Responsibilities

Administrative and Operational Support

• Provides comprehensive administrative support to two Directors, including detailed and proactive calendar management and support in planning and executing various administrative and operational activities
• Organizes and coordinates meetings with internal and external stakeholders on and off-campus, managing invitations and RSVPs, drafting agenda materials, preparing handouts and reports, assisting with electronic presentations, taking minutes, producing meeting notes, handling responses, and attending to special requests
• Manages and coordinates travel preparations for Directors, which can include transportation, accommodation, conference registration etc.
• Manages the indigenous relations email inbox, responds and consults others as required. Tracks requests to monitor email inquiry types and volume
• Work collaboratively with the Indigenous Relations team to complete, implement, and monitor the University of Waterloo Indigenous Strategic Plan
• Provides ongoing support to other members of the Department as needed

Verification, Confidentiality and Responsibility

• Review and process Indigenous Verification applications, requests and inquiries, including but not limited to:
  • Ensuring timely responses of requests, meeting verification requirements consistently
  • Verifying identification documents
• Consulting with the Director, Indigenous Relations when needed
• Maintains the utmost confidentiality and effective management of personal and sensitive documentation and information

Research and Analysis

• Research and qualitative/quantitative analysis to support OIR projects and reports
• Literature reviews and environment/best practices scans
• Supporting grant proposal research and writing
• Development of a knowledge mobilization and dissemination strategy
• Logistical support for research events and presentations

Qualifications

• University Degree with previous experience in administration, communication, research and project planning and implementation
• The successful candidate will be First Nations, Métis, or Inuit with lived experience of Indigenous world views, cultures and values and strong ties to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit communities
• Knowledgeable of cultural protocols to appropriately engage and foster respectful, reciprocal, ongoing relationships with local (including urban) First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in a large, decentralized and complex university or institution
• Significant knowledge of, and demonstrated commitment to education/learning with First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit communities and an appreciation and respect for the diversity of Indigenous peoples;
• 3 years progressive experience and a record of accomplishment of contributing to safe, supportive, culturally appropriate and welcoming environments for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in a large, decentralized and complex university or institution
• Experience working with members of a senior leadership team, working on organization-wise committees and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders
• Superior understanding of diverse Indigenous knowledge and systems
• Proven ability to deal with confidential issues and interact effectively with a wide range of individuals
• Ability to facilitate awareness within the non-Indigenous community to adapt, challenge and overcome behavior/attitudes to eliminate institutional and systemic barriers to the successful attainment of post-secondary education for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students
• Credibly foster trust and strong, progressive, reciprocal, culturally appropriate working relationships within the university and the broader local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities
• Professional confidence, excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to listen effectively and sensitively to maintain the confidence of, as well as engage a broad range of diverse Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, including students, faculty and staff members, on what may be contentious and delicate issues
• Provide First Nations, Métis and Inuit faculty, student and staff with resources and support on a broad range of professional, academic and cultural challenges and issues
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments that are accurate and thorough, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office Programs, Adobe Acrobat Professional and/or other data content management systems

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

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