Director, Indigenous and Cultural Relations Ontario Tech University

Director, Indigenous and Cultural Relations Ontario Tech University

Tracking Code: req1120

Faculty/Department: Office of the Provost

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing,

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week 

Posting Date: May 23, 2024

Closing Date: June 10, 2024

Job Summary:  As the journey toward reconciliation at the university continues, and they strive to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, it is important that they continue to build relationships and engage in ongoing education. As a commitment to that mission, the University is seeking a Director, Indigenous and Cultural Relations.

Housed within the Office of the Provost, and working alongside and in cooperation with the Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, the Director, Indigenous and Cultural Relations provides strategic and operational leadership to the institution on culturally relevant programs including Indigenization and Decolonization, policy and procedure development, leadership of the Indigenous Education and Cultural Services team, and the development of operational, business, and financial plans and reports.

In addition, the Director builds and maintains relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations in supporting Reconciliation and Decolonization efforts with identified university and community partners.

Responsibilities/accountabilities: 

Institutional Leadership

• Develops and revises policies, programs and practices that prioritize inclusive perspectives and ways of being.
  
• Provides strategic leadership for Indigenization and Decolonization initiatives.
  
• Leads daily operations of Indigenous Education and Cultural Services (IECS) team.
  
• Oversees development of operational, business and financial plans and reporting.
  
• Supports identified university and community partners with the provision of cultural advising as requested.
  
• Monitors efforts and activities to determine effectiveness of culturally relevant programming.
  

Cultural and Indigenous Relations and Partnerships

• Provides strategic leadership and guidance on Indigenous relations, partnerships and faculty research.
  
• Identifies funding opportunities and prepares applications and proposals to support the work of IECS and Indigenous Education Advisory Circle (IEAC).
  
• Oversees the development of communication and engagement strategies to facilitate university participation in Indigenization efforts.
  
• Oversees strategic planning for culturally relevant events including Indigenous ceremonies including Elders, Traditional Knowledge Holders and special guests; ensures resources are available and aligned.
  

Committee and Resource Development

• Participates in Council of Ontario Universities Reference Group on Aboriginal Education.
  
• Co-leads culturally relevant committees including IEAC.
  
• Oversees development of resources and tools based on relevant legislation, best and emerging practices, to support implementation of Indigenous initiatives.
  
• Leads the consultation and integration of Indigenization strategies and resources into university culture, activities and programs.
  
• Consults with interdepartmental and interdisciplinary teams to ensure accountability and overall project success.

• Completion of a three-year post-secondary diploma or degree in a related discipline.

* Verification of Academic credentials may be required

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of operational, people leadership and strategy experience.
  
• Lived experience as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person, and experience working with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and/or organizations.
  
• A minimum of three years of senior leadership experience with the development, delivery and evaluation of support programs and services.
  
• Work experience in a university setting is considered an asset.
  
• Experience recognizing, understanding, empathizing, and working with diverse belief systems and ways of being.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build reciprocal relationships.
  
• Experience overseeing administrative operations, including people management, financial management and data analysis.
  
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, manage projects, monitor and track progress, and communicate to partners and senior management so that objectives are met.
  
• Ability to build and communicate departmental objectives, progress and requirements using applicable applications, such as Microsoft and/or Google Suite

Consideration of candidates will begin in late May 2024 with a formal review by the committee in mid-June 2024.

For more details or to further explore this important leadership opportunity, please contact:
Mike Eagar • Partner
Pathways Executive Search
Telephone: 226-583-6102
MikeE@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

Pathways Executive Search is a national recruitment firm offering Indigenous-focused professional services. With a mission to make recruitment and career journeys less challenging and more equitable, Pathways is guided by Indigenous values and principles of Indigenous inclusion, which underscore the capacity to build an inclusive process for all racialized and equity-deserving professionals.

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until June 10, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 5/23/2024