Project Manager - Student Experience, Indigenous Engagement

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to reflect the community we serve. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Only Indigenous candidates will be considered for this position. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship with documentation is a condition of employment and a requirement to hold this position and the successful candidate must maintain those conditions throughout their employment.

Primary Purpose:  

The Project Manager- Indigenous Engagement is responsible to lead, oversee and implement projects assigned to this role designed to further the mandate of the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement. This position will develop and align with strategic projects to support and respond to the needs of USask Indigenous students, staff and faculty through the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement, in collaboration with other USask portfolios, and community partners. This position provides crucial creative and strategic expertise in the research and development of reports, grants, and initiative and will contribute to relationship development and growth to enhance the reputation of the university both nationally and globally in Indigenous engagement. 

Nature of Work: 

The position will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure understanding, knowledge, and integration of projects that are identified by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement to further ohpahotân I oohpaahotaan - the university’s Indigenous strategy. This position will identify opportunities and collaborate to convert ideas into scoped projects that are subsequently prioritized, resourced, and executed as directed by the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement.  The Project Manager will respond to the needs of USask Indigenous students, staff and faculty by working in collaboration and contribute strategically to the experience and success of Indigenous students, staff and faculty at USask through initiatives that will increase self-efficacy, improve systems navigation, training and learning opportunities, facilitation, and events.

Reporting to the Strategic Officer, Indigenous Engagement, this position is responsible for seeking funding, planning, execution, reporting, control and cost management of projects to achieve the objectives on time. Projects will be end to end and will require significant coordination of both internal resources within the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement under the direction of the Senior Strategic Officer.  

Accountabilities: 

Project management

• Identify, draft, and submit funding proposals which align with the needs of the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement  
• Provide project direction, oversight, and participation in assigned project initiatives that are designed to achieve the long-term goals of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement and University of Saskatchewan
• Determine the scope of projects developed and oversees and participates in the execution of effective plans that incorporate layered communications and change tactics 
• Develops realistic schedules for projects, and provides timely and effective management of these schedules and associated logistics for projects 
• Develops preliminary and final designs and estimates in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders 
• Ensures proper alignment and integration of other project management plans and requirements known through the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement 
• Ensures timelines are adhered to for initiatives, by identifying capacity, pacing and resourcing issues needing leadership attention, and keeping executives aware of any red flags concerning timing or integration processes 
• Actively participates in all phases of assigned projects and initiatives including data collection/analysis, report writing, grant applications, proposal writing and research  
• Ensure effective management and maintenance of projects and initiative documentation and data files 
• Liaises with multiple stakeholders and maintains effective working relationships to ensure ongoing communication related to initiative activities and status 
• Prepare draft materials for meetings, which may include research, and ensure that minutes are documented
• Collaborate, participate, and initiate opportunities within community partner events, celebrations, and ceremonies that promote education and success of Indigenous learners
• Research post-secondary student engagement, success, and support frameworks while conscious of the needs and strengths of Indigenous students and develop initiatives to uplift student success and experiences at USask
• Prepare follow-up correspondence and coordinate business arising from the meetings 
• Along with the OVPIE team, assist with the planning and coordination of symposiums, workshops, and other events related to the OVPIE 

Communication 

• Works with communication partners to utilize the most effective channels to deliver consistent, appropriately timed communications 
• Develop and maintain a system to track projects and applications including deadlines, budgets, requirements, and reporting 

Relationships/Partnerships 

• Engages and works with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities in a manner that is respectful and understands the diversity of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit cultures 
• Engages and influences stakeholders and process owners in development and execution 
• Collaborates with subject matter experts and stakeholders to analyze and interpret data and to determine how to use, modify or change resources and processes for greater operational efficiencies and continuous improvement 

Qualifications 

Experience:  

• Experience in an Indigenous portfolio; experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers; Knowledge of Indigenous protocols 
• Relevant and demonstrable experience in leading projects, writing grants, proposal writing along with reporting; preferred knowledge of university governance, policies, procedure, and administrative structures
• Experience in project management or business processes with a track record of successful delivery and implementation.  
• Experience building curriculum, training modules, event planning, and facilitation.

Skills: 

• A skilled communicator with the ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful, and collaborative relationships  
• Excellent process design, project management, data analysis and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to motivate, influence and gain commitment from cross-functional teams 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comprehensive reporting and detailed orientated 

Application Instructions:  

Department: Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Monday to Friday, 8am - 430pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 5/28/2024
Closing Date: 6/4/2024
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable