Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator

Overview

Reporting to the Associate Vice -President, Indigenous Relations, the Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator is responsible for advising and recommending solutions, implementing project and event plans, identifying and responding to the objectives and priorities of the University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada recommendations, and contributing to the Indigenization and decolonization of the University. This is a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness, and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The role of the Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator will continue to evolve, and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

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 Indigenization Strategy, 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.

Responsibilities

Project Management

-Supports the day-to-day management of all projects and plans led by the Associate Vice -President, Indigenous Relations
Plans, implements, and evaluates all projects
-Creates a production schedule for the delivery of projects
-Supports all project timelines, milestones and deliverables using appropriate methodologies and techniques
-Develops mechanisms for tracking project progress and provides regular reports to stakeholders
-Develops, proposes, manages, and related budget for projects

Event Coordination

-Plans, implements and evaluates events on behalf of the Office of Indigenous Relations
-Maintains attendee lists, books venues and facilities, organizes catering, and acts as the primary point person during events
-Develops and implements event promotion strategies

Communications – Works with the HREI Communications and Engagement team to fulfill the following responsibilities

-Creates a comprehensive communication strategic plan for the Office of Indigenous Relations
-Creates and implements communication plan for project and events
-Recommends and implements improvements to the Indigenous Relations website in consultation with the AVP and Coordinator
-Creates and manages all Indigenous Relations social media accounts
-Creates, implements and manages a seasonal departmental newsletter
-Maintains the Office of Indigenous Relations mailserve list
-Provides advice to appropriate University Units; following up on decisions, implements and tracks the development and/or enhancement of Indigenous Relations programs and supports
-Effectively manages the Indigenous Relations email inbox, responding or redirecting and escalating inquiries as needed

Education and Training

-Provides support for Office of Indigenous Relations related education and training programs
-Conducts research on education and training material applicable to the university environment
-Assists in the development of training material, programs, and resources

Qualifications
-Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Administration, Communications, and/or related field
-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 Commission of Canada’s Final Report
-Demonstrated relationship with Indigenous service agencies and communities
-Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a related role with project management accountabilities
-Experience working in post-secondary institutions considered an asset
-Indigenous language is an asset
-Competence in an Indigenous language will be considered an asset
-Demonstrated ability to co-ordinate multiple tasks and keep stakeholders effectively involved in the process
-Excellent time management and work prioritization skills with an ability to effectively manage high impact priorities
-Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse stakeholder groups
-Excellent verbal and written skills
-Strong interpersonal and relationship building experience, including a proven ability to build and develop effective relationships with individuals at all levels within the University as well as externally, including students, staff, faculty and community partners
-Must embrace diversity and inclusion as an integral component of a quality University education
-Strong analytical problem solving and critical thinking skills and a high degree of political acuity and judgement
-Ability to deal with campus colleagues in a manner that facilitates cooperation and consensus building
-Works independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team with a high degree of initiatives, discretion, and tact
-High level of integrity and ability to work under pressure
-Superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination
-Ability to produce detailed and comprehensive reports from a large volume of complex information
-Willingness to work flexible hours as required
-Attendance at special events required
-Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templated and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations), Internet, Adobe, scheduling software and familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint considered an asset

Vaccination Requirement Statement
All employees and students of the University of Waterloo are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation, in order to come to campus. You can provide proof of vaccination or apply for an accommodation on our Campus Check-in website. For more information, please refer to the University of Waterloo website: Vaccination Requirement.

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo 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.

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 Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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.