Director, Indigenous Education and Engagement (Extended)

Overview The Director, Indigenous Education and Engagement, provides leadership, coordination, and oversight to the Indigenous initiatives of the Institution as guided by the Institutional Strategic Plan and Academic Plan. The Director supports and facilitates the achievement of VIU’s commitments and aspirations related to Indigenous relations and partnerships and provides direction to enact the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action (TRC) and the Bill 41 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA).

The position serves a critical function in the success of the Indigenous students at Vancouver Island University. The role also supports education and professional development of VIU faculty and staff to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of institutional progress on the TRC and DRIPA and community engagement. This includes facilitation of appropriate protocol for all Indigenous relations with the Institution.

The Director oversees the area budget, the supervision of management employees and the oversight of indirect reports through the OIEE. The Director works with internal stakeholders (Elders-in-Residence, Indigenous Commitments Committee, faculties, academic leadership teams, partnership development teams, managers, senior management, etc.) and Indigenous communities, primarily through the Hwulmuxw Mustimuxw Siiem, an advisory committee comprised of Education Coordinators and Managers from First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations on Vancouver Island, to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. The Director will help to advance the systems change required to decolonize education and Indigenize the institution, strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and develop collaborative partnerships. Central to this role is an intimate understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and the ability to hold space for respectful relationship-building, cultural safety, protocol adherence and nuanced communication on the impacts of colonization, decolonization, sovereignty, land relations and Indigenous–settler dynamics.

Provide strategic and operational leadership, support, direction, and guidance to the Institution to support the goals and initiatives related to its commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and Bill 41 Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act in support of Indigenous education.

Lead a team of managers responsible for collaborating with Faculty and Indigenous communities to co-develop culturally responsive Indigenous community-based training programs such as the Relational Land Based Learning programs and Stewardship Training programs.

Oversee contract budget management (in coordination with central PD&T/Continuation Education supports), and accountability for the Mastercard Foundation EleV program, the Aboriginal Services Plan, off-grant community contracts, various Foundation grants, and other funding revenues and grants.

Advance decolonization and Indigenization at the University through leadership on Indigenous issues, address the equalization of Indigenous knowledge systems, and amplify Indigenous voices to mutually address Indigenous education and the unique needs of a specialized population.

Support the University's goal to develop and strengthen relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities across the Island through nurturing relationships with the Hwulmuxw Mustimuxw Sii’em Advisory Committee.

The Director will develop and implement an Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement Area Operations Plan that supports the larger VIU Strategic Plan and compliment the Foundation plans. The area operations plan will provide strategic direction for the OIEE and identify key priorities aligned with VIU’s strategic goals specifically related to Indigenous education and partnerships.

Support the Institution in strategic leadership to engage with Indigenous leaders and communities to identify opportunities for collaborative partnerships (locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally). The Director will provide strategic advice to the senior leadership team to address issues and opportunities for implementing the TRC Calls to Action and Bill 41 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act.

Required Qualifications:

Masters’ degree from an appropriately accredited institution in a related field such as Indigenous Leadership, Public Administration, Leadership, or Management; and a minimum of six years’ recent, related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Indigenous Worldview and Indigenous Lived Experience is required, and selection will be reserved for candidates of Aboriginal ancestry as granted by the Human Rights Tribunal Special Programs pursuant to s. 42(3) of the Human Rights Code. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify in their cover letter.

Awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural and educational needs and aspirations of Indigenous First Nations within the Vancouver Island University region.

Understanding of appropriate protocols for working with Indigenous communities and organizations, with particular knowledge of Coast Salish protocols.

Ability to establish and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships, especially with Indigenous communities.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Indigenous community leaders, Elders, government officials, agency representatives, and colleagues across institutions.

Experience with budget development, program development, information systems, statistical reporting, and contract development and management.

Proficiency with relevant software applications.

Strong interpersonal and team-building skills.

Demonstrated skills in data management, policy analysis, and report writing.

In-depth understanding of issues affecting Indigenous learners in secondary and post-secondary education, supported by a commitment to advancing the educational aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, and socioeconomic issues in British Columbia and Canada.

Ability to work respectfully and effectively with Indigenous students, Elders, and community members.

Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, make independent decisions, work with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines consistently.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.

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

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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