Requisition Details

One Support Staff Full-time New Position & One Support Staff Full-time Replacement Position

(First consideration for Support Staff and Academic positions will be given to internal applicants in accordance with the respective Collective Agreements)

Conestoga College acknowledges that Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Brantford are located on the Haldimand Tract, land promised to the Haudenosaunee people of Six Nations, which includes six miles on either side of the Grand River. This is the traditional territory of the Anishnawbe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land for thousands of years.

At Conestoga College, education, access, and belonging are institutional priorities. We recognize that post-secondary institutions are in a unique position to take action that can positively impact Indigenous health, language, culture, and especially education. Conestoga is committed to increasing Indigenous learners’ access to and success in post-secondary education and closing the participation and achievement gap. We continue to be dedicated to supporting positive outcomes in post-secondary education and training for Indigenous people living in Ontario. For more information about our Indigenous Initiatives, please visit: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/about/college-initiatives/indigenous-initiatives

The Indigenous Services Coordinator is responsible for enhancing the student experience of indigenous students. The incumbent is responsible for developing programming, activities, and initiatives that include both traditional Indigenous knowledge as well as modern indigenous ways of knowing. In addition, the incumbent fosters connections and works in a collaborative capacity across the College in the areas of indigenous student recruitment, student services, and teaching and learning. The incumbent possesses an understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions and works with the Manager to ensure appropriate and respectful traditions for Indigenous people are reinforced within the College.

Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required. It is anticipated that this position will meet the needs of the department through a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 3 days on-site and 2 days remote.

There are two vacancies for this position. One vacancy will be based at the Waterloo campus located at 108 University Ave. East, Waterloo, ON N2J 2W2. The second vacancy will be based at the Doon campus located at 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4. Both positions will require travel as part of the role.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting Conestoga’s Indigenous Services programming, activities, and events:

• Researching innovative and creative methods/opportunities to effectively engage students
• Developing strong relationships with a range of College departments for collaboration, to increase communication, and enhancing resources available to students on all campuses and virtually
• Monitoring the status of activities and programs and maintaining the required timelines and deadlines
• Working effectively with stakeholders/partners to achieve goals and objectives for programs

Coordination of Indigenous Services administrative activities:

• Performing general office management functions
• Managing Indigenous student metrics and associated databases in consultation with Institutional Research and the Registrar’s Offices
• Managing and updating Indigenous Services online content. Including but not limited to assisting in developing marketing and promotional materials content
• Managing and overseeing Indigenous student inquiries, including email, chat, phone, and in-person visits
• Committee participation, as identified by the Manager
• Liaising with college stakeholders (e.g., Student Affairs, Corporate Communications, IT Services, etc.) to ensure communicated initiatives and events

Responsible for maintaining community development and partnerships:

• Develop and nurture relationships with community organizations and leaders to support and enhance programming
• Helps ensure that optimal community supports are available to Indigenous students to assist with achieving their goals, develop positive relationships and thrive within their community
• Fostering relationships with other educational institutions
• Representing the college at Indigenous community events
• Participating in educational outreach, visiting schools, and providing cultural education

Event/outreach planning and coordination, including leadership and coordination of student staff and volunteers:

• Working with key stakeholders in Student Affairs to participate in the recruitment, hiring, and training processes for student staff, co-op students, and student volunteers
• Providing ongoing guidance and support to student staff and volunteers, including scheduling
• Working with a team of student staff and volunteers to develop and execute events for Indigenous Services

Qualifications:

• Minimum Two-year Diploma in a relevant field of study including Business, Social Science, Natural Sciences, or Humanities
• Minimum of three years of experience and engagement working with the Indigenous community, and working in a clerical position, preferably in an educational environment
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution and diplomacy skills to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong judgement, flexibility, adaptability, and written and verbal communication skills
• Our successful candidate will identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit with lived and learned experience of Indigenous world views, cultures, and values and strong ties to First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit communities
• Able to articulate an indigenous worldview within a post-secondary education context
• Ability to speak a local Native language is considered an asset
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications

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