Associate Director, Aboriginal Programs
/Organization:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Deadline:
Apr. 17, 2025
Organization Description:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a school of students, faculty, thinkers and makers unlike any other. Established in 1925, we are the only specialized, accredited, public, post-secondary university in British Columbia solely devoted to education and research in the creative sector and its associated knowledge economy. We merge research, critical theory and studio practice in an interdisciplinary environment, strengthening our work by the integration of our personal and professional practices. Our strategy, facilities, partnerships and resources are intentionally student-centred to foster dialogue, expression and open connections in support of the next generation of creative and cultural leaders.
Website:
Job Description:
Permanent Full-Time Excluded Position
8:30am to 4:30pm / Monday to Friday
The Associate Director, Aboriginal Programs contributes towards the development of strategic and operational plans and provides leadership in implementing objectives and initiatives that serve to advance Indigenization, re-Indigenization, reconciliation, and decolonization of the University. The Associate Director contributes to the cultural voice on Aboriginal Programs and works for strengthening relationships with Aboriginal communities, organizations, and other partners. In addition, the Associate Director, Aboriginal Programs provides day-to-day leadership and integrated administration for the Aboriginal Gathering Place, Aboriginal Education and support services for Aboriginal Learners.
Benefits of Joining the Emily Carr community:
• Enrollment in a comprehensive benefits package, including Dental Coverage, Extended Health, Disability Coverage and Life Insurance.
• Membership in the College Pension Plan.
• Competitive vacation and Professional Development benefits.
Responsibilities:
1. In collaboration with the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives, as well as internal and external partners, contributes towards the development and implementation of the overall direction and vision for the Indigenization and decolonization of Emily Carr University, thus, identifying opportunities and supporting the development, planning, and execution of initiatives to enhance the Indigenization of Emily Carr University, including curriculum and programs, support services, and Aboriginal student access and success.
2. Provides guidance and assistance to senior administrators, staff and faculty regarding local, provincial, and national Aboriginal protocols and practices. The Associate Director will mainly focus on internal relations on campus, working with ECU departments, students, staff and faculty, allowing the Executive Director to focus on external relations.
3. Partners with services and academic units to enhance existing services and programs, identify gaps in current service offerings, and develop new programs, policies, procedures, and services that consider the enrolment, retention, and success of Aboriginal students at Emily Carr.
4. Assists with the development and implementation of recruitment plans targeting Aboriginal students for all Emily Carr programs.
5. Works collegially with faculty to assist in the development of culturally responsive programs and curriculum. Provides expertise on institution-wide curriculum and program development, classroom practices, and culturally responsive teaching and learning outcomes.
6. Oversee the continuous evolution of the university's Aboriginal programs, ensuring they remain relevant, responsive, and impactful in the context of Indigenous education, community engagement, and reconciliation.
7. Guides the Aboriginal Program Team, in planning, coordination and execution of activities, events and workshops designed to enhance awareness and understanding of current and emerging education issues within Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal history, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge.
8. Serve as a knowledge holder and educator in workshops, panels, and training sessions aimed at enhancing the university’s overall understanding of Aboriginal issues, culture, and educational needs.
9. Works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to ensure that services and activities are socially and culturally appropriate for Aboriginal students.
10. Assists the Executive Director as an advocate for Emily Carr University with internal and external partners to build and maintain effective partnerships and programs locally, provincially, and nationally.
11. Engages the Aboriginal communities to strengthen relationships and raise awareness of Emily Carr’s commitment to services supporting culturally responsive Aboriginal education, and develops local, provincial, and national relationships as appropriate.
12. In collaboration with the Executive Director, the Associate Director will support the development of relationships with key external partners such as other post-secondary institutions, Aboriginal organizations, government ministries, funding agencies, and foundations, with a primary focus on internal campus engagement and supporting the Executive Director's leadership in external outreach.
13. Develops, oversees and reports on department budgets, ensuring best use of resources and undertakes reporting as required. Identifies opportunities and secures funding for Indigenous initiatives and projects
14. Evaluates data outcomes to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and action plans, using these insights to make informed decisions related to student services and educational programs.
15. Leads the hiring, management, and development of the Aboriginal Program team, overseeing recruitment, performance management, and professional growth.
16. Fosters a culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) by remaining current in JEDI trends that impact their field of work and make recommendations to the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives, for improvements in support of the ECU community, and the strategic goals of the University.
17. Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications:
• Master’s Degree or equivalent combination of embedded cultural experience, skills, and knowledge of Aboriginal epistemology.
• Minimum five years’ experience in a leadership role relevant to Aboriginal post-secondary pedagogy.
• Minimum three years’ full-time administrative and/or management experience relating to Aboriginal education in a post-secondary institution.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of Aboriginal Peoples, cultures, material practice and protocols on a local, provincial, and national level.
• Knowledge of historical, current, and emerging issues in Aboriginal education as well as relevant legislation.
• Aboriginal material practice and knowledge of Aboriginal language an asset.
• Working relationship with British Columbia Aboriginal communities/organizations.
• Experience with Colleague, Informer and WordPress is an asset.
• Demonstrated record of outstanding leadership with extensive experience developing and implementing impactful Indigenous focused initiatives, policies and programs.
• Demonstrated track record in developing culturally responsive curriculum and curriculum development processes that enhance Aboriginal learners’ experiences in collaboration with internal partners and Aboriginal organizations/communities on a local, provincial, and national level.
• Strong knowledge of Aboriginal education pedagogies and multiple content delivery models.
• Strong grant writing skills, knowledge of funding opportunities, and budget management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with experience specific to Aboriginal learners.
• Proven mediation skills utilizing cultural protocols for Aboriginal community networking, skills comprising personal communication, relationship management, and professionalism.
• Demonstrated skill in data management, policy analysis and report writing.
• Ability to serve as a support resource, facilitator, and collaborator with external Aboriginal community members, peer institutions, and with a variety of staff, students, and faculty.
• Exceptional dispute resolution and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with Aboriginal people, communities, and community organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity when interacting with people who hold a diverse range of perspectives, worldviews, and experiences.
How to Apply:
To apply for this job, please visit https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. Competition closes on Thursday, 17 April 2025.
Emily Carr University especially invites those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized. These include women, persons with diverse gender expressions and identities, persons of all sexual orientations, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Indigenous persons. All qualified people are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.
Remuneration:
$99,050 to $132,066 per annum
Contact Name: Human Resources
Contact Email: hr@ecuad.ca
Contact Phone: (604) 844-3824
