Saint Mary’s University

Date Posted: June 13, 2023

Posting Deadline: Posting will remain open until filled

Department: Student Affairs and Services

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-time

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 5 ($59,435 - $76,595 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Indigenous Student Advisor to join our Student Affairs and Services team.

In support of the University's Employment Equity and Diversity Program, this position is designated for candidates who identify as Indigenous/Aboriginal.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Student Culture and Experience, the Indigenous Student Advisor will:

• Establish professional relationships with students to foster trust and understanding.
• Support students who are struggling with University transitional issues of coming to University including, but not limited to, cultural, academic, social, financial and personal.
• Educate students on resources that are available to support them and that will assist with their success at University.
• Work closely with the Indigenous Students Society and any other Indigenous student organizations that may form at Saint Mary's.
• Plan, promote, implement and evaluate an Indigenous student orientation and welcoming programming.
• Organize programs, sessions and events that will allow students to meet faculty and staff to build relationships between students and these individuals with a goal of fostering opportunities for students to learn more about the services and opportunities available at Saint Mary's.
• Work collaboratively with the Admissions office in promoting the Indigenous student experience at Saint Mary's.
• Develop an Indigenous Ambassador Program that empowers Indigenous students to learn about and share both internally and externally about their respective Indigenous Culture, Traditions and Histories.
• Conduct frequent assessment of programming and events as well as trend analysis and needs assessment.
• Lead communications and marketing outreach initiatives tailored directly to Indigenous student communities to encourage engagement with supports on campus.
• Identify external organizations and contacts that would be relevant supports and contacts for Indigenous students including, but not limited to, the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax and other similar offices throughout the Maritimes, Band Councils, Provincial Committees focusing on Indigenous students, Provincial and National, and International Scholarship and Awards Programs and Elders.
• Present at local, provincial, national and international conferences and events on topics relevant to the position.
• Develop and coordinate an Indigenous Student Services Advisory committee consisting of Indigenous student representation, faculty, staff and administration representatives, as well as external representative connected to Indigenous culture, organizations, and relevant provincial bodies, as appropriate.
• Represent Indigenous student needs and experiences on various committees and working groups such as Black and Indigenous Student Success Working Team, President's Committee on Anti-Racism, Welcome Weeks Planning Committee, etc.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Indigenous Student Advisor you will have:

• Completion of an Undergraduate Degree.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years directly related experience, preferably at the post-secondary level working with Indigenous peoples or organizations.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to participate in consultative decision making.
• Demonstrated skills in training and program evaluation.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office, internet and e-mail applications.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Strong organizational and event planning skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills.
• Background in cross cultural communication would be considered an asset.
• Ability to speak Mi'kmaw is considered an asset.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Application Details

Please note that the posting will be open for a minimum of ten (10) business days and will remain open until position is filled. Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected].