Director, Indigenous Strategic Initiatives

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Job Profile

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Department

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Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (OISI) plays a critical role in the successful implementation of UBC's Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) across the university. In addition to leading, evaluating and communicating ISP action plans and the impact of funded initiatives, the OISI is responsible for managing and administering the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund across both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, as well as projects involving university partners and networks. As part of an innovative, Indigenous-led and human rights-based implementation framework, the OISI certifies ISP implementation by monitoring and evaluating all student, staff and/or faculty funded projects to ensure alignment with the ISP.

The OISI also advises UBC leadership on strategies to enhance the experiences of Indigenous students, staff, and faculty. Through collaboration with students, staff, and faculty groups, OISI leads key program areas, supports team development, and fosters community engagement, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully represented. The OISI works closely with UBC Indigenous Programs and Services to promote cross-campus collaboration and support ISP funded initiatives across both campuses. The OISI also plays a key role in mentoring new staff involved in Indigenous programming, supporting their community engagement efforts, and guiding them in navigating institutional processes.

The Director sets the strategic direction for the unit, provides long-term planning and leadership to the OISI and has primary responsibility for the strategic and operational management of OISI including budgeting, resource allocation, end-to-end management of ISP funding and process, and the effective management of human resources, ensuring that the unit is staffed and resourced appropriately to support the mandate and goals of the OISI. The Director provides senior-level strategic advice and subject matter expertise for UBC-wide initiatives under UBCs Indigenous Strategic Plan. This includes leading on the Indigenous Leadership Strategic Planning Committee and the Vice President Academic Office Head Committee, providing counsel regarding Indigenous initiatives to better implement and embed Indigenous ways of knowing across the VPA portfolio and other units on campus. The Director also develops strategies, plans, and practices for strategic initiatives that support both the OISI and the University's goals of establishing effective working relationships and partnerships with the Indigenous community. This position is also responsible for strategic planning with a focus on engagement and learning for the University community through the OISI, ensuring a space that promotes inclusion, respect, and accountability in regards improving the experiences of Indigenous students, faculty and staff across the University.

The Director works collaboratively and transparently with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, organizations and other institutions, providing effective liaison with regard to ISP progress and funding impact, establishing credibility and demonstrating the support of UBC for the ISP and commitment to reconciliation. The position represents the OISI, and the university, in meetings with campus and community groups and at public functions.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Provost and works under the direction of the Provost and Deputy Provost. Performs responsibilities with autonomy, acting independently and in collaboration with the Deputy Provost to further the mandate of the Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives and the successful implementation of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan. Directs and oversees the work of the Centre as it relates to strategic initiatives, grant applications, funding proposals, funding allocation, strategic planning relating to ISP objectives, creation and implementation of action plans, impact assessments, and the overall progress and impact of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan. Accountable to critically assess, evaluate and report on the progress and impact of Indigenous Strategic Plan initiatives through presentations, working groups, briefing papers, board and public reporting, and effective communication with key stakeholders and Indigenous communities on and off campus.

Directs and oversees the work of OISI staff and works collaboratively with other Indigenous-focused units, departments, faculties, and organizations on and off campus, providing expert guidance to indigenous students, staff and faculty, in addition to various units across UBC. Partners with key stakeholders across both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, including Directors and Unit Heads of departments, schools and units as well as the President's office and Executive Team when required, to provide subject matter expertise and guidance with regard to indigenous strategic initiatives, ISP funding opportunities and ISP action plans.

The Director represents the Centre to the University community, and represents the University on multiple committees and working groups, internally and externally. Using an expert understanding of Indigenous communities and organizations, the Director maintains collegial and functional relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations as well as with other educational organizations, educational institutions and government agencies at the local, regional, provincial, national, and, at times, the international levels.

Work Performed

• Establishes strategic goals and objectives for the OISI. Develops strategic and operational plans in line with the University's strategic goals, especially the Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP), and identifies areas for continuous improvement;

• Leads strategic planning initiatives under guidance from the Provost and Deputy Provost, including those that involve work across several Faculties and units and involve liaison with other institutions and organizations;

• Advises the Provost and Deputy Provost on Indigenous Affairs, as well as other units and portfolios, on implementation of the ISP. Identifies opportunities for new initiatives and researches best practices in implementation of Indigenous strategic initiatives;

• Advises other units concerning the ISP Guiding Network governance structure for ISP implementation support. Provides consultation to Units and leaders across the organization for the ISP implementation & Self-Assessment Tool and ISI Funds;

• Manages Student and Faculty & Staff ISI funding stream projects to ensure continued alignment with ISP, managing financial protocols to ensure compliance and transparency, per ISI Fund Guiding Principles;

• Regular provincial and federal financial reporting, including program outcomes for all UBC ISI Fund projects;

• Oversight of progress made on both campuses (UBCV and UBCO) regarding the action items and goals of the ISP, providing necessary governance of same, to include: financial reports, expenditures, progress reports and impact assessments for the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund, to the UBC Executive and Board of Governors, the ISP Guiding Network, in addition to public reporting;

• Partners with External Relations to ensure streamlining of reporting on Institutional Accountability Progress Reporting for the Government of BC. Provides statistical reporting for self-identification and Indigenous enrolment. Develops Indigenous Strategic Plan Implementation reports;

• Develops strategies, identifies issues, conducts research, and provides updates and recommendations to multiple university-wide committees, including acting as a standing member of the Indigenous Strategic Plan Implementation Committee and the Indigenous Working Group, building networks & resources across campus. Represents OISI and the university on the Indigenous Strategic Plan Executive Advisory Committee, the Indigenous Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee and the President's Advisory Committee on Indigenous Affairs, working closely with the Deputy Provost to create engagement and alignment with the faculties and other stakeholder groups to advance the ISP;

• Leads a multi-stakeholder process across both campuses, including the UBC Okanagan Senior Advisor to the DVC, and the Indigenous Advisory Committee, to develop and implement projects and initiatives across the university. Provides campus-wide development and advising administration on Indigenous policy and direction, based on conversations and consultations with the relevant campus communities. Leads the development of collaborative projects with resident and visiting Indigenous Elders, guests, and community contacts based upon a thorough knowledge of Indigenous community protocols;

• Represents the university at key external events, for example; hosting the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) seminar for Indigenous human rights experts to discuss, monitor and provide recommendations on global Indigenous rights;

• Develops and presents an annual plan and budget for OISI. Oversees the management and day to day operations of OISI portfolios including administration, facilities management, communications & research, indigenous programming, student, staff and faculty outreach and community engagement;

• Develops and implements policies and controls to ensure the compliance of OISI operations with university and government regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and the policies of other regulatory bodies in order to assure the continuing viability of the unit;

• Mentors and provides leadership to OISI staff. Ensures the clear establishment of goals for staff and monitors and evaluates staff and unit progress towards these goals. Assists staff in developing skills necessary to improve job performance. Ensures that liaison and coordination among staff is maintained and when necessary, clarifies responsibilities and boundaries between roles;

• Advises the University, especially those in leadership positions and those who are lacking expert faculty and staff, in their address of Indigenous issues and development and implementation of Indigenous plans and initiatives. Mentors staff in other key program locations across the university who are developing capacity to work with Indigenous students, communities, and organizations. Serves as a role model and mentor for Indigenous staff and students;

• Develops and fosters relationships with key partners within the University, with provincial and federal government agencies, and with educational institutions and Indigenous organizations at the local, regional, provincial, national and international levels. Establishes and nurtures collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous units/Faculties, communities and organizations;

• Provides consultative support on human resources initiatives, collaborating with UBC HR, Faculty Relations, Labor Relations, and Workplace Wellbeing;

• Other duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position requires a sophisticated level of judgment, tact, discretion and initiative. Errors in judgment with internal or external stakeholders could have negative impact on the Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives and the University, resulting in reputational and legal issues, poor public relations, financial costs or loss of credibility. Work must often meet tight deadlines and requires the incumbent to perform well under pressure. The incumbent will be expected to respond well to unexpected circumstances and exercise good independent judgment. Must demonstrate exceptional public relations and interpersonal skills in dealing with high-profile members of Indigenous community, the university, staff and faculty, senior administrators and members of the government. Inappropriate or errant communication of sensitive issues could have a serious impact and have legal implications.

Supervision Received
Reports to the Provost, under the direction of the Provost and Deputy Provost. The Director works with broad autonomy, acting independently and in collaboration with the Deputy Provost to further the mandate of the Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives and the successful implementation of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan at the University level.

Supervision Given
As the senior leader of OISI, provides leadership and oversight of the unit. Directly manages and oversees the work of OISI management, program and administrative/support staff, student workers and seconded employees, and works collaboratively with other Indigenous-focused units, departments, faculties, and organizations on and off campus. Additionally, the position plays a key role in providing training, mentorship, and advice to the growing team of professionals, especially those in leadership positions, across the university working on Indigenous initiatives and with communities and organizations.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of eight years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Graduate degree preferred. Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain strong relationships. Superior leadership, motivational, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work and interact independently with internal and external management, faculty and staff. Ability to utilize strengths of team members to achieve optimal performance. Ability to think analytically and work well under pressure. Proven ability to develop and/or implement strategies and policies. Experience in working in strategic planning, and experience and knowledge of university governance, structures, policies and procedures, academic programs and student services is essential, as is experience in planning and facilitating meetings, workshops, conferences and similar events. Ability to exercise diplomacy, discretion and tact, displaying sound judgment and initiative.

Verifiable Indigenous community experience, as well as experience working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, communities and organizations is preferred, with particular emphasis is given to experience of educational systems and circumstances affecting Indigenous people within them. Must have a deep understanding of Indigenous experiences, particularly as they relate to post-secondary education, and an appreciation of the complexity and range of Indigenous peoples and communities. Must have a strong commitment to advancing the educational aspirations of Indigenous peoples. If candidate does not have adequate experience and cultural competency working with Indigenous peoples, professional development requirements to achieve proven competency may be a requirement during the probationary period.