Reporting to the Provost & Vice-President, Academic, the Director, Office of Indigenous Initiatives is primarily responsible for maintaining and enhancing relationships between the University and Indigenous communities through building relationships, community, and mutual respect. Working collaboratively with the University, the Special Advisor to the President, Student Development Services, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives staff, and external partners, the Director supports Indigenous student, staff and faculty success within the institution, while contributing to the decolonization of Nipissing University practices, policies and structure through advocacy and community building.  The Director acts as a representative of Nipissing University, developing and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. Administrative and management responsibilities include supporting, coaching, supervising, and evaluating staff while supporting culturally responsive approaches.

The Director will provide advice to the President and Vice-Presidents on inward and outward-facing community relations. The Director will act as an advisor on Indigenous issues to the Provost to inform decisions. The Director provides strategic leadership for the University community to enhance Indigenous student recruitment, engagement, and academic success as well as outreach programs in partnership with school boards, First Nations, and community organization

The Director also provides counsel to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and for the development, implementation, management and administrative oversight of sustainable programs, activities and strategies for Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) students at NU working in collaboration with the Nipissing University Indigenous Council on Education (NUICE) and internally with faculties, departments, and administration. The Director participates in/with the University Management Group, Provost Circle, and in relevant committees as the need for Indigenous Initiatives’ representation arises. The Director supports faculty and students in the shared aims of the institution.

In conjunction with the Office of Research and Innovation and the Research Ethics Board, the Director facilitates conversations with faculty and administration on principles and practices for ethical research with Indigenous peoples and communities and Indigenous content in academic programs and may chair the Indigenous Community Engagement Plan Review Committee.

The successful candidate will have a relevant university degree in Indigenous Studies, Human Services, Education, or a related field (a master’s degree preferred) and five to seven years of expertise in working with First Nations education authorities, curriculum development, program evaluation, and Indigenous research and data management protocols, including knowledge of data sovereignty discussions. The successful candidate will also have experience in the post-secondary sector with experience in program and project development, leading teams, and managing professional and support staff.

A comprehensive group benefits and pension plan is offered, as well as a tuition subsidy for eligible dependents.

We welcome applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous and possess a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and lived experiences. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a formal process with the university to affirm and confirm their Indigenous identity, in alignment with organizational and community protocols.

Please submit your letter of application and resume in one document via email to careers@nipissingu.ca by 4:00 p.m., February 21, 2025.