About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.
Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.
A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.
DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.
Position Information:
Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity
Pay band: J
Salary: Starting Rate: $42.56; Four Year Rate: $49.34
Department: First Peoples Indigenous Centre
Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon – Fri (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
Reporting To: Director, Indigenous Initiatives, First Peoples Indigenous Centre
Campus Location: Oshawa, 5 days onsite
Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Initiatives, the incumbent works out of the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC), and develops and maintains respectful relationships with First Nations’ Education Managers, school boards and other sponsoring organizations to provide Indigenous learners with a smooth transition to college and support academic success. The incumbent engages in provincial student outreach initiatives. The incumbent works collaboratively to develop transition programming and mentoring to support new student while creating a culturally safe and vibrant community on campus.
The Indigenous Communities Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the timely delivery of strategic outreach and relationship building and support services as identified in the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Indigenous Student Success Fund planning and implementing strategies to improve student participation, retention and graduation rates.
As a liaison between Durham College and Indigenous communities and organizations, the incumbent works to strengthen and develop community relationships. The coordinator will also participate on cross-college committees and advisory circles advocating for the needs of Indigenous learners and the diverse needs of Indigenous communities.
Student Outreach and Community Engagement:
Establishes and builds relationships with prospective students and their family supports, First Nations education offices, Indigenous organizations, and the education guidance community.
Builds, and maintains relationships with Indigenous community members, leaders and organizations to ensure that FPIC is appropriately supporting Indigenous students on campus.
Leads external relations as a liaison between Indigenous community partners and organizations respecting appropriate traditional protocols.
Supports potential incoming Indigenous students by bringing resources directly to them through the participation in Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program (APSIP) provincial recruitment initiatives; representing the College at community events such as, Powwows, career fairs, education symposiums and socials and on-campus activities such as open house events, new student orientations, information sessions, and community events.
Ensures that student outreach strategies and practices are utilized and assessed regularly, adapted when necessary, and that new initiatives are introduced ensuring prospective Indigenous students have the appropriate information to make an informed decision about attending post-secondary education.
Works collaboratively with the college’s Communications and Recruitment teams to ensure information for Indigenous applicants is easily accessible on the DC website.
Develops and facilitates meaningful community programming to ensure that the needs of the community are met, and community members are introduced to the FPIC at all ages and stages.
Indigenous Student Support:
Plans and co-ordinates the E-mentoring and transitions programming for Indigenous students
Builds relationships with potential students and advises on academic policies and available supports such as financial aid opportunities.
Acts as resource person to connect students to both on and off-campus resources to meet the individual needs of the student with a holistic approach (for example, social, spiritual, economic, health, and academic needs).
Collaborates on the development of the calendar of events with colleagues in FPIC such as, ceremonies, traditional teachings, celebrations, transitions programs.
Administration:
Provides Indigenous voice on various campus communities, and participates in community circles/committees and initiatives promoting collaborative approaches to Indigenous wellness, education and service delivery, where required.
Assists with special projects such as student surveys and focus groups in order to evaluate services.
Updates Indigenous services online content. Including but not limited to assisting in developing marketing and promotional materials content.
Addresses Indigenous student inquiries, including email, Live Chat, phone, and in-person visits.
Qualifications:
Lived experience as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person, and experience working with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and/or organizations.
A minimum of a three-year advanced diploma or degree or an equivalent combination of academic preparation and experience may be considered.
Three years of related experience required with a minimum of one year of directly related experience in public speaking.
Experience working in post-secondary education is preferred.
The incumbent must have a minimum of three years of progressive and relevant experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
A strong understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and First Nations community relationship building practices and protocols.
Extensive knowledge of secondary and post-secondary educational systems is required, including knowledge of academic offerings, admissions requirements and other related areas.
Experience using trauma-informed approaches to learning, engagement, mediation, and facilitation.
Ability to work and communicate across cultures and articulate Indigenous worldview within the educational environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
This position requires an outgoing and sincere personality, a high level of energy, and superior skills in student service.
Excellent and demonstrated organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to coordinate and plan events quickly and within a set budget.
A clear and demonstrable understanding of Indigenous post-secondary transitional challenges.
Ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of a high functioning and professional team.
Must hold a valid Ontario (or equivalent) Driver’s Licence – Class ‘G’
Must be available to travel full-time for approximately 12 consecutive weeks in the fall/winter.
Must be available to work on weekends and evenings and be flexible and responsive to working on an event or activity with short notice.
Durham College policy requires employees be available for on campus work.
Under Section 24(1) (a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the College will be giving preference to applicants who identify as being of Indigenous heritage (including First Nations, Metis or Inuit). The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, traditions and spirituality including an understanding of the historical and current relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada. The incumbent understands and appreciates the importance of culturally appropriate protocols for Indigenous peoples.
Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes on November 28, 2024. Competition number SS24-136.