Indigenous Student Engagement Advisor Full Time NEW

Job Summary:
UBC Sauder School of Business is one of the world’s leading business faculties. The school consistently ranks among the top 100 in the world and is recognized internationally for excellence in research and learning, an outstanding faculty and unmatched global partnerships. A collaborative and respectful culture within which all members of our community can thrive is a key principle in our strategic plan, and one that underpins our educational mission.

UBC Sauder of School of Business is committed to the rebuilding of Indigenous economies in alignment with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). We recognize that achieving reconciliation will not be possible without vibrant Indigenous economies.

To take meaningful reconciliatory action, UBC Sauder faculty and staff commit to ongoing cultural awareness training and learning of Indigenous pedagogy models. The two-eyed seeing approach will be a key factor in building bridges and fostering better relationships that support Indigenous students and communities. Guided by and rooted in the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan, upholding safe student spaces and experiences is a top priority.

Indigenous-led economic strategy is critical to the growth of Indigenous communities in Canada. Developing transformational business pathways ensure creative opportunities that will build a future generation of leaders. Interweaving traditional Indigenous pedagogy models with western theories will provide new platforms that allow positive growth in Indigenous communities. The unique advantage of Indigenous visionaries and entrepreneurs is the connection to cultural identity and their values system. Through these teachings they will rise to rebuild their Indigenous economies and be part of the economic fabric of Canada.

We acknowledge that UBC Sauder at the Vancouver Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam. We acknowledge that UBC Sauder at UBC Robson Square is situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh.

The Indigenous Student Engagement Advisor is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating programs and services to support indigenous students in the undergraduate, graduate and Diploma in Accounting (DAP) programs at UBC Sauder. In collaboration with university partners, the Advisor supports Indigenous UBC Sauder students to become successful university scholars, who are well positioned to engage in the university community and achieve their personal and career goals.

The Indigenous Student Engagement Advisor develops learning outcomes and objectives, co-curricular learning experiences, and advises instructors and departments within UBC Sauder that are seeking to incorporate Indigenous peer-supported learning and professional development into curriculum and programs.

Organizational Status:
– Reports to the Director, Student Engagement and Development.
– The day-to-day activities are integrated into the Office of Student Academic Services.
– Works in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education, Recruitment and Admissions team and other UBC Sauder and campus-wide Indigenous student service professionals.
– Collaborates and supports the goals of the First Nations House of Learning, and actively uses UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan to inform their work.
– Interacts with current and prospective students to UBC Sauder, and may work externally with high schools and Indigenous communities and organizations.

Work Performed:

Student and Community Engagement:
– Working with the Director, Student Engagement and Development, and the Executive Director, Indigenous Business Initiatives and Engagement, develops and implements faculty-hosted student engagement and development programs for all UBC Sauder Indigenous students.
– Advises UBC Sauder instructors and departments on ways to incorporate Indigenous peer-supported learning and professional development into curriculum and programs.
– Leads and coordinates the delivery of existing student development programs and co-curricular experiences, activities and services for Indigenous students, developed in collaboration with UBC Sauder units and campus partners.
– Leads and coordinates the adjudication, delivery and assessment of the Ch’nook Scholars program.
– Identifies and supports students in crisis, either personal or academic, advises students on available resources and makes appropriate referrals to personal support services on campus.

Student Leadership and Development:
– Creates and implements the mechanisms for students to participate in, lead and direct activities and events that enhance the student experience and sustain a sense of community among Indigenous students.
– Focuses on supporting student leaders through advising, training, professional development and skill building opportunities. Works closely with student leaders to coach and advise in program development and event planning.
– Adjudicates Indigenous student awards and initiative funding; maintains reporting and compliance of award eligibility.
Hires, trains and supervises part-time student employees and volunteers for events and coordinates work schedules.

Student Recruitment and Retention:
– Works with the UBC Sauder Recruitment and Admissions team to promote Indigenous student enrolment. Supports the creation of new initiatives and pilot programs to support Indigenous student enrolment.
– Develops, implements, and assesses orientation and transition programming, including events such as Online Orientation, Jump Start, Imagine Day, Beyond Imagine and Spark for Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) students, and Opening Week for graduate students that are accessible, inclusive and impactful for all students.

Strategic Initiatives:
– Participates in cross-campus communities and communities of practice such as faculty-based student engagement and the First Nations House of Learning, while representing the views and perspectives of UBC Sauder and its student community in a thoughtful way.
– Develops, implements and assesses student learning outcomes as part of program planning process.
– Prepares reports, develops and manages program-specific budgets.
– Implements and manages processes for collecting Indigenous student data and feedback; provides recommendations based on findings.
– Reviews UBC policies and procedures and recommends improvements to support Indigenous student enrolment, retention, and success.
– Remains current in the literature and research in the field of student development and Indigenous relations.
– Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement:
Poor performance or decision-making would contribute to inefficient operations and low-quality service being provided by the Office of Student Academic Services, directly affecting the quality of students’ experience, and would negatively impact the school’s reputation and accountability with students, faculty and employees. Decisions have an impact on the development of relationships both within the university and in external communities. Inability to work cooperatively with students, employees and faculty will jeopardize the effective provision of services and programs to students.

Supervision Received:
Works under the direction of the Director, Student Engagement and Development, with support of the Executive Director, Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education. Exercises considerable judgment and innovation in developing and implementing programs and supporting indigenous student community and success.

Supervision Given:
May supervise employees, student employees and volunteers. Will be required to take responsibility for projects that are substantially carried out by others, including faculty, employees, and student volunteers who are not directly supervised by the Advisor. Must work cooperatively with stakeholders to ensure that common goals are established and achieved.

Minimum Qualifications:
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three to four years of related experience, or an 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:
– Demonstrated experience working in a community that prioritizes social justice, equity, and the unique vulnerabilities, resiliencies and human rights needs pertinent to working with Indigenous peoples and communities.
– Experience working in a post-secondary environment in project management or program development is preferred.
– Experience in designing and delivering educational workshops and managing large events.
– Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including evidence of ability to communicate well in a cross-cultural environment.
– Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people.
– Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of different stakeholders.
– Must have excellent program-solving skills, including the ability to plan ahead, anticipate programs and meet deadlines efficiently.
– Knowledge of student development theories.
– Must be able to accommodate flexible hours to attend events, deliver workshops, or provide training in evenings and on weekends.

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.