POSITION TITLE: Coordinator of the Anishinaabe Student Success Program and Cultural Social Events
Staff Bargaining Unit
DEPARTMENT: Anishinaabe Academic Resource Center (AARC)
POSITION STATUS: Full-time (35 hours/week), temporary for one year OSSTF Support Staff Union
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Manager, Indigenous Community Relations, Training and Development
EXERCISED SUPERVISION: Student assistants, Volunteers
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Manager, Indigenous Community Relations, Training and Development, Anishinaabe Academic Resource Centre, the Anishinaabe Student Success and Cultural and Social Events Coordinator will develop and facilitate cultural, social and academic support activities for students as part of a global and future program. Anishinaabe Student Success and Retention Strategy
The Coordinator will work collaboratively with all departments to engage students in academic and support initiatives to help with the transition to college. The Coordinator will develop, deliver and evaluate a wide range of social and cultural programs and family-oriented events and activities for Anishinaabe students at Algoma University.
The Anishinaabe Academic Resource Center (AARC) is designed to work closely with Anishinaabe (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students and all university faculties and services to develop initiatives that support and benefit Anishinaabe (FNMI) students. The AARC provides culturally appropriate teaching and learning resources in a variety of disciplines, helps facilitate connections with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, government and other agencies to help encourage and facilitate opportunities for research, employment, experiential learning, cross-cultural learning and FNMI leadership. . Supported by Algoma University’s strategic priorities and our special mission, our holistic approach to student engagement is centered on the success of Anishinaabe students.
The Coordinator collects and compiles statistical data on student participation in the application and requirements of the Manager of Indigenous Community Relations, Training and Development of the Anishinaabe University Resource Center for reporting purposes for funding from Algoma University and the Post-Secondary Education Fund for Aboriginal Learners (PEFAL).
A- Coordination of cultural and social events/activities/projects – 50%
B- Anishinaabe Student Success Services/Retention – 30%
C – Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student Association
D – Guidance/Support – 10%
E- Administrative/other tasks – 10%
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A – Coordination of cultural and social events/activities/projects
– Develop and execute a communications plan for all RCAA special events, initiatives, services and projects
– Lead the planning, organization and implementation of major events (iePow Wow, Elder Conference, Sixth Grade Education Day, etc.) including organizing volunteers and staff for support events, grant writing and fundraising
– Lead the planning, organization and implementation of weekly events/activities on campus (Elder in Residence, Soup’s On, Full – Moon Ceremony, annual Ghost Feast, Anishinaabe Student Orientation and Welcome Week, etc.)
– Collaborate with local Anishinaabe communities and organizations as well as local district school boards and other planning committees
– Lead the planning and coordination of special events and other symposia within the RCAA (e.g. Caring for Our Earth Symposium, – Anishinaabe Inendamowin Research Symposium, etc.)
Responsible for the logistics and maintenance of the fire arbor and the teepee
– Facilitate various seminars and workshops including culture-based restorative practice, mental health first aid, suicide intervention, and topics of general interest to staff, faculty, students, and the community in general
– Contribute articles and other reports to the monthly newsletter
– Collaborate with local Anishinaabe communities and organizations as well as local district school boards and other planning committees
B – Anishinaabe Student Success Services/Retention
– Develop and maintain relationships with SASA, AUSU, SET/SKG, Children of Shingwauk Alumni, other programs and University staff/faculty/administration to ensure Anishinaabe students have a positive experience at Algoma University
– Support academic orientation and advise First Nations social services administrators (NDEG.FNSSAC) and CERT.FNSPCD students
– Support academic orientation and advise for additional certificate programs that may be developed or transferred as part of the AARC portfolio
– Respond to incoming inquiries into the AARC directing appropriate resources as needed
– Works collaboratively with AARC staff and Student Success Central
– Establish and coordinate a student leadership program, including peer tutoring and the peer mentoring approach to student success, provide student leadership training in a variety of areas
– Establish access to computer labs and other resources for Anishinaabe students across the University
– Establishing and maintaining the Community Culture and Support Program (Elders in Residence and Knowledge Keepers), including Elders in the Classroom, and regular review of program policy, processes and services across the university .
– Establish a repository of multi-disciplinary Anishinaabe-specific resources to support students and faculty for academic and other purposes, including videos, e-books, articles, games, language-based learning resources land and experiences, cultural resources for teaching and learning, etc.
– Plan and coordinate the Anishinaabe graduation ceremony
Plan, develop and implement a “transition to work” program for Anishinaabe students
– Engage Anishinaabe Alumni to support the success of current Anishinaabe students by organizing networking and mentorship opportunities
C – Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student Association (SASA) Guidance/Support
– Acts as the primary staff resource and provides support and guidance to the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students Association (SASA) at Algoma University
– Plan and design regular and ongoing Anishinaabe student events/activities throughout the year in conjunction with the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student Association (SASA) executive
– Assist in the planning, organization and implementation of major SASA events (SASA Christmas/retreat party – purchase of gifts/gift cards, gift mailings, booking of caterers, meeting rooms, guest rooms, catering options and administrative support)
Hiring of students
– Ensure that the SASA Executive adheres to the SASA constitution and committee requests
– Support the SASA electoral process: advise as CRO and help with election results
– Assist with schedules, biographies and photos of SASA leaders, usually twice a year (new leaders on board)
– Provide relevant updates to SASA from various committees the Coordinator participates in.
D – Administrative/other tasks
– Maintain attendance records for all AARC and SASA events/activities, with evaluation and report for each
– Supervision of student staff, volunteers and interns
– Responsible for tracking receipts and providing recommendations for program/event/activity expenses
– Assist the manager with activities related to Anishinaabe student services, as needed
LABOR CONDITIONS:
– Physical effort
Setting up an event requiring moderate physical effort
Occasionally lift boxes and promotional material for events and races for the SASA show
– Physical environment
Minimal exposure to disagreeable/unpleasant conditions
– Sensory attention
Moderate need to perform detailed/precise work while accommodating interruptions
– mental stress
Moderate Need for schedule flexibility/irregular hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for events, meetings, etc.
Sensitivity for students with various emotional, personal and social issues/concerns/needs
Crisis intervention and sensitivity for students with various cultural and language issues/barriers
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A minimum of an undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution is required.
Work experience in academia required
Minimum of two years of experience working with Anishinaabe (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) communities and/or students in a culturally safe environment required
Certified to facilitate PSSM, suicide intervention and restorative practice with Anishinaabe (FNMI) populations required
Strong experience and knowledge of Anishinaabe (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) organizations required
Lived experience with Anishinaabe culture and communities, with demonstrated knowledge of Anishinaabe (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) ways of knowing, understanding and being is required
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work both in a team and independently
Ability to multi-task in a dynamic environment
Proven ability to organize and coordinate events
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Must be available to work evenings and weekends, flexibility of work schedule is required
A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is preferred
Proficiency in MS Office/G-Suite programs including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, database administration, etc.
Experience with supervising students and volunteers
Please submit a resume and cover letter (combined PDF) to people.culture@algomau.ca no later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022.
Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community and is an equal opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the diversity of our institution, including equity-deserving groups who have traditionally been underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized people, women, disabilities and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ people).
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodations will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process candidates with disabilities.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodations will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process candidates with disabilities.
Please note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Police Check as a condition of employment.