Programming Jobs in Burnaby, BC

Job Summary

Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (OISI) offers programming, resources, and consultations focused on Indigenous engagement. Our work is across campuses (UBC-Okanagan and UBC-Vancouver) Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) initiatives that supports the development of skills, resources and capacity around Indigenous engagement and strategic Indigenous initiatives.

The Indigenous Strategic Programming Specialist provides program advice within the OISI team for guiding ISP implementation through workshops (e.g. support planning, developing materials); leading the development of the Board of Governors annual ISP report, conducting research and analysis of data relating to OISI projects; programming and collaborative ISP initiatives; synthesizing materials and preparing briefs in preparation for ISP-related engagement and consultations. This position is situated in demanding environment which requires the highest level of tact, discretion and sensitivity with a particular focus on Indigenous communities and partners.

Organizational Status

The Indigenous Strategic Programming Specialist reports to the Associate Director. The Indigenous Strategic Programming Specialist works closely with and takes direction from the Associate Director and the Senior Specialist on Indigenous Affairs.

Work Performed

• Provides strategic direction and planning with respect to OISI’s programs and activities.

• Development of strategic and operational plans including budget planning and organizational changes to meet new initiatives and evolving needs of OISI.

• Determines circumstances which require consultation with program leads, Indigenous elders or knowledge holders and Indigenous communities, including specific protocols for relationships with UBC’s various host nations.

ISP Reporting

• Leads the preparation and execution of annual ISP reporting activities to the Board of Governors in partnership with UBCO Indigenous Programs and Services.

• Develops project plans and timelines for presentation to UBC executive and other leadership.

• Collaborate with UBC External Relations on communications plans and materials to accompany the delivery of the report.

• Support faculties, departments and units in the compilation of their annual reporting.

Policy and Program Development

• Plans and implements strategic programs and initiatives to promote ISP activities including internal and external communications and acts as a liaison to internal and external parties.

• Partners and collaborates with faculties and units in the reviews and assessment of UBC policies and procedures, and proposes solutions and business process improvements to align them with ISP Goals and Action Items.

• Develops high level ISP program schedules and detailed program timelines. Analyzes and provides reports on programs to the OISI team.

• Identifies, develops and implements new procedures and systems to ensure smooth overall program delivery and standards, and ensures changes are implemented with careful attention to process and ongoing program viability.

• Assists the Associate Director with budget proposals and monitors budgets for reporting purposes.

Engagement Activities

• Participates in conducting engagements and consultations with various stakeholders and the UBC community.

• Develops and oversees programming specific activities and special projects including the planning, organizing and communicating about guest lecture series, events, seminars, conferences, workshops and professional development opportunities for UBC faculty and staff.

• Develops surveys to collect activity feedback from stakeholders and analyzes collected data to create reports and provide recommendations (qualitative and quantitative).

• Determines circumstances which require consultation with program leads, Indigenous elders or knowledge holders and Indigenous communities, including specific protocols for relationships with UBC’s various host nations.

• Develops engagement plans and materials in support of regular meetings with faculties and departments on ISP priorities and plans.

• Participates in ISP Guiding Network committees as needed.

• Performs other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of the role.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Inappropriate judgment can compromise the OISI’s ability to meet its objects and goals, and its relationships within the University and with external Indigenous organizations and communities and government agencies, and can impede UBC's progress on its Indigenous Strategic Plan and in relation to Indigenous initiatives at the local, regional, provincial, national and international level.

UBC Indigenous initiatives are extensive, diverse, complex, and inter-dependent. Relations with Indigenous communities and organizations present a special concern: injudicious or uninformed actions by the Indigenous Strategic Programming Specialist can easily damage important relationships with community partners, creating damage requiring years to repair. The Indigenous Strategic Programming Specialist must exercise sound judgment over a wide range of issues and circumstances, often within a limited time frame and with limited opportunity for consultation.

Supervision Received

The Indigenous Strategic Programming Specialist reports to the Associate Director. Works with the Indigenous Strategic Programming Manager and other staff to meet the OISI mandate and the objectives outlined in the University's Indigenous Strategic Plan.

Supervision Given

May supervise or provide input to Work Learn or student staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Education. Minimum of six 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

- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous people and communities

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of Indigenous culture, history and socioeconomic issues within British Columbia and Canada.

• Experience in Indigenous engagement and/or working in Indigenous policy, programs and services (post-secondary setting preferred)

• Program planning and reporting experience and skills, including setting of goals and priorities.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to lead others and to function as an effective team member.

• Excellent facilitation, public speaking, writing and verbal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders in cross-cultural settings.

• Ability to maintain connection between a long-range vision and day-to-day functions.

• Ability to manage a demanding workload by determining priorities, planning ahead and anticipating problems.

• Familiarity with the University community, policies, and systems, is considered an asset.

• Ability to research and locate required information using a variety of methods (e.g., online information, sources).

• Ability to meet deadlines and is both goal and process-oriented.

• Excellent problem-solving skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented.