Indigenous Internship Program Lead

Job Summary

The Indigenous Internship Program has been developed by six Indigenous partners: the Musqueam Indian Band, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the Haida Gwaii Museum, the U’mista Cultural Society, the Nlaka’pamux Nation, and the Coqualeetza Cultural Society, who form the IIP Steering group with the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.

The Indigenous Internship Program provides training opportunities for people working in museums and cultural heritage management or people who seek to build a career in the sector.

The Indigenous Internship Program Lead is responsible for managing the Indigenous Internship Program (IIP) and serves as the primary supervisor for all interns (8 total per year). The Lead also works with the IIP Steering Group (External) and the MOA IIP Working Group (Internal) to develop the policies, processes and procedures relating to intern recruitment, intake and evaluation. The IIP Lead works with MOA staff and interns to establish individual placement training programs. The IIP Lead is responsible for meeting the established program timeline, managing the project budget, preparing project reports and engaging with members of the broader UBC community to provide enrichment experiences for the interns. The IIP Lead is also responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships that link interns at MOA with colleagues at other cultural and heritage institutions in BC, Canada and beyond.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the Assistant Director, Projects & Relations and works closely with staff in all areas of the Museum as well as the IIP Steering Group.

Work Performed
Program Management

• Develops intern application policies, materials and processes in consultation with the IIP Steering Group and the MOA Working Group, for marketing, recruitment, job postings, adjudication, as well as placement scheduling and scope of learning in conjunction with MOA staff.

• Develops a program timeline and works with MOA staff and community partners to move tasks forward and achieve goals.

• Develops linkages with relevant external organizations and facilitates field placements with partnering Nations or local BC institutions.

• Manages the program budget including planning and reporting, and is responsible for expenditures relating to the program.

• Supports fundraising and grant applications related to the program

• Works with MOA staff to identify internal placement supervisors.

• Connects interns with relevant people and programs at UBC including but not limited to: The Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives, The First Nations House of Learning, the Indigenous Support Research Initiative, the Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, First Nations and Endangered Languages Program, and the Indigitization Program.

• Offer guidance and support intern’s research on education, training, and career pathways with information on internship networks and programs in Canada and elsewhere.

• Support intern’s applications and interview preparation, offering ongoing coaching, references, and resources that directly enhance their ability to pursue further education and secure meaningful employment.

• Works with MOA staff to make linkages with other relevant training programs in Canada, and other applicable career development opportunities.

• Ensures that all activities are conducted in a climate of mutual respect, cultural safety and in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee s Calls to Action.

• Manages interns and provides primary supervision, guidance and support. This includes helping to arrange travel to Vancouver or other host communities as required, helping to secure housing in Vancouver and host communities, and liaising as needed, as a point of contact with home community/family.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Museum is a public trustee of rare and valuable collections. Errors could have financial, legal, ethical and other consequences for lenders, the University, and the originating communities of the objects. Errors in judgment could negatively impact interns, employees and visitors, would jeopardize the Museum of Anthropology relations, partnerships and collaborations with communities and individuals and the reputation of the Museum of Anthropology and UBC. Failure to uphold professional standards may result in termination.

Supervision Received
Considerable personal initiative is expected and a wide latitude in decision-making is permitted. The position is directly responsible to the Assistant Director, Projects & Relations and works collaboratively with other MOA staff.

Supervision Given
It is the responsibility of this position to mentor, motivate and supervise interns within the Indigenous Internship Program at MOA.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three 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

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with Indigenous people and communities . Experience managing similar programs or projects is desired, however, given the specialized nature of the program, it is assumed that the incumbent will work with MOA staff to develop many of the required skills while in the position Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry.

Skills / Knowledge

• Knowledge of and sensitivity towards Indigenous cultural heritage.

• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy.

• Organizational skills, time management. Ability to establish effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including Steering Committee, MOA working groups, partnering Nations and BC institutions.

• Ability to assess training requirements and develop, coordinate, lead, and evaluate training.

• Ability to mentor and coach staff, and act as a resource.

• Ability to identify, obtain, and effectively manage organizational resources (e.g., people, materials, assets, budgets).

• Ability to design and deliver instructional programs and courses.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate tasks.

• Ability to gather, record, and organize information.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Ability to effectively facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcome.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to prepare cost estimates/projections.