Indigenous Student Development Coordinator

Job Summary

This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating a variety of student events that support Indigenous student development at UBC Okanagan. This role works closely with the Indigenous Programs and Services (IPS) team, students, internal stakeholders, and external Indigenous communities and organizations. The position enhances the visibility and impact of Indigenous-focused programming by ensuring culturally relevant, high-quality event delivery.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Manager Indigenous Initiatives. It collaborates with IPS team members, various UBC faculties and departments, and Indigenous community partners. The role requires independent initiative while working within the objectives and mission of IPS.

Work Performed

Project Management:

• Develops, plans, and manages Indigenous-focused programs and events that support student success, cultural identity, and community building.
• Ensures effective collaboration with IPS colleagues, university stakeholders, and external Indigenous organizations to align projects with student and community needs.
• Oversees event and program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and alignment with funding guidelines.
• Develops metrics for event and program success and conducts assessments to enhance future programming.
• Identifies service gaps and makes recommendations for new Indigenous student engagement opportunities.
• Compiles data, analyzes results, and prepares reports to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Evaluates needs and provides consultation services to clients regarding event planning and logistics.
• Makes recommendations on accommodations, facilities, and event logistics to ensure accessibility and cultural relevance.
• Develops detailed conference, accommodation, ceremony, and event plans tailored to the needs of Indigenous students and stakeholders.
• Leads Indigenous student orientation and transition programming
• Leads marketing and promotion of orientation and transition programming to maximize engagement and attendance
• Remains current with student engagement best practices to enhance Indigenous student experience and development
• Compiles statistics and information, analyzes and prepares reports used for decision making on program success, assessing needs and determining priorities.

Student Support:

• Connects students with campus resources, including academic advising, financial aid, wellness services, and cultural supports
• Assists Indigenous students in navigating university processes and policies to promote student retention and success
• Develops and facilitates workshops and that support Indigenous student development, including mentorship opportunities, career planning, and cultural programming

Program Coordination and Administration:

• Plans, organizes, executes and evaluates Indigenous student development focused programs, events and initiatives on campus
• Coordinates logistics for events, including securing venues, liaising with vendors, and managing on-site event execution.
• Leads the recruitment, training, and scheduling of volunteers and student staff supporting events and programs.
• Develops process documentation to ensure seamless event execution and program sustainability.
• Determines suppliers and negotiates rates to ensure cost-effective and high-quality event and program execution.
• Develops and manages event and program budgets, monitors expenditures, and ensures financial accountability.
• Controls accommodation booking revenues and oversees financial aspects of accommodations.
• Leads marketing and promotion of events to maximize engagement and attendance.
• Facilitates post-event feedback collection and integrates lessons learned into future planning.
• Lead Indigenous student peer mentorship program
• Lead Indigenous student peer tutor program
• Other duties as required.
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position is expected to exercise judgment, diplomacy and tact in all interactions associated with the function of this position. Decisions have a direct impact on the creation, revision, and implementation of events and initiatives and affect the reputation of UBC with students and community. Poor performance or inappropriate judgment in this position would contribute to the inefficient operation, budget mismanagement and could result in a negative impact on the reputation of UBC. Errors in decision making can have a serious negative effect on the Departments ability to carry out its mandate.

Supervision Received

Reports to Manager Indigenous Initiatives. Works independently according to established objectives and work is reviewed for achievement of program goals and effectiveness of results.

Supervision Given

Oversees student volunteers, student staff and casual staff supporting events but does not have direct managerial responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of one to two 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

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and issues in Canada, particularly in British Columbia.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
• Ability to create culturally relevant and student-centered programming.
• Experience in event planning, project coordination, or Indigenous student support.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience with budget management and financial accountability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management tools.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid BC driver’s license and ability to travel as required.
• Experience working in a post-secondary or educational setting.
• Knowledge of UBC policies and Indigenous student support initiatives.
• Familiarity with event registration, data tracking, and reporting tools.
• Requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends for event delivery.
• Travel within the region may be required to engage with Indigenous communities.
• Occasional lifting and physical setup for events may be necessary.