Specialist, Indigenous Intercultural Education (Calgary)

Specialist, Indigenous Intercultural Education (Calgary)

13 Aug
|
University of Calgary
|
Calgary

13 Aug

University of Calgary

Calgary

Description The Indigenous Engagement Team in the Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Specialist for approximately 24 months.

Reporting to the Director (Indigenous Strategy), the Specialist, Indigenous Intercultural Education is responsible for the development, coordination, and facilitation of not-for-credit intercultural capacity-building programming for the campus community. This position works closely and collaboratively with other teams across the university, including but not limited to Peoples and Cultures (HR), Student Experience and Support (SES), and Continuing Education on the development and delivery of Indigenous cultural education. The role focuses on creating learning opportunities and access to quality intercultural educational programming responsive to TRC calls to action as guided by the recommendations and principles of the University of Calgary's Indigenous strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p.

The role calls for a collaborative leadership style, employing sound judgment, patience, and innovation in the creation and delivery of Indigenous-focused intercultural education.

As a member of the Office of Indigenous Engagement, this position works collaboratively within a small team to collectively realize the overall principles, goals, and recommendations of ii' taa'poh'to'p. The incumbent will be called upon to work closely with Elders when appropriate, represent the Office of Indigenous Engagement on relevant institutional committees, and participate in the implementation structure of the Indigenous Strategy, which includes the Circle of Advisors, Elders Circles, related ceremonies, and relevant Working Circles (leading and participating). The incumbent will be called upon to contribute to the planning and execution of special OIE events and advise or offer strategic support to colleagues within and outside of the Office of Indigenous Engagement on programs, projects, or initiatives that further the transformation of the campus community and our collective commitment to truth and reconciliation.

This is a full-time, limited-term AUPE position with a two-year term and the possibility of extension. The position follows a regular Monday-to-Friday work schedule, with occasional changes to start and end times, and may require attendance at events or service outside normal working hours.

The Hybrid Work

Program is available.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Strategic

- Maintain an in-depth understanding of the principles, recommendations, and overall content and intent of the Indigenous Strategy.
- Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
- Build positive relationships within and alongside Indigenous communities for the purpose of building and maintaining good relations and potential partnerships.
- Commit to the advancement of Indigenous inclusion through the development, design, and facilitation of intercultural learning programs and opportunities for students and staff.
- Design and lead train-the-trainer workshops to help select and build facilitation capacity across the campus community.
- Research and compose documents, proposals, reports pertaining to intercultural education.
- Develop and conduct interviews, surveys, and/or focus groups of university and Indigenous community members to gauge interest and/or demand for proposed educational initiatives.
- Coordinate and collaborate with key campus stakeholders as well as Indigenous scholars, ceremonial Elders, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers involved in the development and delivery of new and current intercultural education programs/courses.
- Act as project manager for the research, development, implementation, and evaluation of these programs.
- Coordinate and facilitate the annual Indigenous Knowledge Lecture Series.
- Work collaboratively with the Operations Manager within the Office of Indigenous Engagement identify and evaluate financial plans for new initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Director (Indigenous Strategy) and Vice Provost (Indigenous Engagement) when requested to create fund development proposals for non-credit intercultural education initiatives.
- Liaise and collaborate with other units and faculties across campus in the development and implementation of strategic intercultural education initiatives.
- Develop and maintain reporting mechanisms to measure the engagement and success of current intercultural initiatives.




- Work closely with other team members to gather information and track intercultural cultural capacity program metrics for the Journey update annual report on the development, implementation and success.
- Make recommendations and implement changes that address continuous improvement of programs/course curriculum based on learner evaluations.
- Participate in Implementation structure of the Indigenous strategy, including participating in select committees and leading select working circles.
- Collaborate with the OIE Communications, Special Events, and Marketing staff to on the design and development communication materials and marketing strategies pertaining to intercultural education.
- Ability to Work independently and collaboratively within a small team setting.
- Provide day-to-day operational mentorship to research assistants and other administrative support staff when required and requested.
- Contribute to the planning and execution of special cultural events, conferences, symposiums, and ceremonies hosted and co-hosted by the Office of Indigenous Engagement.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director (Indigenous Strategy).

Operational/Administrative responsibilities:
- Participate in Office of Indigenous Engagement team meeting, working circles and implementation structure to further the progress of the Indigenous strategy.
- Advise the Office of Indigenous Engagement team for the improvement and/or enhancement of operational and administrative matters related to the role.
- Develop administrative program guides and manuals ‿ when appropriate and related to administrative matters, community consultation progresses and reporting relevant to responsibilities.
- Work proactively to assemble summary reports, background information and timelines on special initiatives, program evaluation and tracking.
- Ensure work conforms to University and Office structure, governance and decision-making processes as per Office and university policies and guidelines.
- Collaborate and prioritize deadlines to ensure efficiency in administrative processes and program development.
- Ensure smooth and ongoing communication with colleagues and other stakeholders or partners on program initiatives and projects.
- Oversee day-to-day work of research assistants assigned to projects and programs aligned with this role.
- Represent the Office of Indigenous Engagement on relevant internal and external committees as appointed.
- Lead and co-lead select sub-committees associated with the implementation of the Indigenous strategy.
- Act as a resource for the Indigenous Strategy and liaise with partners on campus (HR, WSL, SES) and in the community when and where appropriate and related to program and project initiatives.
- Help overcome institutional and systemic barriers through intercultural programming offered to the campus community to better support the inclusion of Indigenous students, knowledge keepers, and knowledge systems in UCalgary.
- Build trust through openness and transparency while making difficult decisions needed to move the Indigenous Strategy forward.
- Develop, build, and maintain key relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications / Requirements

- Master's degree is preferred; post-secondary degree in a related field (Education, Social Work or Indigenous Studies) will be considered with the appropriate community-related experience.
- Minimum 5 years related experience, preferably in direct association with Indigenous communities and programs.
- Familiarity and knowledge of regional Indigenous communities is essential.
- Demonstrate superior skills required in written and verbal communication.
- Possess positive, well-established relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders, and cultural knowledge keepers.
- Demonstrated understanding of the cultural knowledge and communication skills required to connect with Indigenous communities including Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
- Minimum 2 years work experience managing complex strategic projects.
- Experience developing and facilitation professional workshops, with Indigenous content.




- Proven organizational skills with an ability to set priorities and complete multiple tasks within specified timelines.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
- Ability to perform multiple and complex tasks, with attention to detail and business processes.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills to draft clear, concise correspondence, as well as to respond to enquiries with tact, confidentiality and discretion.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to act decisively, to exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team within a large, complex, dynamic and sophisticated organization.
- Demonstrated professionalism, tact and maturity in handling highly sensitive and confidential information ethically and with discretion.
- In alignment with the University of Calgary's commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous engagement, lived experience will be considered a valued asset in the selection of the successful candidate.

Application Deadline: August 25, 2026 We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About The University Of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here.

In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

📌 Specialist, Indigenous Intercultural Education (Calgary)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Calgary

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