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Purpose:
The Division of Equity, People and Culture is committed to the Anishinaabe teaching of Mino Bimaaddiziwin, the Good Life, across all facets of York University. Our goal is to help nurture an environment where we all have a stronger sense of connection, inclusion, and well-being. This is our shared responsibility. We aim to invest in our people and to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Under the direction of the Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives (AVPII), the Indigenous Initiatives Special Advisor supports strategic advisory, project leadership, and culturally informed decision-making to advance Indigenization, decolonization, equity, sustainability, and inclusion at York University. The role exercises professional judgment, and Indigenous knowledge to support pan-university initiatives, outreach strategies, and ensure institutional commitments to Indigenous priorities are effectively implemented.
The role is responsible for the planning, prioritization, and delivery of complex, multi-partner initiatives, assessing risks, determining culturally appropriate approaches, resolving escalated issues, and ensuring outcomes align with Indigenous community expectations and York's strategic goals. The role represents the AVPII and the Division of Equity, People & Culture (VPEPC) in working groups, consultations, and institutional forums, providing expert guidance on Indigenous protocols, relational practices, and culturally grounded decision pathways.
The role works with internal community members, academic leaders, and external Indigenous partners, and guides the development and continuous refinement of programs, resources, communications, and engagement activities. The role exercises a high degree of cultural, political, and institutional awareness, and evaluates the impact of initiatives, recommends improvements, and leads the operationalization of unit-wide plans and commitments.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
Experience:
3 years of related experience.
Experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring projects, programs, and/or initiatives through Indigenous perspectives.
Experience in the creation of promotional material and program participant recruitment strategies.
Experience working with Indigenous colleagues and community members, ideally in an academic environment.
Experience providing a full range of specialized support to a Senior Leader in a highly complex institutional environment.
Experience with consulting and maintaining respectful relationships with Indigenous service providers and communities/community members
Indigenous candidates preferred.
Knowledge:
Knowledge of the respectful inclusion of Indigenous ways of knowing and being in post-secondary spaces.
Understanding of diverse and complex dynamics Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and how to navigate and respect those diversities in institutional spaces.
Sensitivity to Indigenous specific issues, such as comfort moving in Indigenous spaces, and being aware of culturally responsive planning practices.
Knowledge of common greetings and phrases in Anishinaabe and/or Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous languages.
Knowledge of post-secondary academic priorities, continuous improvements, and service excellence principles.
Knowledge of the priorities in higher education.
Understanding of university culture and partner relations.
Skills:
Effective transformative, service minded leadership skills to foster innovation, engaged thinking and generation of ideas.
Ability to foster an environment of trust, support and accountability while modelling respect for employees.
Ability to handle confidential, politically sensitive issues, and difficult situations in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
Effective consultative and interpersonal skills. Able to communicate effectively across varied partner audiences.
Effective time management and prioritization skills to deliver results in a multi-department high volume, fast-paced, and rapidly evolving work environment.
Effective ability to work independently, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments.
Effective analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to critically evaluate information gathered from multiple sources.
Ability to work with productivity software such as Microsoft 365, including word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, and workflow applications.
Ability to take complete notes, and able to identify and capture key points of discussion and action items.
Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a team environment.
Able to engage and persuade others, particularly those in senior leadership roles
Effective research skills.
Effective public relations, and inter-cultural skills.
Additional Notes:
Note: verification of degree(s)/credential(s) required.
Indigenized and decolonized office work environment.
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*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.
York is committed to ensuring the way we work serves our diverse community and advances our commitment to Living Well Together, one of the Six Priorities for Action in the University Academic Plan. As part of this commitment the University has implemented a Hybrid Work Policy.
The selected incumbent for this role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement which will be confirmed based on operational requirements.
We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.
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PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.