Who We Are

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is among Canada's leading comprehensive universities and consistently ranks as one of the top employers in the country. Located on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples, we are defined by innovative education, cutting-edge research, and far-reaching community engagement. Our commitment to Reconciliation is part of our core identity and a top priority of our president.

About the Role

SFU invites individuals interested in transforming and reimagining Indigenous student pathways to and through the university to apply for the role of Director, Indigenous Pathway Programs. This leader will walk with the university’s senior leadership team and together with host Nations, Faculties, Student Services, Indigenous Recruitment & Admissions, the Indigenous Student Centre, and other partners to collaboratively form a strategic vision for Indigenous student pathways with an initial focus on the Indigenous University Pathway Program (IUPP). By inviting Indigenous learners to the university and creating space for them, the Director IPP will play an impactful role in advancing the university’s commitment to Uphold Truth and Reconciliation as articulated in What’s Next: The SFU Strategy.

SFU seeks to welcome a candidate with lived experience, and/or deep understanding of the lived experiences, of Indigenous people in Canada to this leadership role. The successful candidate will have deep knowledge of the complexity in the implementation and evaluation of Indigenous pathway and bridging programs and the diverse forms of student success, along with a demonstrated understanding of the experiences of Indigenous students in Canadian K-12 and post-secondary systems. Additionally, this leader will have demonstrated a passion for fostering Indigenous student success through the administration, promotion, and implementation of programs and projects that support Indigenous students throughout their educational journeys. Furthermore, this leader will have experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and have the ability to venerate each community’s distinctive protocols and ways of being.

Full Job Description 

Qualifications

Master's degree in Education or a discipline relevant to Indigenous post-secondary education with five years of experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of post-secondary Indigenous student programs, services, and policies, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
• Deep knowledge of the complexity in the implementation and evaluation of Indigenous pathway and bridging programs and the diverse forms of student success.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultural identities and values.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Canadian post-secondary system, strategic enrolment management concepts and academic policies and processes that contribute to a quality post-secondary experience. 
• Knowledge of recruitment, admissions, and enrollment management theories, best practices, and strategies.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and expertise with respect to the administration, promotion and implementation of programs and projects that promote positive social change for Indigenous people. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with students of diverse ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to work with multiple community partners, and to develop and sustain effective and collaborative partnerships.
• Ability to establish effective contacts within professional and social networks in the Indigenous community.
• Excellent knowledge of local community-based resources and services and ability to establish effective contacts within professional and social networks in the Indigenous community.
• Ability to act as an advocate for Indigenous students to provide support to them when navigating through administrative processes and accessing resources.
• Ability to make good decisions and deliver effective solutions with careful evaluations of alternatives in the absence of specific policies and in stressful and volatile situations.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment, initiative, diplomacy, and tact.
• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, communication (public speaking, oral and written) and organizational skills.
• Excellent leadership, financial management, and supervisory skills.
• Ability to provide support in the design and implementation of curriculum that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• Ability to arrange suitable transportation to various work locations.
• Proficient in the use of standard office applications, learning management systems and enterprise-level information systems.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

In accordance with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, this opportunity is limited to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous or have Indigenous ancestry. Candidates are invited to submit a self-identification narrative/story of their Indigenous lived experience and a letter of support from Indigenous community to be considered for this position. We understand and acknowledge the deleterious effects of colonial and ongoing systems and structures such as residential schools, the 60s scoop and “status” cards on Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Métis) identity. This process is therefore intended to be interpreted in a broad understanding of Indigenous lived experiences and Indigenous community. Support letters for example, include letters from urban-based organizations, respected community elders outside place-based family/Nations for those in the process of reclaiming place-based connections and similar expressions of support. We acknowledge the potential emotional labour and/or (re)traumatizing impacts of sharing personal narratives in this context and encourage applicants to consider this fully in their decision-making to apply.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.