Indigenous Student Engagement and Event Coordinator

Georgian College • Ontario, ON

1d • CA$35 - CA$40 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Manager, Indigenous Services, the Indigenous Student Engagement and Events Coordinator will provide support to Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) by connecting them with appropriate services within Georgian College. This role will coordinate retention-focused activities, events, workshops, and initiatives that promote Indigenous student success on the Barrie campus. The coordinator will also collaborate with staff, faculty, internal departments, and external Indigenous organizations and communities to plan and deliver Indigenous-focused initiatives, and share Indigenous-specific resources with relevant departments, when needed, across all campuses. This position requires the candidate to demonstrate Indigenous citizenship, traditional knowledge and connection to Indigenous community, as well as lived experience and deep understanding and respect of Indigenous histories, traditions and cultures.

Requirements

• Successfully completed 3-year diploma/degree in a related field including an Indigenous Undergrad Program, Administration, Education, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field of study.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in a similar role directly with Indigenous communities and diverse populations is required.
• This position requires the candidate to demonstrate Indigenous citizenship, traditional knowledge and connection to Indigenous community, as well as lived experience and deep understanding and respect of Indigenous histories, traditions and cultures.
• Experience providing support to Indigenous clients or students in an educational or related setting, with adherence to confidentiality requirements and the ability to interact effectively with diverse partners.
• Understanding factors that may impact Indigenous students’ access to, transition into, and retention within postsecondary education.
• Knowledge of postsecondary processes and student support services, including admissions, financial aid, Indigenous sponsorship, housing, student life, and career development services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the goals and missions of Indigenous organizations.
• Established relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities within Simcoe County.
• Proven organizational skills to work effectively, handling numerous tasks simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work independently and participate as an effective team member.
• Reliable transportation required -for purposes of picking up and dropping off supplies for example.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of Anishnaabemowin would be an asset.
• Working knowledge of Anishnaabemowin.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for Indigenous Services and promote student engagement through tabling events, presentations, and campus tours.
• Build trusting relationships with Indigenous students to foster belonging, cultural connection, and community on campus.
• Connect students to appropriate internal supports (e.g., Visiting Elder, Indigenous Student Counsellor, Student Learning Services, Georgian College Students’ Association, Athletics) and external Indigenous-specific or mainstream services.
• Use internal communication systems (e.g., Navigate360, ServiceNow, Community Hub) to connect with students and track supports provided.
• Coordinate orientation and transition activities to help Indigenous students navigate academic and campus life successfully.
• Celebrate student achievements and participation to create a positive, inclusive, and culturally safe learning environment.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Indigenous Services, to identify and address student concerns promptly and in a culturally informed manner.
• Coordinate and/or facilitate culturally informed activities, events, and workshops that promote student retention, success, cultural identity, and personal well-being among Indigenous students, including serving as emcee for select events and/or public speaking.
• Support student engagement, participation and leadership in Indigenous-led events and encouraging student involvement.
• Collaborate with the Indigenous Services team to share wise practices, respond to emerging student needs, and enhance retention-focused initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate and execute all logistical requirements for Indigenous knowledge-sharing activities and college-community events, including scheduling, booking, materials, budgeting and hospitality.
• Build and maintain relationships with Elders, Knowledge Holders, Senators and Indigenous community members or organizations to deliver Indigenous cultural events on campus.
• Promote Indigenous representation and awareness across the college community through informal researching, writing, and submitting Indigenous-focused content to Marketing, Communications, and Recruitment (MCR) for publication and promotion.
• Ensure all activities, events, and workshops align with Georgian College’s policies and procedures (e.g., Smudging and Pipe Ceremonies Protocol, etc.).
• Develop, maintain, and monitor an annual work plan aligned with the approved budget and departmental priorities.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Indigenous Services, to regularly review and monitor budget performance.
• Collect, analyze, and report on data related to Indigenous student engagement and service utilization to inform planning, budgeting, reporting obligations and continuous improvement.
• Informally research and remain up to date on emerging trends and opportunities in Indigenous post-secondary education.
• Apply guiding frameworks such as Maajishkaadaa (Let’s Move Forward Together) Indigenization Strategy, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) Calls for Justice, the CICan Indigenous Education Protocol, and the Georgian College Strategic Plan to ensure alignment and accountability in all planning and reporting activities.
• Build and maintain positive, reciprocal relationships between Indigenous Services, internal departments, and Indigenous organizations/communities.
• Respond to internal requests for support on initiatives such as collaboration, consultation, guest speakers, and community outreach, including partnership opportunities with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL).
• Represent Indigenous Services on pertinent campus committees and working groups to ensure Indigenous perspectives inform planning and decision-making.
• Support outreach and engagement by participating in events, community gatherings, and educational activities that strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing related to Indigenous cultures and protocols by providing guidance within their scope of expertise and coordinating learning opportunities with appropriate Knowledge Holders.
• Develop and maintain a roster of guest speakers, cultural specialists, Knowledge Holders, and trainers, and oversee an up-to-date Indigenous community directory.

Benefits

• Georgian College supports diversity, equity and a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
• Georgian College is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace.
• If you are contacted to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise the interview coordinator of any accommodations needed with respect to any materials or processes used to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process.
• Alternate formats will be provided upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree