Indigenous Student Success Coordinator

Summary of Responsibilities:

Responsible for coordinating, supporting, and enhancing core Indigenous Student Centre weekly programming and workshops aimed at supporting Indigenous students’ social, cultural and emotional wellbeing
Collaborate with the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre and ISC team to create new programs that enhance the Indigenous student experience at OCAD University; support and facilitate the development of student-led programming in partnership with Indigenous students and student monitors.
Maintain a consistent on-campus presence to provide support and referrals to Indigenous students in distress and as needed; act as a liaison between students and available supports
Provide advocacy services and guidance to Indigenous students navigating academic and non-academic policies and processes such as academic misconduct, appeals, and petitions; formally advocate on behalf of Indigenous students and provide support through the relevant policy or process as needed or requested
Provide academic advising, support and information to students pertaining to procedures, program requirements, dates and deadlines; work closely with Student Advising, Office of the Registrar and relevant support units 
Maintain current knowledge and comprehensive understanding of relevant academic and non-academic policies and processes including Student Petitions, Grade Appeals, Non-Academic Misconduct Policy, Response to Violent or Threatening Behaviour, Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy; to effectively support student concerns and referrals to the relevant policy holder when necessary  
Maintain proactive communications, including the ISC weekly newsletter, social media accounts and the department’s website, to build awareness, promote events and ensure access to accurate, timely and relevant information; to connect with Indigenous OCAD U students, staff, faculty, alumni, Indigenous communities and partners
Provide information and guidance to Indigenous students regarding internal and external bursaries, awards, financial supports; work closely with the Financial Aid & Awards office, providing referrals as needed  
Maintain knowledge of housing supports available for Indigenous OCAD U students; community programs, resources and housing partners  
Coordinate Orientation and Welcome events for new students and represent the Indigenous Student Centre at University events.
With support from the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre, maintain collaborative relationships with OCAD U’s existing student support services to ensure Indigenous student needs are integrated into service delivery throughout the University; including Student Advising, Office of the Registrar, Student Wellness Centre, Student Accessibility Services, Centre for Learning and Teaching, Financial Aid & Awards, Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers
Maintain a resource list for external agencies and organizations that provide supports for Indigenous students, including grants and awards, housing, career opportunities, cultural supports, and health and wellness
Track persistence and retention of Indigenous students on an ongoing basis and develop retention plans in collaboration with the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre  
Supervise the Centre’s Student Monitors including participating in hiring, managing schedules, performance and approving biweekly time entry  
Serve on internal and external committees as needed  
Support the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre in other related functions and special projects contributing successful operation of the Indigenous Student Centre  

Qualifications:

Indigenous citizenship (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), connection to an Indigenous community, lived experience and an understanding of the Indigenous culture(s) and practices   
Experience with the administration of Indigenous community programming, education, and arts  
Understanding of Indigenous cultural, educational, political, and economic conditions 
Post-secondary degree or equivalent, with three (3) years of administrative work experience, preferably in a post-secondary educational environment  
A demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service in a diverse environment  
Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and strong self-management skills  
Demonstrated professionalism, and the ability to exercise tact, good judgment and diplomacy  
Strong working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, and experience working with databases  
Demonstrated attention to detail, strong organizational and time management skills, and the ability to juggle competing demands, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines  
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be an active contributor in the planning, formulation and implementation of student-centered services  
Proven ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment  
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty 
Flexibility in work hours; must be willing and able to work occasional evenings, as required