Program Assistant, Indigenous Student Access Program

University of Calgary • Calgary, Alberta, Canada • 2w ago

Description

The Indigenous Student Access Program in Student Experience and Support invites applications for a Program Assistant. This Fixed Term Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Program Assistant portfolio within Writing Symbols Lodge is designed to support the Indigenous Student Access Program (ISAP) and as well as general Writing Symbols Lodge programming. This position reports directly to the Indigenous Student Success and Retention Specialist, Writing Symbols Lodge and supports Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and partners.

This position assists the Program Coordinator, Indigenous Student Access Program with general administration and coordination of ISAP program activities.

This role supports the continued indigenization of the University of Calgary. Click here to see more job opportunities with an Indigenous scope.

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

Indigenous Student Access Program:

Respond to program enquiries via email, telephone, Zoom, and in-person.
Create student newsletters, and other communications to students.
Draft program reports, including tracking student participants.
Assist with the referral for student support services specific to the cohort.
Assist with bi-weekly student workshops, including coordinating meeting space(s) and booking catering, as well as connecting with Elders for event invites.
Meet with the Indigenous Student Success and Retention Specialist, ISAP Program Coordinator, and other WSL staff and peers.
Other duties as required.
Assist with the ISAP Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) program:
- Meet with PASS leaders to help plan sessions.
- Coordinate in-person and virtual meeting spaces.
- Send out emails to students about upcoming sessions.
- Identify any problems or potential problems.
Assist with the Peer Mentorship Program:
- Work with Peer Mentors to create/modify session schedules for each semester.
- Schedule and book rooms/virtual spaces such as zoom for sessions.
- Enter Peer Mentorship events in online tracking system.
- Assist the learning support programs in training Peer Mentors.
- Support booking of events and send invites to Peer Mentors.

Reception & Administrative Support:

Support WSL event logistics, which may include booking facilities, note taking, organizing materials and drafting agendas.
Participate in Writing Symbols Lodge team meetings, events, open houses, and campus tours.
Collaborate and support with Indigenous Student Success and Retention Specialist, ISAP Program Coordinator, WSL Manager, and Ótáp ímisskaan regarding communications and social media content.
Perform minor edits to the website to ensure information is accurate and up to date.
Produce, distribute, and collate results from student feedback surveys.

General programming:

Support general Writing Symbols Lodge programming with Writing Symbols Lodge team and SES staff that support cultural awareness and inclusion.
Promote Writing Symbols Lodge events and activities and provide Writing Symbols Lodge website updates and posting on general social media accounts.
Provide presence at Writing Symbols Lodge outreach events, booths, service fairs and other outreach events including Orientation Week.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Undergraduate degree in Business, Arts, Humanities, Education (or related field) with 1-2 years experience in community building, office administration, and working with youth.
An equivalent combination of skills and experience may be considered.
Knowledge pertaining to cultural protocol and Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being, Doing, and Connecting in the context of community relations and student support programming.
Experience with program planning and event coordination required.
Excellent program organizational and leadership skills.
Experience working with business community is an asset.
Excellent written, public speaking, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Experience with computer skills in MS Office, D2L, Elevate and social media platforms.
Demonstrated sensitivity towards students who come from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to plan for and manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines.
Ability to handle competing responsibilities and determine priorities.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team setting as well as in an independent, self-directed environment.
Displays an understanding of the University of Calgary policies and procedures, faculties, and student support services.
Ability to speak an Indigenous language is an additional asset.
Knowledge of Indigenous communities in Treaty 7 and beyond, and experience in working successfully with Indigenous youth.
The successful candidate must possess a high level of cultural awareness in relation to regional Indigenous protocols and Indigenous peoples.
Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, ceremonies and practices within Treaty 7 Territory and additional territories is preferred.
Experience working closely with an established network of Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers is essential for this role.
Strong technical background in using office software and business process systems.
Work experience with general administrative processes involving file management, and coordination of administrative tasks is essential.

Application Deadline: April 17, 2025

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 Operational/Administrative Job Family, Phase 2.

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 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.

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 (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

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.

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