Director, Indigenous Strategy and Sr Advisor on Indigenous Relations

Competition Number: REQ 6630

TITLE: Director, Indigenous Strategy and Sr Advisor on Indigenous Relations

DIVISION: People Enablement & Experience

SALARY: Payband 13, $130,500 to $153,545 per year 

LOCATION: 51 Dockside Drive

STATUS: Full Time Admin 

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 2025

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.

Land Acknowledgement

George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.

Equity Statement

George Brown College is committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment.  We encourage and actively seek applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized people, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, all genders, and persons with disabilities. 

GBC Vision

To be a college renowned for its inclusion, excellence, relevance, impact, and leadership. 

*Candidate must be of Indigenous ancestry, evidence of lived experience and connection to an Indigenous community (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)

Position Description:

The Director, Indigenous Strategy and Sr Advisor on Indigenous Relations reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Anti-Racism, Equity, and Human Rights Services. Working collaboratively with the college, the President, Vice President Academic, Indigenous Initiatives, and external partners, this executive role supports Indigenous success within the institution while contributing to the decolonization colleges practices, policies and structures through advocacy and community-building.

This pivotal role is charged with the leadership and execution of strategic priorities essential to the development and implementation of the Indigenous Education Strategy with a primary focus on growing and maintaining respectful and abiding relationships between the college and Indigenous communities.

The incumbent coordinates and oversees Indigenous initiatives across the college, provides strategic direction (related to Indigenous related priorities) to all Indigenous-focused roles within the institution and ensures institutional alignment with the goals and objectives of the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and broader community informed priorities. The incumbent will also provide direct management to the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives and have oversight to the Indigenous Initiatives team.

The role aims to foster an inclusive academic and social environment that establishes the College as a leader in Indigenous education and services by prioritizing Indigenous rights, knowledges and practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  
  • Provides leadership, and senior level advice, guidance and expertise related to cultivating a foundation and establishing meaningful Indigenization and decolonization as core to the college community expectations, policies, practices and strategies and in alignment with strategic priorities.
  • Leads the development and implementation of a college-wide Indigenous Education Strategy that contributes to the Academic Plan and Strategic Enrollment Plan, while integrating Indigenous frameworks, practices, and ways of knowing in alignment with College Vision, Mandate and Values.
  • Strengthens ongoing decolonization efforts at GBC by supporting the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIW2S) movement, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
  • Plans for annual activities, projects and longer-term progress towards the strategic pillars. Liaises with various areas across campus to achieve goals.
• Community Relations and Engagement
  • Key representative in building relationships with Indigenous First Nations and developing and maintaining meaningful and reciprocal relations with all Indigenous Peoples including Metis Nation, Inuit and Urban Indigenous communities on behalf of the college.
  • Chairs the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) which is also an advisory committee to the President and Board of Governors.
  • In collaboration with the IEC, develops an institutional strategy for meeting Indigenous student and community educational needs and promoting intercultural sharing; supports initiatives and represents issues back to senior leadership at the college.
• Internal Coordination and Leadership
  • Leads the internal Indigenous Strategy Committee and facilitates collaboration among college’s Indigenous-focused roles (e.g., Indigenous Curriculum Developer, Indigenous Educational Developer, Indigenous Pedagogy) to create a cohesive and impactful approach to advancing Indigenous initiatives and creating positive environment for Indigenous students, staff, faculty and communities.
  • Acts as a central point of accountability and communication between Indigenous-focused roles the IEC and external Indigenous communities, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and community needs.
  • Fosters opportunities for Indigenous staff and faculty to connect, support one another, and celebrate their shared experiences and achievements.
• Management and Accountability
  • Develops goals and objectives that are consistent with strategic priorities, provides direction in the management of specific initiatives.
  • Maintains a system to collect, track, and measure GBC’s progress in implementing the Indigenous Institutional Strategy.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Indigenous Studies, Education or related field, combined with expertise in social justice, anti-racist/anti-oppressive practices, or equivalent combination of relevant education and community experience.
• Minimum nine (9) years' experience working at a senior managerial level in an Indigenous-focused education role including advisory function, strategic planning and implementation.
• Demonstrable experience working in and with Indigenous communities, both rural and urban.
• Experience working with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous community and building bridges between community and institutions to support and develop initiatives that focus on needs of Indigenous communities within college environment.
• Experience working within consultative decision-making processes and collaborative/relational models of leadership.
• Proven leadership experience in advancing Indigenous education and services within a complex organization, preferably in post-secondary education.

Skills and Attributes:

• Advanced understanding of the principles of reconciliation, decolonization and Indigenous self-determination.
• Ability to work collaboratively across institutional structures to influence positive change.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion with an understanding of intersectionality.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team and manage financial resources.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentations that are appropriate and respectful of the audience.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous protocols, traditions, and governance structures and ability to establish trust and maintain long-term relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Understanding of the importance of being accountable to both institutional leadership and Indigenous communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to uphold the College’s values equity and belonging and related goals and priorities.
• Able to travel between campuses and attend community events.

Interview process may consist of a practical skills component.

Notes:

• The College requires proof of degrees, credentials, or equivalencies from accredited regional or federal post-secondary institutions and/or their international equivalents. Credentials may require validation at the time of interviews or offer.

About Us: 

George Brown College prides itself on educating students through real-world learning, in the heart of Toronto. Our faculty and employees make this vision a reality, and we support them by making George Brown a great place to work. See why we are consistently ranked as one of GTA’s top employers.

Why work here? 

George Brown College offers hybrid work opportunities, a competitive pension plan, generous holiday and vacation time, a tuition assistance program, discounted rates for employees taking Continuing Education courses, and an equitable work environment where everyone matters. 

George Brown College is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Candidates who require accommodation in the hiring process may contact TalentAcquisition@georgebrown.ca confidentially.