Indigenous Engagement and Retention Adviser

Reporting to the AVP, Indigenous Education and Internal Engagement, the Indigenous Engagement and Retention Adviser (the "Adviser") supports the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support (CILS) in its mandate to provide a safe and supportive environment to all Indigenous students (Status, Non-Status, Metis and Inuit), and to provide access to services to support students’ personal and academic success. The Indigenous Student Adviser provides developmental advising support for students in any program of study or Faculty at Sheridan. The incumbent acts as the student’s Professional Advising point of contact with the institution and requires a high level of institutional knowledge (both academic and student experience/support familiarity) and professional advising acumen to be successful. The incumbent plays a significant role in the development of students and offers a continuum of care.

Responsibilities include assisting Indigenous students by promoting CILS services and Sheridan resources (e.g. peer tutoring, counselling, student advisement, health, financial). The incumbent utilizes partnerships with key stakeholders, communities, and organizations to promote awareness and involvement in Sheridan’s Indigenous programs.  

The incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing Indigenous engagement and student success events, activities and projects focused on celebrating and recognizing the cultures of Indigenous peoples through teachings and cultural events.  The incumbent also contributes to the development and implementation of communication tools and performs data analysis related to tracking Indigenous Student Success.

What You’ll be Doing

• Community Building and Networking Activities 
  • Networks with other Indigenous Student Centres at other post-secondary institutions to discuss issues, create linkages, and share best practices. Shares these with Academic Faculties and service departments
  • Participates actively on committees and working groups to inform stakeholders on challenges and barriers and to improve the success and retention of Indigenous learners at Sheridan.
  • Coordinates meetings with Elders to access support, guidance and teachings. Partners with internal departments and staff (e.g. Marketing, Recruitment, Event Services and the Student Union) to promote Indigenous initiatives, programs, hands-on workshops, and Sheridan events 
  • Researches, develops and implements strategies that will introduce Indigenous Learners and the Sheridan Community to the function and purpose of the CILS
• Developmental Advising (including Case Follow-Up) & Case Consultation
  • Serves as a professional adviser to students regarding questions, concerns or issues related to aspects of navigating the student experience/lifecycle
  • Advises students on both academic (e.g. course availability, academic requirements, group work issues, interpreting policy implications) & non-academic (e.g. struggling to make friends, navigating stress, food insecurity, career uncertainty) matters 
  • Evaluates and identifies students’ needs and individual situations to determine the appropriate next steps including referrals to other Sheridan departments/resources (e.g. Student Affairs, faculty or Student Advisor). 
  • Reviews student record (i.e. SIS, CRM, technology platforms) to ensure a fulsome picture of the student
  • Maintains accurate case records of all student interactions in CRM (database) to track the student journey; conducts data analysis and creates service reports
  • Builds rapport with students while ensuring confidentiality and safeguarding of student rights.
  • Engages with students to promote extra-curricular and community building experiences and is able to provide information to students to including answering questions and leading them to services that will enhance their student experience.
• Indigenous Engagement and Education
  • Champions the needs of Indigenous students, staff and faculty members; provides advice and support to the College Faculty and staff on all Indigenous matters.
  • Collaborate and support faculty, staff, and students in learning about Indigenous history, culture, and practices of Canada by coordinating or participating in individual and group-based programs and events
  • Supports, advocates and educates the Sheridan community and students about the cultures of Indigenous peoples through teachings. Acts as a key contact for current students, and for the broader Sheridan community, in addressing issues, questions and/or concerns on Indigenous learning, people, history, culture and practices; relates effectively with students of all backgrounds.
  • Creates and maintains a list of approved Indigenous speakers, guest lecturers, artists, academics, professionals and community members, etc., that can collaborate with faculty to infuse Indigenous knowledge and voices into the classroom experience. 
  • Advocates for Indigenous learners in promotion meetings to address cultural barriers to succession and retention
• Operational Activities
  • Participates in the development and implementation of CILS goals, policies and procedures; ensures practices and resources align with Sheridan policies and procedures.
  • Cordinates CILS’s administrative activities including overseeing office equipment maintenance and repair as well as replacement of missing supplies.
  • Determines office deficiencies, facilities requirements, and places requests and supply orders as required.
• Performing other related duties as assigned

About You

You value participating in and creating safe, brave and inclusive environments at work and in the community and want to be a part of a culture where we strive to take actions to ensure no one is left behind.

Your respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion as it relates to the student academic experience informs your way of knowing, practicing, and supporting the Sheridan community.

You have a high level of intercultural competence coupled with a deep understanding of the application of principles of inclusivity.

You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present to diverse audiences and communities.  

You enjoy balancing many different tasks and can prioritize multiple projects while staying organized and maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

You exercise sound judgement and your sharp problem solving and conflict resolution skills allow you to solve challenges in a creative way.

You enjoy working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• 4-year degree in Social Work, Communications, Psychology, Education, Indigenous Studies, Art, Business or a related field
• Minimum of 5-years progressive experience Experience working in postsecondary education as it relates to Indigenous students, including barriers to participation and success. (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Preference for a candidate who identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) and has lived experience with Indigenous communities 
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous communities (First Nations Métis, Inuit), the Indigenous experience in post-secondary settings, and connection to Indigenous Knowledge Systems 
• Strong connection to Indigenous Nations and communities
• Data analysis - Collecting, recording, analyzing, reporting, and presenting data and research findings)

Who We Are:

Every member of the Sheridan community is passionate about the transformational role we play in people’s lives. Our strategic plan, Sheridan 2027: Forging the Future (https://www.sheridancollege.ca/sheridan2027), charts a path towards a new ground-breaking model of higher education that reshapes post-secondary education and better prepares students for the future. We are committed to demonstrably advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Diversity is our strength and fuels our commitment to excellence. Across our campuses, we’re making meaningful strides towards developing an equitable and inclusive community.

• For more information, visit: Why Work at Sheridan

Other Details

Faculty/Department: Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support
Campus Location: Trafalgar (may be assigned activities at any Sheridan campus)
Work Categorization: Hybrid Position | On-site at least 3 days/week
Reference: J0425-0199
Employee Group: Support Staff
Payband: J
Hourly Range: $42.56 - $49.34
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Hours/Week: 35 
Application Deadline: May 2, 2025
Application Details: This is a temporary position that may continue for up to 18 months

Sheridan is deeply committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, Anishinaabe Nation, Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Sheridan is situated on these lands, and it is our collective responsibility to honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here, and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be working on this land.

Sheridan values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. Sheridan regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. Sheridan seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including those who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Sheridan is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources.