Indigenous Learning Strategist

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. We take pride in working alongside our Indigenous host nations whose territory we operate on, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Indigenous House at UTSC works to mobilize University of Toronto’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation as outlined in Answering the Call – Wecheehetowin. Following there commendations of the report, the Office guides the University of Toronto Scarborough's efforts in amplifying Indigenous voices and Indigenous place keeping on campus.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity:

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Learning Strategist provides academic support and counselling to undergraduate and graduate students in their development of essential academic and organizational skills by applying evidence-based learning strategies. Drawing on research in pedagogy, educational psychology, and the science of learning, the role focuses on helping students build effective study habits. critical thinking, and executive functioning through personalized learning plans – empowering them to succeed across diverse academic contexts. The Indigenous Learning Strategist will collaborate with faculty and academic units to develop and deliver academic skill-building curriculum and programming tailored to courses and student needs. This includes in-class presentations, peer-led study sessions, workshops, and one-on-one or small group support focused on learning, critical thinking, and time management. The role also involves assessing program effectiveness and creating online learning resources. Work will include assessing programming and creating online materials and supports to enhance student learning and those relevant to Indigenous students.

Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous. Recognizing that there are a variety of terms that potential candidates may use to self-identify, the University uses the term “Indigenous” in this search, which forms part of the U of T Responses to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to encompass the people of Turtle Island, including those who identify as First nations, Metis, Inuk (Inuit), Alaska Native, Native American, and Native Hawaiian people.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing advanced academic and learning skills counselling
• Advising students on the development of their educational plans
• Probing for information from students to identify learning and performance needs
• Developing components of learning support programs
• Conducting a detailed analysis of student feedback and learning outcomes to inform program planning activities
• Developing student assessment plans to support student learning outcomes and competencies
• Facilitating psychoeducational workshops that promote the development of coping strategies and skills
• Making informed referrals and supporting an individual in distress until referral contact is made

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in a related program of study (e.g. Education) or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum four years of related experience in academic learning strategy support in a multi-disciplinary setting to Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students at the university-level.
• The successful candidate will be required to have lived experience as an Indigenous person.
• Demonstrated and related experience in coaching for academic success.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities and peoples.
• Knowledge and awareness of the life experiences and needs of Indigenous students.
• Must be an experienced and recognized facilitator of groups.
• Must have experience developing peer mentoring programs.
• Must be able to demonstrate success in facilitating partnerships with constituents from a variety of institutional areas.
• Ability to initiate independent collaborations with faculty and staff to enhance students' learning experiences and sense of belonging.
• Excellent computer and technical skills (e.g. Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Superb interpersonal, listening, and communication skills for fostering student development and negotiating conflict.
• Excellence in understanding anti-oppression frameworks and delivering programming to enhance equity.
• Excellence in managing projects through effective setting of priorities, honed organization skills and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated initiative to maintain awareness of current and emerging trends in university level learning and to incorporate them into their work.
• Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

Assets (Nonessential):

• Certification in Learning Strategies, Coaching, or Supplemental Instruction is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with E-Learning.
• Training in Humanities, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Engineering and/or Math.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the learning needs of students with disabilities.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Approachable
• Multi-tasker
• Proactive
• Problem solver
• Team player