Policy Specialist

Role: Policy Specialist, Office of the Vide Provost Indigenous

Temporary - 12-month position

Job Summary:

This position will give preference to candidates who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit). Candidates from this designated group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, including details relevant to their community and lived experience, as part of the application process.

The Office of the Vice Provost Indigenous provides strategic leadership to advance Indigenous priorities, including research, education and reconciliation across the institution; and to strengthen the university’s relationship with Indigenous communities.

The Indigenous Policy Specialist is accountable to the Vice-Provost, Indigenous (VPI). The incumbent provides support for the VPI and assists with the implementation and conduct of university-wide responsibilities. The Indigenous Policy Specialist is an integral part of the team that supports the Office of the VPI.

The Policy Specialist develops, implements and evaluates policies, programs and initiatives to promote an inclusive and exceptional experience for Indigenous communities. This role conducts research and analysis and provides strategic advice on policies and practices affecting equity-deserving or underrepresented groups.

Working with internal and external parties, the Policy Specialist ensures institutional policies align with the University’s commitments to equitable and inclusive practice and promotes culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches across the institution.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Research and analyze policies and programs related to the issues and rights of equity deserving groups, with a distinct focus on Indigenous communities.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of existing policies on students, staff, faculty and Knowledge Keepers.
• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations to address emerging needs and systemic barriers.
• Collaborate with internal partners, community groups and organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups to inform policy and program development and implementation.
• Lead and manage projects and initiatives supporting the development and implementation of policies and programs.
• Lead the implementation of policies, programs and processes that support the culturally safe and trauma-informed practices across the University.
• Stay informed of current developments, legislation, trends, and best practices in equity, inclusion, and community-informed policy development.
• Provide guidance and expertise to internal and external partners.
• Advocate for the identified community’s rights and representation in decision-making processes.
• Represent the Indigenous community in collaborative reviews of equity-focused initiatives and programming applying an anti-racism lens. Write reports on remedial or improvement strategies.
• Provide feedback and support on the implementation of activities to ensure internal departments are using a cultural sensitive and trauma-informed approach.
• Provide strategic policy advice on institutional priorities, strategic plans, and special initiatives; prepare reports, briefing notes, position papers, and presentations.
• Collaborate with communications teams to ensure accurate and current content related to policies and initiatives
• Liaise with any academic program partners related to policy matters and related initiatives.
• Plan and coordinate a variety of meetings and events with internal and external partners

Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

To apply for this job, please submit your application online: Current Opportunities - Human Resources

AI Statement:

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.