Description:Reporting to the Senior Director, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for assisting the Advisor on Indigenous Research with identifying, managing, and delivering on objectives and priorities, by managing projects, developing processes, preparing written material, organizing consultations and presentations with various stakeholders, synthesizing input and feedback from multiple sources, providing support for meetings, and bringing new information to the Advisor's attention.
The Special Projects Officer will be ready to take on new tasks or projects related to Indigenous research and ethics; initiate and undertake research on a wide variety of issues and topics within Indigenous knowledges; provide advice; follow-up on decisions made by the Executive members of the portfolio and the portfolio's various committees; and ensure ongoing pro-activity on issues of importance and interest to the Advisor.
The Special Projects Officer will maintain a high degree of awareness of University activities, especially as they relate to Indigenous research matters. The Special Projects Officer's role will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.
The Special Projects Officer functions as a member of the projects team within the Division of the Vice-President and Provost by maintaining connections with other SPOs through the Project Officers Round Table (PORT) meetings, and participating in strategic planning for the Division as assigned. The Special Projects Officer will manage the Indigenous Research Network.
The incumbent works in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The incumbent interacts closely with a wide range of senior members of the University, including vice-presidents, vice-provosts, governors, academic administrators, faculty and staff, as well as students and other community members.
Essential Qualifications:(MINIMUM) EDUCATION: University degree required, post graduate degree an asset, Ph.D preferred, or equivalent in education and experience.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years' experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions. Experience with the University and knowledge of University policies and procedures and an understanding of the University's organizational structure, including its governance. Extensive experience in Indigenous community collaborations, Indigenous knowledges, and Indigenous ethics and research methodologies. Experience leading complex and multi- stakeholder projects. Knowledge about media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy and excellent understanding of the University's mission and intersection with broader Indigenous communities.
SKILLS: Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations). Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint an asset. Web design skills such as content management software and WordPress preferred. Internet, Acrobat, and scheduling software. Ability to interact in culturally safe ways with Indigenous individuals and communities. Advanced skills in Indigenous community partnerships and research methodologies.
OTHER: Strong skills in Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations and collaborations. Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; high degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities.
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