Student Experience Coordinator

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has a term length of 2 years.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Student Experience Coordinator (SEC) position is focused on providing students with a holistic experience as per University and Faculty of Native Studies priorities. Reporting to the Faculty General Manager who oversees student services for the Faculty of Native Studies (FNS), this position will play a critical role in supporting the mission for student success from FNS at the University of Alberta.

With input from the student services team at FNS, the incumbent will develop and implement a programming plan to address students’ wellness needs, which may include culture, community, and academics. Responsibilities include a collaborative process of assessment, planning and coordination of services and supports to meet the wellbeing and academic needs of our students. This would include but not be limited to:

• Connecting with the Associate Dean, Academic at FNS regularly to learn what challenges students face
• Working closely with the NSSA to implement student programming and supports
• Building relationships with First People’s House, Indigenous Recruitment Team and the Student Success and Experience office
• Conducting surveys of our students to assess needs and gather feedback
• Organizing information sessions and workshops for our students
• Coordinating cultural activities for students, including liaising with and supporting knowledge holders in supporting students
• Facilitate the participation of students in a supportive community

To effectively serve our majority-Indigenous student population, the Faculty of Native Studies requires a coordinator who possesses a deep, firsthand understanding of the unique systemic, academic, and cultural realities Indigenous students face in a post-secondary environment. This shared identity and shared experience are critical assets for delivering culturally safe advocacy and designing impactful, responsive, and culturally relevant programming. This lived experience and cultural grounding will be necessary to build trust, safe and authentic community connections to the benefit of FNS students. Requiring an Indigenous hire ensures the coordinator can seamlessly navigate the distinct cultural protocols of supporting Elders, Knowledge Holders, and students within a holistic Indigenous framework.

Student Engagement Program Development and Delivery

• Design and support the implementation (budgeting, planning, evaluation) of student and staff-led cultural, health, wellness, and academic programming in partnership with the FNS Student Services team, NSSA, FPH, Indigenous Recruitment Team, and the SSE office.
• Alongside the ADA and FGM, assess students’ health, wellness, and academic needs, establish priorities, and design programs to best meet these needs within defined fiscal resources.
• Work closely with the FNS student services team to be a resource for non-academic issues as needed for student advising.
• Responsible for program promotion, operation and evaluation.
• Contributes to and participates in the faculty’s overall student engagement strategy, providing an Indigenous lens to events and services provided.
• Liaises with the Community Engagement and Alumni Coordinator along with alumni to provide professional development for current students.
• Identifies methods of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and viewpoints into FNS engagement activities where appropriate.
• Working with the FGM and ADA, coordinate skill-building sessions for students and PD sessions for faculty and staff related to supporting students through their teaching and research.

Administration

• Represent the faculty on appropriate committees and university initiatives.
• Participate in long-range planning and goal setting for the student services team.
• Manage a directory of community resources available to students.

Education

• Undergraduate degree in a related field (BA in Native Studies preferred) and at least three to five years of experience working in a complex environment; consideration may also be given to other combinations of education and experience.

Experience

• Experience with program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Experience as a post-secondary student, preferably at the University of Alberta.
• Experience working with culturally diverse Indigenous communities.
• Solid understanding of and experience with FNMI cultural protocol and activities; experience working closely with Indigenous communities.
• Good knowledge of a wide variety of resources on campus and in the community.
• Good knowledge of University of Alberta policies and procedures.

Skills

• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work effectively.
• Ability to network and build strong working relationships.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Strong communication skills, particularly intercultural communication skills.
• Ability to determine issues facing students, particularly Indigenous students.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This role requires confirmation of First Nation, Métis, or Inuit membership or citizenship. Selected applicants will be asked for documentation prior to attending an interview.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.