Executive Assistant, Office of Vice Dean Indigenous Health

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to reflect the community we serve. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Only Indigenous candidates will be considered for this position. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship with documentation is a condition of employment and a requirement to hold this position and the successful candidate must maintain those conditions throughout their employment.

The Office of the Vice Dean Indigenous Health (OVDIH) is a unit within the Dean’s Office at the College of Medicine primarily responsible for positioning the College of Medicine in a place of prominence to achieve its long-term Indigenous health strategies. The work of the office will be informed by ohpahotân/ oohpaahotaan – the Indigenous Strategy, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action as well as the mission, vision, principles, values and strategic plans of both the university and college.

The office also works closely with the Department of Indigenous Health and Wellness (DIHW), and Division of Social Accountability to advance teaching, research, and service ecosystems to meet community priority health needs.

The office supports a coordinated approach to community engagement for priority projects of the college and works collaboratively across the college and provincial health system to ensure the high-level aspirations of the college and departments related to Indigenous Health, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Social Accountability strategy are met.  Indigenous-led establishment of partnerships through respectful community engagement protocols that reflect the diversity of the population, building access to networks of community partners, and determining respectful sustainable resource strategies, will be the distinctive work of the office and department.

Primary Purpose: To provide confidential and high-level executive support to the Vice Dean Indigenous Health (VDIH), the Indigenous protocol and relations specialist, and the Manager, OVDIH with a focus on ensuring the efficient functioning of the Vice Dean’s portfolio, timely and effective follow-up of decisions, operational issues and general administrative support to the initiatives led and supported by the Office of Vice Dean Indigenous Health with minimal direction. The role is also responsible for coordination and mentorship of clerical staff within the office.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager, OVDIH and working closely with the Vice Dean Indigenous Health (VDIH) and OVDIH team, the executive assistant is part of a collaborative, agile and cross-functional provincial team that supports the VDIH in facilitating the delivery of the indigenous health, equity, diversity and inclusion and social accountability strategy within the College of Medicine. 

• Considerable discretion is required as the position is privy to, and works with, sensitive, highly confidential information including but not limited to confidential labor relations information and confidential personnel files and human resources information
• In conjunction with the Manager, OVDIH, this position is the first contact point and resource for queries, concerns and issues incoming to the Vice Dean’s portfolios and provides expert triage in dealing with, or referring a broad spectrum of issues across all levels of the portfolio
• Establishing and maintaining a high-level of professional relationships, internal and external, that support exceptional collaboration and problem solving, and the ability to exercise professional judgement to make recommendations and decisions regarding issues or special assignments is essential
• This position works under pressure with limited general supervision in a fast-paced and high-volume office; dealing with competing deadlines, multi-tasking, and an environment of constant change is expected
• Full discretionary decision-making is often required, and judgement is used to determine the appropriate guidelines and procedures. Impact of error is high as the position is solely responsible for ensuring day-to-day work is completed accurately, and information provided to others, both on and off campus, is correct
• This position will regularly interact with a diverse group of individuals including physicians, faculty, staff, and learners

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Effectively representing the Vice Dean in all contacts, ensuring the appropriate tone and interest are projected, dealing with issues and concerns, and solving or referring problems as they arise
• Ensures communications from the OVDIH to Indigenous community members and leaders are conducted in a respectful and effective manner
• Ensure efficient, accurate, and confidential support to the Vice Dean and Manager, including developing agendas and background material; conducting research, analyzing materials, and producing and/or participating in the development of reports and papers; preparing meeting summaries, background papers, and correspondence
• Strategically managing the Vice Deans' schedule, establishing standards that provide a balance between meeting and office/work time, reflects realistic priorities in terms of whom and when to book into the calendar, and allows sufficient flexibility for shifts in response to fast-paced and fast changing agendas
• Provides high-quality administrative support for the Vice Dean’s committees, the delivery of strategic initiatives and smooth functioning of the Vice Dean’s office including but not limited to coordinating IT and equipment needs for the office, attending meetings and preparing relevant minutes for accurate records of decision and action items and providing support to complete action items; ensuring access to all administrative equipment, rooms keys and supplies needed for staff to complete their duties; prepare submission for invoice payments, PCard transactions and other financial requests based on USask policy and procedures; assist with the process of recruiting and interviewing contractors, faculty and staff
• Provide guidance to clerical staff, including but not limited to, delegating responsibility and providing mentorship as required
• Identifying, monitoring and articulating, in a timely and judicious manner, critical action items and briefing the necessary people on developments related to those issues
• Ensuring appropriate coverage of administrative staff within the Vice Dean’s Office
• Interacting collaboratively with the leadership team, staff, senior administrators, other campus units, and other organizations or individuals from outside the University in identifying issues, solving problems and making decisions
• Effectively managing assigned projects from beginning to end (including research, analysis, budget management, coordination and implementation), establishing and maintaining the required collaborative relations and putting them to best use in achieving desired outcomes
• Ensuring priorities and deadlines are met, correspondence and documentation are handled efficiently, accurately and confidentially
• Using judgment, confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive issues
• As a member of the OVDIH team, participate in regular meetings, planning and strategy sessions and contribute to a team culture that encourages both individual and team accomplishments and successes
• Contribute to building connections between Indigenous communities, community-based organizations and businesses that are beneficial to the success of the Indigenous Health strategy, and to organize their participation with the OVIDH programing, services, and events
• Build and maintain a database of community contacts and partners
• Support the OVDIH in the organization of cultural, artistic and scholarly presentations, performances, and events
• Coordination of elders, knowledge and story keepers, and community experts within OVDIH programs, services, and events who are reflective of the cultural diversity found within Saskatchewan. Collaboratively determine content and stories about OVDIH priorities and events that contribute to building the profile and enhancing the reputation of the college
• Arrange travel logistics, ensuring necessary approvals and expense reports are initiated
• Manages capital equipment inventory and ensures purchasing guidelines are adhered to
• Collaborates with the Manager to ensure effective management of the operating budget and other financial accounts
• Other duties as assigned to support the ongoing operations, strategy implementation and innovations in the OVDIH

Education: Completion of an undergraduate degree in business administration, education, or health related discipline. A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Experience: Three to five years related experience preferably supporting senior leaders in a medical education or clinical setting, and demonstrated working knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine and Saskatchewan Health Authority is required. Experience working in a diverse and inclusive work environment is required.  Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-functioning confidential team environment with a demonstrated commitment to ongoing program development is an asset. Supervisory experience is an asset. Experience fostering effective relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Skills: Excellent organizational skills; demonstrated ability to pay attention to detail and handle highly confidential and sensitive information with accuracy, and exemplary interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills enabling effective interaction with a broad range of university units and external partners. The ability to function in a high-volume setting with numerous and competing demands and deadlines while maintaining a high degree of efficiency and accuracy. Demonstrated ability to efficiently prioritize, work independently and as part of a team, as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously with imposed deadlines. Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgement, including the ability to recognize and anticipate issues in order to deal with them proactively.  Proven ability to work with a courteous and professional demeanor with limited general supervision and ability to manage interactions with tact, discretion, confidentiality, and sensitivity; Possess an energic, enthusiastic and positive attitude towards work.  A high level of proficiency using Microsoft applications, Power PDF Advanced software and USask specific software and systems. Must be willing to travel.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to medicine.indigenoushealth@usask.ca

Department: College of Medicine 
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon - Fri 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 12/15/2025
Closing Date: 1/18/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.