Indigenous Cultural Engagement Coordinator

About Carleton University

Carleton University is situated on unceded Algonquin territory and bordered by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Ottawa, Ontario. The university is just minutes from the heart of our nation's government and G-7 organizations and this capital advantage provides opportunities for staff and faculty and students to make a positive impact in our community and around the world.

Named a Top 100 Employer in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and a National Capital Region Top Employer for 10 consecutive years, Carleton University is one of Canada’s most resourceful and productive hubs of learning and research, fuelling a rich talent pipeline that is supporting social and economic renewal. The university’s smart, caring and connected community inspires and empowers individuals to become change leaders who drive impact in the world while challenging conventional modes of thinking and doing. At Carleton, we are committed to fostering an innovative, equitable and welcoming work environment. Carleton is also a nationally certified Healthy Workplace and is a recipient of the Canada Awards for Excellence, Healthy Workplace Order of Excellence and Platinum Level Certification for Mental Health at Work.

The university’s Strategic Integrated Plan 2020-2025 is an ambitious vision for the future, anchored in Carleton’s strengths and student-centric, community-engaged values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of Carleton University Art Gallery (CUAG), the Indigenous Cultural Engagement Coordinator (ICEC) serves the campus and civic communities by assisting in the development and delivery of art-based learning programs that are grounded in the work of First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists and their diverse and distinct cultures and forms of cultural expression.

The ICEC assists in the creation of Indigenous-led spaces of art-based learning, grounded in CUAG’s exhibitions, collections, public programs and projects. Respectful and reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and service organizations are integral to the ICEC’s work.

The ICEC supports Carleton University’s implementation of the Kinàmàgawin report’s calls to action and the Strategic Integrated Plan’s commitments to reconciliation and community engagement.

Qualifications:

The incumbent must possess the following qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis customary and contemporary artistic and cultural practices, histories, traditions, knowledge systems and current issues.

• Thorough knowledge of the Indigenous contemporary art scene in Canada, including artists, trends, protocols, ideas, issues and gallery practices.

• Thorough knowledge of culturally appropriate approaches to learning and interpreting First Nations, Inuit and Métis customary and contemporary artistic and cultural practices and cultures in university art gallery (or other public art gallery or museum) and post-secondary settings.

• Thorough knowledge of barriers faced by Indigenous peoples in accessing and participating in the art gallery / museum and post-secondary sectors.

• Thorough understanding of the University environment and of Indigenous-focused activities being undertaken on campus.

• Ability to impart and discuss culturally-specific and sensitive information to diverse public groups with tact and diplomacy.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and with initiative, reliability and professionalism.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact successfully with diverse members of the Carleton and civic communities.

• Proficiency in working with the MS Office Suite.

Education and Experience:

The above is normally acquired through the completion of:

• A three-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent in art history, museum studies, fine arts or a related field.

• Three years of experience in a university art gallery (or other public art gallery or museum), with a proven record of delivering quality art-based learning programs, events and projects with and/or for First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and service organizations.

• Preference will be given to those with experience working in a post-secondary environment.

HR Note:

Carleton University and CUPE 2424 are currently completing a joint job evaluation and pay equity project. The University and the Union are working together to describe the skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions associated with every CUPE 2424 job, including this one. As a result, the job description that is currently associated with this posting (for recruitment purposes) may be revised to reflect the actual duties captured in the new job descriptions.

By applying for this job you are acknowledging that the actual duties associated with this job may differ somewhat from those identified in the job posting and that you will agree to perform the duties of this job as determined through the joint job evaluation process.

Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications. Please note that applicants may be required to complete an employment test as part of the selection process for this position. Those applicants that are selected for an interview will be requested to contact the Human Resource Advisor assigned to this competition as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made to accommodate your request in a timely manner. Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.

Health and Safety Requirements

This position is regularly required to work on campus in person. In the event of a public health emergency or a health and safety issue, it is possible that you may be required to work temporarily remotely due to public health orders, directives and/or health and safety requirements. If this happens, you will work with your direct manager to set up a remote work environment including discussing appropriate technology and requirements. You are required to follow all University policies and directives, including to set up a safe and confidential workspace in a remote location and ensure all Carleton property (intellectual and other) is safeguarded. If required to work remotely, you will be notified by your manager when working full time physically onsite will resume.