Indigenous Student Recruitment and Initiatives Coordinator

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is 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 Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) is advancing its commitment to ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan by equipping professionals to think strategically, work collaboratively, and mobilize change in Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments, non-profits, and co-operatives. Activities include certificate, degree, and professional development programs; research on society’s wicked problems; and related research and public events. JSGS is working with Indigenous leaders, researchers, and governments on a range of activities related to Indigenous leadership, governance, and nation building.

Primary Purpose: The Indigenous Student Recruitment and Initiatives Coordinator supports the principles of Truth and Reconciliation by leading efforts to recruit, support, and retain Indigenous students across the School’s programs. This role coordinates the Indigenous Nation-Building graduate certificate program and collaborates with School teams to promote and implement other Indigenous-focused programming, outreach, and engagement activities. The Coordinator initiates and supports School-wide activities that strengthen relationships with Indigenous students, alumni, partners, and communities while creating meaningful pathways into graduate studies. This position contributes to the development and ongoing stewardship of a welcoming and culturally grounded learning environment through activities that support decolonization of physical spaces and program initiatives. Additionally, this position supports the committees that guide the School’s actions toward Truth and Reconciliation and advises on culturally responsive communications and learning programs that include Indigenous content.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Develops and implements comprehensive recruitment and retention strategies focused on increasing and sustaining Indigenous student participation in all of the School’s programs.
• Coordinates the Indigenous Nation-Building graduate certificate program, including providing academic advising to students and collaborating with First Nations University of Canada and other external program partners.
• Participates in outreach events, career fairs, and community gatherings to promote the School’s programs to potential Indigenous students and communities.
• Tracks Indigenous student recruitment, retention, and engagement data to support the planning and evaluation of Indigenous-focused initiatives.
• Cultivates partnerships with Indigenous organizations, educational institutions, and communities to support Indigenous student recruitment and initiatives offered by the School.
• Coordinates Indigenous-focused educational opportunities, including the JSGS Indigenous Speaker Series and other learning activities for the School.
• Provides Indigenous perspectives for School communications, student programming, outreach events, and community-engaged activities.

• Provides support to and serves as a member of School committees related to Indigenous engagement and Truth and Reconciliation.

• Leads projects and initiatives that contribute to decolonizing physical spaces and fostering welcoming environments for Indigenous Peoples.
• Liaises with Indigenous alumni and potential donors in partnership with advancement teams for the purposes of relationship building and donor development and stewardship.
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.   
• Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.   
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.   
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.  

Education: A bachelor’s degree in a social science or related field; a graduate degree is preferred.

Licenses: A valid Class 5 driver’s license is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of related experience, preferably within both Indigenous and academic organizations.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous and other stakeholders.
• Experience with student academic advising would be an asset.

Skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Indigenous peoples, including cultural, socio-economic, and other factors, as well as the barriers impacting Indigenous student success in post-secondary education.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with a team.

• Effective organizational skills with the ability to balance competing priorities to meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and creative-thinking
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Amber McCuaig, Director of Administration, at amber.mccuaig@usask.ca.

Department: School of Public Policy
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
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: 6/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

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 us for assistance.