Program Teaching Staff - Indigenous Program Teaching Staff, Circle of Abundance, Coady Institute

Position Title: Program Teaching Staff - Indigenous Program Teaching Staff, Circle of Abundance, Coady Institute
Department: Coady Institute
Position Type: 2 Year, LTA
Classification: Association of University Teachers (AUT) position
Salary Range:  subject to the StFX AUT Collective Agreement

Posting Date: September 12, 2025
Closing Date: October 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM AST

Position Description

The Coady Institute seeks a uniquely skilled and motivated First Nations, Métis or Inuit individual to join our Circle of Abundance Indigenous Program team. Reporting to the Director of Programs, this position will join our growing team to design and implement the Institute’s expanding portfolio of Indigenous education programs and projects.  The position is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal, based in Antigonish, the unceded, ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. 

In June 2020, Coady Institute’s International Centre for Women’s Leadership launched the Circle of Abundance Campaign, supported by a group of 11 Indigenous women graduates, mentors and associates across the country.  The group chose the name Circle of Abundance to signify a shift in emphasis on the many strengths and assets in Indigenous communities rather than needs and deficiencies.  In particular, the name Circle of Abundance signifies Indigenous women’s strength and resilience as the backbones of many communities and the importance of mutual support. 

This designated Indigenous hire will be a mid-career professional who values shared leadership and collaboration. Rooted in Indigenous teachings, values, and lived experience, the successful candidate will centre relationship-building as the foundation for their work. They will work alongside colleagues, Circle of Abundance graduates, partners, and communities to design and deliver community-led projects, curriculum, education programs, and knowledge co-creation initiatives that are grounded in community priorities, cultural contexts, and Indigenous ways of knowing and doing.

They will bring strong skills in community partnership building and accompaniment, education, and knowledge co-creation. With an intersectional lens, demonstrated community development experience, and a record of contributions to Indigenous education and advocacy, they will contribute to one or more of the Institute’s thematic areas— Strengthening Local Economies, Participation, Accountability and Governance, and Asset Based Citizen-Led Development, Building Resilient Communities—while advancing innovative initiatives that honour Indigenous knowledge systems and create shared benefit for all partners. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop curriculum; teach and facilitate modules focused on Indigenous community development as per the thematic areas identified above for Indigenous peoples and as part of the Coady certificate and diploma programs.
• In partnership with other program staff, develop and manage on-campus, off-campus and online courses and community initiatives, including strengthening community relationships, participant selection and mentorship components.
• Provide input on community development program designs and content regarding women’s leadership, empowerment and gender to other Coady programs, particularly in the area of inclusive economies.
• Contribute to and collaborate as a co-facilitator or project lead in other Coady programs and projects as required.
• Oversee technical and logistical aspects of programs.
• Prepare and contribute to donor reports, as required.
• Contribute to the life of Coady and Coady programs as a mentor, advisor and colleague.
• Other duties as stipulated in the AUT Collective

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience advancing Indigenous community development in areas such as social innovation, community economic development, or community resilience, grounded in Indigenous teachings, values, and lived experience; experience in Indigenous activism and related international work is an asset.
• Proven expertise in leadership, gender analysis, and women’s empowerment, with a focus on economic justice, participation, and inclusion, and guided by the principles of respect, reciprocity, and relational accountability.
• Strong knowledge of adult education methodologies, teaching, and facilitation, with approaches that honour diverse learning styles and Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Experience in curriculum design and managing educational or community programs in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Well-developed research, analytical, and writing skills, with a track record of practitioner, academic, or public publications that reflect respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and protocols.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (Ph.D. considered an asset) or equivalent lived and professional experience.
• Capacity for networking and nurturing collaborative, trust-based, cross-organizational relationships and communities of practice.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in ways that honour collective goals and responsibilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally to strengthen relationships and advance shared initiatives.

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload a 500- word statement describing your interest, experience, and the approach you would bring to this position and along with a CV and supporting documents. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

StFX is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.  

About the Coady Institute:

Located on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University in the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people, Coady Institute is a global leader in citizen-led, community-driven, asset-based approaches to change. Established in 1959 by St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Coady Institute is committed to accompanying generations of global leaders skilled in the application of citizen-led, asset-based, and community-driven leadership for economic and social change. The Institute continues to build upon the principles of the Antigonish Movement and the work of the StFX Extension Department by providing educational opportunities, networking, and capacity-building support for emerging and established community leaders and their organizations both locally and globally. In collaboration with partners and change agents worldwide, the Institute works to strengthen local economies, build resilient communities, and promote accountable governance. We prioritize women, youth, and Indigenous leaders and have dedicated programming in these areas. We also have strong programs rooted in our university’s history of support to Atlantic Canadian communities and focused on employment innovation, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. Coady Institute’s courses are tailored to community leaders and practitioners and offered on campus, online, and in communities both in Canada and around the world. The Institute’s research and documentation agenda works with partners to apply a participatory, non-extractive and non-exploitative approach to the analysis and documentation of community change processes.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information, visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.