Associate Director, Indigenous Relations Initiative

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Hiring Faculty / Unit: School of Continuing Studies, Indigenous Relations Initiative (IRI)
 

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Strategic Partnerships and International Education, at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), working closely with the Faculty Chair, Indigenous Relations Initiative (IRI), Academic Domain Leads, Finance and Operations Leaders, the Associate Director of Indigenous Relations is responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with Indigenous organizations and governments. The Associate Director will play a critical role in extending the efforts of the IRI and will advance development, delivery, and promotion of work with internal and external stakeholders towards this goal.
Primary Responsibilities:

• The Associate Director is responsible for the effective implementation of SCS Indigenous Relations Initiative Strategic Plan by making operational, administrative and relationship decisions in line with the Plan.

• Collaborate with SCS Academic domains to provide customized training opportunities (modified or new offerings, workshops, modules and courses) that will be tailored to meet the needs and requirements of Indigenous communities, nations, governments and organizations. Set priorities, negotiate terms (content offerings/course delivery options, price, timeline, resources) with internal/external stakeholders, develop partnerships, prepare agreements, create program delivery timelines, etc.

• Work closely with Indigenous partners. Manage and optimize relationships with internal/external stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and oversee the implementation of partnership agreements.

• Manage the administrative and financial activities (fiscal planning, budget preparation and management) of the Indigenous Relations Initiative of SCS, related to partnerships and other agreements/arrangements. Actively pursue public and private funding opportunities.

• Develop estimates, forecasts and obtain budget approvals from the appropriate internal governance bodies (various finance offices, SCS Steering and Academic Committees)  prior to submission to either McGill’s Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) or our clients. Make recommendations to the Faculty Chair, IRI, on financial and human resources needs.

• Manage the planning and implementation of approved initiatives and training projects.

• Keep abreast of stakeholders’ needs, funding programs, educational technologies and recent developments in the field of education, training and professional development.

• Represent the unit at different events, committees and working groups as needed. Manage and represent the unit, as well as step in when the Faculty Chair is not available – including preparation and delivery of presentations at events, meetings with Indigenous partners. Oversee and participate in the planning of large meetings, conferences and special events related to the Indigenous Relations Initiative.

• Ensures partnership objectives are being met taking into account internal resource capabilities (human, financial, academic and operational) and the best interest of SCS and IRI.

• Develop, establish, and manage a framework that will enable the Faculty Chair to manage the portfolio in an integrated manner.

• Provide status reporting on relationships, partners, and emerging priorities/opportunities.

• Oversee the implementation and execution of internal administrative plans, procedures and processes and ensure compliance with university policies.

• Assess academic and administrative workload and determine the needs in relation to hiring course lecturers, timeline of course delivery, and admin support. 

• Directly supervise Indigenous Relations Initiative administrative staff (MUNACA and MUNASA).

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage as well as collaborate in complex projects and teams.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous people and governance.

• Strong knowledge of the distinct Indigenous nations in Quebec and surrounding regions.

• Knowledge of the educational aspirations of Indigenous nations and peoples in Canada.

• Strong relationship management skills with sensitivity to unique social, political and economic situation of Indigenous peoples.

• Familiarity with Quebec and Canadian labour market and government programs.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate coherently across varied audiences from different backgrounds.

• A commitment to advancing Indigenous issues and promoting Indigenous excellence.

• Adept at monitoring and managing the daily operations of multiple projects.

• Proficiency with MS Office, particularly Excel.

• High degree of numeracy.

• English and French. McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties require English communication both verbally and in writing.  The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.

All qualified candidates will be considered however preference will be given to Indigenous individuals (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis).

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