Director, Indigenous Student Centre

University of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group benefits and pension plan

Competitive vacation time

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Manitoba invites applications for the Director, Indigenous Student Centre. This leadership role will welcome and empower Indigenous students, oversee programs and services, and partner with faculties, Student Affairs, Elders, and community groups to foster belonging and success.

Successful candidates will demonstrate Indigenous cultural acumen, strong governance and budget skills, and a passion for reconciliation within a post-secondary setting. Closing date included.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline (Education, Management, Social Work, Arts) is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum five years’ experience as the leader/manager of a unit required, preferably at the post-secondary level in a similar capacity.
• Demonstrated budget management experience required.
• Demonstrated experience in human resources required.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities (either on or off-campus) required.
• Strategic and visionary planning experience required.
• Experience with student development theory, especially as it relates to Indigenous students, preferred.
• Experience with student financial aid and/or community funding assistance preferred.
• Previous work with post-secondary students preferred.
• Preference given to those who have worked within student affairs in post-secondary environments and professional faculties/schools.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must have excellent leadership skills.
• Must have Indigenous cultural acumen and personal awareness.
• Must be team oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work with students, staff, faculty, Elders, alumni, Indigenous communities, community organizations, and the public.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills required.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including diplomacy and tact.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Windows environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Indigenous Student Centre to welcome, support, and empower Indigenous students throughout their academic journey.
• Oversee development and delivery of programs, services, and initiatives fostering student success and well-being.
• Provide strategic leadership to a dedicated team and collaborate with students, faculties, Student Affairs, and community partners.
• Advance the University’s commitment to Indigenous achievement, reconciliation, and student excellence.
• Contribute to the Truth and Reconciliation Framework and strategic plan through innovative programming.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

HR experience

Indigenous community work

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Risk management

Privacy/confidentiality

Team oriented

Indigenous cultural acumen

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Master's degree

Tools

Aurora Student

Aurora VIP

Aurora Finance

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The opportunity:

The University of Manitoba is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as Director, Indigenous Student Centre. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President (Indigenous) Students, the Director is responsible for leading the Indigenous Student Centre in its mission to welcome, support, and empower Indigenous students throughout their academic journey. The Director will oversee the development and delivery of programs, services, and initiatives that foster student success, belonging, and well-being, while advancing the University’s commitment to Indigenous achievement, reconciliation, and student excellence.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to a dedicated team and work closely with students, faculties, Student Affairs, and community partners to create an environment where Indigenous students can thrive. Through innovative programming, relationship building, and a commitment to Indigenous ways of knowing and being, the Director will help strengthen an ecosystem of support that nurtures students’ unique gifts, promotes their success, and contributes to the goals of the University of Manitoba’s Truth and Reconciliation Framework and strategic plan.

The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:

THIS POSITION IS DESIGNATED FOR INDIGENOUS CANDIDATES. APPLICANTS MUST SELF-DECLARE ON THEIR COVER LETTER/RESUME AS INDIGENOUS (FIRST NATION, METIS AND/OR INUIT).

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline (i.e. Education, Management, Social Work, Arts) is required.
• Preference will be given to individuals with a master’s degree.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience as the leader/manager of a unit required, preferably at the post-secondary level in a similar capacity is required.
• Demonstrated budget management experience required.
• Demonstrated experience in human resources required.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities (either on or off-campus) required.
• Strategic and visionary planning experience required.
• Experience with student development theory, especially as it relates to Indigenous students, preferred.
• Experience with student financial aid and/or community funding assistance preferred.
• Previous work with post-secondary students preferred.
• Preference will be given to individuals who have worked within student affairs in the post-secondary environment and professional faculties/schools.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must have excellent leadership skills.
• Must have Indigenous cultural acumen and personal awareness.
• Must be team oriented.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work effectively with students, staff, faculty, Elders, alumni, Indigenous communities, community organizations, and the public.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills required.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal skills including diplomacy and tact.
• Must have excellent time management skills.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and using intermediate features associated with a Windows computer environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in close collaboration and partnership with academic and administrative colleagues, students, alumni, Elders, and community partners is required.
• Ability to think critically and creatively is required.
• Ability to motivate others to lead, create, and implement new programs and services with key stakeholders from other units is required.
• Ability to understand risk management and liability considerations is required.
• Ability to work with students of diverse educational, age, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds is required.
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality with respect to all communications and records to the extent protected under the law and statements of ethical practice is required.
• Ability to develop and maintain proactive relationships with all key constituents including students, faculty and staff, administrators and members of the community is required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities is required.
• Ability to work independently is required.
• Ability to work patiently with students and staff is required.
• Ability to use sound judgment, assess situations and determine appropriate action is required.
• Satisfactory work record, including reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance required.
• Experience in using UM software programs is preferred, e.g., Aurora Student, Aurora VIP, Aurora Finance.
• Knowledge of post-secondary and Indigenous-specific environments.
• Knowledge of University regulations, programs, procedures and Strategic Planning frameworks.
• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices in the delivery of services to Indigenous students in a post-secondary environment.
• Best practices in the delivery of student services.
• High level of commitment to The University of Manitoba community and to the mission of L’offis Wiichihihwahk (Office of the Vice-President, Indigenous).

Why the University of Manitoba?

Along with being one of Manitoba’s top employers, we are proud to provide a collaborative and enriching work environment. In addition to a strong compensation package with a competitive salary, the University provides an exceptional workplace that includes:

• Comprehensive group benefits and pension plan.
• Competitive vacation time.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• A full spectrum of professional development opportunities.

Closing Date: Sept 14, 2026

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.