Indigenous Designer-in-Residence - Competition ID: 4706

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Richmond; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 69,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental benefits

Healthcare spending account

Generous vacation package

Defined pension plan

Parenthood top-up

Sick leave

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Professional development days

Tuition waiver

Inhouse training & development

Inter-campus transportation

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) invites applications for an Indigenous Designer-in-Residence at the Wilson School of Design. The residency supports Indigenous designers in research and creation across disciplines, balancing personal practice with contribution to KPU/WSD communities.

Applicants should demonstrate expertise in at least one design field and show connections to Indigenous communities. Compensation includes an hourly rate during the residency, with funding for events,

Qualifications

• Indigenous designers with an established or emerging record in design practice.
• Experience engaging with Indigenous communities and knowledge traditions.
• Ability to design events and programs that connect design with community.

Responsibilities

• Organize events for the WSD and KPU, including talks, critiques, workshops, studio visits, and outreach.
• Deliver guest lectures or workshops within the WSD and KPU.
• Consult with students and designers of diverse abilities.

Skills

Indigenous design

Community engagement

Public speaking

Event planning

Tools

Portfolio links

Job description

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time. Workplace Type: Hybrid. Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.

Organizational Structure

This role reports to Director, Strategy and Business Development, Wilson School of Design.

Summary

The Wilson School of Design (WSD) invites applications from established or emerging Indigenous designers, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit of Canada, for a position as Indigenous Designer-in-Residence. This residency will support Indigenous designers in the research and creation of new works, and is open to designers in a variety of fields, including but not restricted to fashion and apparel design, graphic design, interior design, product design, and other interdisciplinary design practices. The Indigenous Designer-in-Residence will be able to divide their time between their own creative practice and contributing to the Wilson School of Design. In their application, candidates are encouraged to detail how they envision engaging with the Wilson School of Design and the broader KPU community of faculty, students, and staff. For more information about the Wilson School of Design, please visit our website at https://www.kpu.ca/design. An applicant does not need to have to an expertise in all disciplines, but have at least one expertise and a common fundamental understanding of others.

Designers will be compensated for the duration of their residency. There will also be funding available for KPU/WSD-specific events, expenses for materials and supplies, as well as for honoraria for designers whom the Indigenous Designer-in-Residence may want to invite to events.

Applications Should Include

• A curriculum vitae or resume
• A cover letter or video that includes your statement of interest; a proposal of the design project you will undertake during the residency; and a description of the kinds of events you would like to plan, and how you see these contributing to the KPU/WSD community. (For video submissions, please provide a link to a website or Google doc.)
• Please include a statement clearly indicating your availability to be present on KPU campuses (primarily the Richmond campus).
• A letter of support or documentation regarding your connections to Indigenous community and/or an Indigenous organization, as well as lived experience.
• A portfolio: up to 10 original works with titles and dates. Please provide the portfolio through a link to a website; or links to videos or audio files; or a link to a Google doc.
• The names of two references: One from community and one professional.

Key Responsibilities

• The organization and hosting of a series of events for the WSD and KPU that may include the following: designer talks/critiques; workshops; studio visits; outreach activities
• Giving guest lectures, or workshops within the WSD and KPU.
• Consulting with students and designers of various abilities.
• Participating in events organized by the WSD and/or KPU
• Meeting regularly with the Director, Strategy and Business Development, WSD

Qualifications

• Relevant community-based and/or professional experience rooted in Indigenous communities, knowledges, and traditions
• Designers should be active in their design discipline(s) with an established or emerging record of work as made evident through websites, exhibitions, showcases, reviews, articles, etc.
• A record of participation in the design community and related events
• Enthusiasm for connecting with KPU’s community members from a variety of areas and disciplines
• Willingness to organize and plan events in collaboration with the WSD Communications and Events Coordinator.

Salary Information

Anticipated hourly rate: $45.00

Total Rewards

• extended health and dental benefits
• healthcare spending account
• generous vacation package
• defined pension plan
• parenthood top-up
• sick leave
• long-term disability
• life insurance
• professional development days
• tuition waiver
• inhouse training & development
• inter-campus transportation

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.