Indigenous Student Community Resource and Engagement Specialist

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 53,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Canada is seeking an Indigenous Student Community Resource and Engagement Specialist. This role focuses on supporting Indigenous students, helping them navigate resources and achieve their academic goals. The candidate should have a related degree and experience working with Indigenous communities. This position is term-based, with a salary range of $53,091.00 - $82,954.00 per annum and is on-site at the university.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years related experience working with Indigenous students.
• Familiarity with social services and community support.
• Experience working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with resource navigation.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships.
• Develop programming enhancing Indigenous student access.
• Contribute to preparations for reports and documents.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Culturally appropriate interaction

Prioritization skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in Social Work, Education

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Indigenous Student Community Resource and Engagement Specialist

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 Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement works within and outside the university to meet the unique needs of Indigenous students, staff, faculty and communities and uplift Indigenization by advancing initiatives and strategies that promote Indigenous Knowledges and support reconciliation and decolonization.

Primary Purpose

The Specialist directly supports incoming and current Indigenous students at USask to assess needs, navigate support systems needed outside the institution, identify goals, be a resource, and an advocate. The position contributes to a holistic team committed to empowering Indigenous youth, increasing self‑efficacy, and improving systems access and navigation to optimize student achievement and well‑being. The position will also develop research‑informed programming and opportunities to engage with students and build relationships.

Nature of Work

As a member of the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement team, the Specialist will report directly to the Senior Strategic Officer. This position is unique at the University of Saskatchewan in that the incumbent will have a professional home within the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) which includes the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre. The role is focused on working collaboratively with on and off campus partners to reduce barriers throughout the cycle of post‑secondary education.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities

• Assist students with resource navigation including liaising with on campus and community resources
• Establish and maintain respectful and professional relationships with students, 1:1 check‑ins and follow‑up
• Work closely with team members and stakeholders to identify, develop, and implement systems navigation, crisis intervention, streamlined processes, and comprehensive support
• Act as an advocate on behalf of Indigenous students and maintain a high level of confidentiality standards
• Develop programming and transition support that will enhance Indigenous student access, success, and quality of learning experiences
• Assist students in addressing and navigating barriers to entering post‑secondary and success
• Build and maintain relationships with community agencies and maintain knowledge of community resources
• Provide referrals to appropriate USask and community stakeholders
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, documents, and communications
• Other duties as required

Education

Completion of post‑secondary degree in Social Work, Education, or other relevant combination of post‑secondary education.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a student‑centered individual, who has a minimum of three years related experience and understanding of Indigenous student experiences and educational successes and challenges. The successful candidate will also demonstrate familiarity with social services and community support.

Skills

Must have highly effective interpersonal skills and well‑demonstrated problem‑solving skills. Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment and independently; familiarity and experience with student‑centered programming, support services, and student success. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals while demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and professionalism. Knowledge and experience working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner. The ability to understand the experiences of students and to interact effectively in a positive and empowering manner; ability to set priorities and follow through on accountabilities, and to maintain professional relationships and use discretion. Advanced skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are required.

Valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's License.

Willing to acquire training such as ASIST and Mental Health First Aid.

Department: Vice‑Provost Indigenous Engagement

Supervisor Job Title: Senior Strategic Officer

Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension or becoming 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: 11/10/2025

Closing Date: 11/23/2025

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

We provide an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.