Indigenous Student Navigator

CNC International; Prince George; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CNC International is seeking a dedicated professional to advance Indigenous initiatives and inclusion across multiple CNC locations. The role partners with Elders, advisors, and wellness teams to support Indigenous students from outreach to success, fostering respectful, culturally aware programs.

Responsibilities include collaborating with Future Students, building community connections, and developing youth transition plans to promote access to post-secondary education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education, Counselling or Human Services.
• 3+ years in a post-secondary setting with Indigenous community engagement.
• Knowledge of BC Colleges, institutes, university systems, programs and services.
• Lived knowledge of Indigenous student experiences and two-world perspectives.
• Ability to advocate and address institutional/community barriers for Indigenous students.

Responsibilities

• Provide information on CNC programs and services to Indigenous students to improve access and success.
• Engage in Truth and Reconciliation learning and sharing.
• Interact with Indigenous students through understanding of historical and current educational contexts.
• Collaborate with Office of Future Students to reach Indigenous youth and adults and develop learning plans.
• Develop relationships with high school contacts, agencies and government organizations to connect Indigenous learners with CNC.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork and collaboration

Advocacy and problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education, Counselling or Human Services

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives and Inclusion, this role will work collaboratively on numerous projects, services, and programs with the ARC Elder/Cultural Advisor, the Aboriginal Student Success Advisor, the Wholistic Support, Aboriginal Future Student Advisor and the Wellness Team. Community Engagement and outreach with Indigenous communities and prospective Indigenous students will be coordinated with Aboriginal Advisory Committees ( ASC ), and Indigenous Liaisons at each of the community campus locations.

Specific Duties

• Provide a wide range of information related to CNC’s programs and services to Indigenous students that will enhance Indigenous student access, success and quality of learning experiences.
• Embrace and share learning from Truth and Reconciliation.
• Engage Indigenous students through an intrinsic (have lived it) understanding of the history of Indigenous education, as well as contemporary and historical issues impacting educational success.
• Work closely with the Office of Future Students staff to reach out to Indigenous youth and mature adults to promote and encourage access to education and develop individual supportive learning plans.
• Partner with the Office of Future Students team to establish contacts and relationships and strategies with high school counselors, agencies and government organizations for the purpose of connecting with Indigenous learners.
• In collaboration with secondary school administration, develop youth transition plans and offerings that build understanding and options for Indigenous students wanting to attend post secondary education.
• Work closely with Student Services to make appropriate referrals and draw on broad range of expertise regarding student success.
• In collaboration with the marketing staff, assist and identify the development of culturally appropriate information materials for the web, print and promotional efforts.
• Develop efforts targeted to Indigenous student success and retention programs such as early alert, clubs, peer mentorship and friendship programs, social and educational workshops etc., and in partnership with the Student Success & Retention SEM .
• Work in close collaboration with the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives and Inclusion, Manager EDIB , and the Director of Student Services.
• Identify areas of opportunity to create events using the Indigenous Pathways and Projects (formerly Aboriginal Service Plan- ASP ).
• Create, deliver and evaluate research-informed support programs and interventions to improve the academic success and retention of Indigenous students at CNC , including collaborative initiatives with communities and/or faculties.
• Consult with and make recommendations to supervisor on issues that affect Indigenous student success and retention.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships across all service and academic programs at CNC .
• Collaborate, participate and initiate with community partners events, celebrations and ceremonies that promote education and the success of Indigenous learners.
• Collaborate with CNC community, students, Elders, alumni, staff and faculty in providing opportunities to share their experiences and promote educational programs.
• Work with the Indigenous Liaisons/Advisors to offer outreach opportunities to local schools and community-based programs providing student voice and leadership in the areas of promoting life-long learning.
• Work with Student Financial Aid and Awards in effective award strategy and supports for Indigenous students.
• Identify, problem-solve and plan supports, and pathways for students and sponsoring funding agencies to meet timelines for students, CNC and the funding agencies.
• In partnership with Marketing & Events, coordinates events and other opportunities where students can communicate needs and be made aware of existing resources and services that can provide emotional, mental and spiritual support.
• Plan and facilitate workshops and events in support of student academic success (e.g. New Student Advising workshops, Academic planning workshops, workshops for at-risk students).
• Participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings, community meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.
• Be part of a team actively engaged in contributing to and accomplishing the vision, mission, and goals of the College and in supporting the aspirations and needs of learners and communities.
• Promote a positive work atmosphere and communicating in a professional manner that demonstrates mutual respect with students and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager, or designate.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) specializing in Adult Education, Counselling, Human Services from an appropriately accredited institution
• 3 years or more experience in a post-secondary setting, working with Indigenous community members, school district partners first nations partners and Indigenous adult learners; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of BC Colleges, institutes, university systems programs and services
• Lived knowledge of the kinds of experiences Indigenous students bring to the College including understanding of history and awareness of walking in two worlds
• Understanding and experience working with regional Indigenous communities and awareness of local protocols
• Demonstrated ability to be an advocate, problem-solving institutional and community barriers with Indigenous students
• Demonstrated ability to respond to developmental needs of individual Indigenous learners
• Demonstrated ability to seek and analyze data related to access and student needs
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of an integrated team
• Demonstrated awareness of and ability to respond to the transitional needs of prospective students in schools, urban settings and in rural communities
• Demonstrated excellence in group presentations and group facilitation for multiple audiences including peers, Indigenous communities, and prospective students
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and intermediate features associated with a Windows computer environment
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with students, staff, faculty, Elders, alumni, and Indigenous communities, parents/guardians, community organizations and the public
• Must be passionate about lifelong learning and providing access to education
• This position requires a person of Aboriginal ancestry who also meets all other necessary qualifications