Indigenous Student Success Coordinator

Durham College; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading post-secondary institution is seeking a Support Staff member in Oshawa to coordinate and promote initiatives for Indigenous students. The ideal candidate will have deep cultural understanding, relevant education, and skills in mentoring. Duties include providing holistic support, coordinating events, and enhancing student retention. A strong commitment to Indigenous education and community is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of progressive experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Ability to work across cultures and articulate Indigenous worldview.
• Experience using trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develops and coordinates programming for Indigenous students.
• Provides individual cultural support to enhance student success.
• Participates in initiatives promoting Indigenous wellness and education.

Skills

Lived experience as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person

Knowledge of student development theory

Understanding of Indigenous viewpoints

Computer skills in Microsoft Office

Experience delivering culturally safe workshops

Education

Three-year advanced diploma or degree in Indigenous Studies

Job description

Support Staff – Oshawa

ID : SS23-122 • Full-Time / Regular

About Durham College

Durham College (DC) is a leading post‑secondary institution that offers an innovative and transformative student experience and hands‑on learning opportunities. DC is one of the fastest‑growing colleges in the province and is annually ranked among the GTA’s Top 100 employers.

DC offers a wide range of market‑driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, justice, media, art and design.

With a focus on experiential learning, DC graduates are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need. More than 104,000 alumni represent the college locally and worldwide.

Serving the Durham Region and community for over 50 years, DC has campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, offering over 12,500 full‑time post‑secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 full‑time programs – including 5 honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. Led by over 1,860 full‑ and part‑time staff, DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region.

DC recognises that Indigenisation is a continuous process requiring each member of our campus community to actively commit to reconciliation, with the goal of building respectful, reciprocal relationships that will contribute to better educational outcomes for all students. As a proud signatory of the Indigenous Education Protocol for Colleges and Institutes Canada, DC upholds the seven principles of the protocol.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Indigenous Initiatives, the incumbent works out of the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) and develops, coordinates, promotes, assesses and reports on programming and initiatives for potential and current Indigenous students of Durham College, focusing on every stage of the student academic life cycle. The incumbent provides individual, holistic, culturally relevant supports to meet the needs of Indigenous students through mentorship and guidance, promoting persistence, increasing retention, and enhancing student success while creating a sense of community on campus.

The Indigenous Student Success Coordinator is responsible for the timely delivery of strategic retention and academic support services as identified in the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Indigenous Student Success Fund, as well as planning and implementing strategies to improve student retention and graduation rates. The coordinator also participates on cross‑college committees and advisory circles advocating for the needs of Indigenous learners and the diverse needs of Indigenous communities.

• Plans and coordinates the electronic mentoring and transition programming for Indigenous students.
• Co‑ordinates, liaises and facilitates campus visits from Indigenous Education Managers who monitor the academic progress of sponsored students.
• Advocates on behalf of sponsored Indigenous students to funding organisations.
• Promotes and advises current and potential students on academic policies and available supports such as financial aid opportunities.
• Provides individual student supports through coaching to promote persistence, increase retention and enhance student success.
• Arranges sessions and opportunities for Indigenous students to connect with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Holders within the centre and in community.
• Provides referrals for students to on‑ and off‑campus resources to meet individual needs with a holistic approach (e.g., social, economic, health and academic).
• Collaborates on the development of the student calendar of events with colleagues in FPIC (e.g., ceremonies, traditional teachings, celebrations, transition programmes).
• Works with students to develop balanced, holistic success plans to promote well‑being and community engagement.
• Participates in activities such as Open House events, new student orientations, information sessions and community events.

Administration

• Provides an Indigenous voice on various campus communities, and participates in community circles, committees and initiatives promoting collaborative approaches to Indigenous wellness, education and service delivery.
• Assists with special projects such as student surveys and focus groups to evaluate services.
• Conducts regular programming evaluations.
• Updates Indigenous Services online content, and assists in developing marketing and promotional materials.
• Addresses Indigenous student inquiries, including email, Live Chat, phone and in‑person visits.

Qualifications

• Lived experience as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit person, and experience working with Indigenous peoples, communities and/or organisations.
• A minimum of a three‑year advanced diploma or degree with a focus in Indigenous Studies, or an equivalent combination of academic preparation and experience.
• Minimum of three years of progressive and relevant experience working with Indigenous communities and organisations in the human services field.
• Knowledge of student development theory, post‑secondary programmes and policies.
• Significant Traditional Knowledge, including cultural protocols, traditional governance and Traditional Ways of Knowing, attained through years of Elders' teachings, participation in ceremony and close community ties.
• Understanding of Indigenous viewpoints and political climate, strong advocacy and diplomacy skills, ability to reconcile diverse viewpoints and foster cooperation.
• Ability to work and communicate across cultures and articulate an Indigenous worldview within the post‑secondary environment.
• Intermediate level computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• Experience using trauma‑informed approaches to learning, engagement, mediation and facilitation.
• Extensive knowledge of the social and academic challenges and needs of Indigenous students.
• Experience delivering culturally safe workshops, events and gatherings for Indigenous peoples.
• Experience helping people in crisis and the ability to apply this knowledge when advising students.
• Extensive knowledge and ability to collaborate with Indigenous students and local First Nations and Indigenous community organisations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the potential impact of systemic discrimination on academic opportunities and performance.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy and objectivity.
• Proven judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Preferred training or certifications: Mental Health First Aid, Life Promotion / Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention – ASIST, Inclusion and Equity Training / Certification, Alternative Dispute Resolution Training, Advocacy, Information & Referral Training, Workshop Facilitation Training, Decolonizing Education Certificate.

Inclusive Hiring Statement

Under Section 24(1)(a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Durham College will give preference to applicants who identify as being of Indigenous heritage (including First Nations, Métis or Inuit). The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, traditions and spirituality, and the historical and current relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada. The incumbent must appreciate the importance of culturally appropriate protocols for Indigenous peoples.

Compensation and Work Hours

Salary: starting rate $41.12; four‑year rate $47.67 per hour.

Hours: 35 hours per week (1 hour lunch); Monday–Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Reporting To

Director, Indigenous Initiatives, First Peoples Indigenous Centre.

Contact

We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Status

This position is currently open.