Strategic Officer, Indigenous Engagement

University of Saskatchewan; Canada; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Canada seeks a Strategic Officer to implement and support the Indigenous Strategy. This role emphasizes building relationships between the University and Indigenous organizations, managing events, and guiding strategic projects. Ideal candidates will have a background in Indigenous education or programs, and strong skills in project management and communication. The position offers a salary range of CAD 69,035 - 107,868 per annum and requires experience with Indigenous cultural protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience in Indigenous education, programs, and/or communities.
• Minimum of three years relevant work experience.
• Familiarity with traditions and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide project leadership for the Indigenous Strategy.
• Manage event planning for symposiums and workshops.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and Indigenous communities.

Skills

Results driven

Excellent relationship building

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are 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.

Primary Purpose

The position will be responsible for projects related to supporting and measuring the implementation of ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy at USask. A large focus of the position will be on caring for the relationships between the Office of the Vice Provost Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) and Indigenous organizations, MOUs, and agreements including evaluation, renewals, and management. This position will also focus on policy review and research to better align the Indigenous Strategy with University policy and procedure.

The main objective of this position is to further strengthen capacity of the university community by focusing on system-wide learning and by further developing relationships with the Indigenous communities and to support teaching, learning and research across the University.

The Strategic Officer will work closely with the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement’s team on these responsibilities and will support event planning, special projects, and events.

Nature of Work

Reporting to the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement, the position requires a high level of collaboration, relationship-building, and engagement with a variety of stakeholders to effectively guide the implementation of ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy. The Strategic Officer is responsible for developing system wide learning events for leaders, students, faculty, and staff at the University of Saskatchewan and for outreach initiatives. The position is in a fast-paced, high-volume office with competing demands that require the ability to work under pressure. They will work at establishing respectful working relations with internal and external stakeholders and partners. The position is in the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement.

Accountabilities

• Provides project leadership, direction, oversight, and participation in the development and creation of projects supporting the long-term goals of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement.
• Strong understanding and ability to guide ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy by implementing phases as they grow and develop.
• Manages the direction for planning and organizing symposiums, workshops, and related events for the OVPIE.
• Responsible for providing strategic guidance and ensuring alignment with the office’s overall goals and vision.
• Oversees project initiatives, including scoping, scheduling, and logistics management.
• Maintains effective relationships with various stakeholders and facilitates ongoing communication.
• Identifies capacity, pacing, and resourcing issues, keeping executives informed of any timing concerns.
• Actively engages in data collection, analysis, report writing, grant applications, and proposal development.
• Manages project documentation, records meeting minutes, and coordinates follow-up correspondence.
• Oversees the development of projects, funding proposals, grants, and special projects.
• Lead the development and execution of the Spring and Fall ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan symposiums.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
• Development and implementation of System Wide Learning Topics to Support the Implementation of the Indigenous Strategy.
• Support education and protocol development for the Smudging and Ceremonies Policy.

Education and Awareness

• Continuous development and review of a reporting mechanism to identify and track implementation of ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy at USask.
• Work closely with the OVPIE team on proposal development (fund development) for new programs and initiatives.

Relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations

Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations.

Strategic Communications and Relationships

• Work with the team of the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement to enhance partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations to enhance outreach initiatives and programs within and external to the university.
• Assist with and contribute to annual reports and evaluation tools related to ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy and Annual Reports.
• Represent the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement on relevant internal and external committees, as appointed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education

Master’s degree is preferred; Bachelors degree in a related field will be considered, with related work experience. Minimum of three years related work experience, preferably in direct association with Indigenous education, programs, and/or communities.

Experience

Familiarity and knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols and ceremonial observances is preferred. Proven experience in the coordination of Indigenous events and initiatives. Familiarity with traditions and protocols would be considered an asset. Experience in post-secondary education an asset.

Experience in working with diverse groups of organizations and peoples, particularly students, Indigenous communities and partners. Proven understanding of university administrative structures and Indigenous governance systems and educational support programs. Knowledge and enthusiasm for Indigenous education, outreach and engagement of post-secondary education with communities. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan, Indigenous Peoples, history, and culture within Saskatchewan are essential. Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Skills

• Results driven with a high level of energy, enthusiasm and dedication; demonstrated exceptional relationship building skills;
• Proven integrity, ethics diplomacy, and tact;
• Possess positive, well-established and ability to develop relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders, Elders, and Cultural Knowledge Keepers
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail;
• Ability to manage and prioritize several projects simultaneously with the proven ability to meet deadlines and take on challenges;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Resourcefulness and affinity for strong and effective partnerships;
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets and databases, including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint);
• Basic understanding with an Indigenous language would be considered an asset;
• Demonstrated excellence in facilitation skills (public speaking);
• Ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of diplomacy, confidentiality, initiative and judgment;
• Oversee the identification of funding sources and the preparation of funding proposals, ensuring alignment with new program recommendations;
• Strong judgment and initiative, tact and diplomacy in dealing with the frequent interactions with students, staff, faculty, university departments and external organizations;

Department

Department: Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 12/12/2025

Closing Date: 12/18/2025

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action. 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. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below.

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable

Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes

Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable

Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable