Indigenous Student Success Coordinator

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create.

Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service.

Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), the Indigenous Student Success Coordinator is responsible for providing Indigenous students with academic support, referrals to student support services both on and off campus, as well as enhancing Indigenous students’ experience through academic and cultural supports, programming and activities. The Coordinator is responsive to individual student needs, providing support with financial aid, academic advising, and offering advocacy and guidance with academic and non-academic policies. The Coordinator is responsible for planning and implementing services and programs designed to facilitate the academic success of Indigenous students at OCAD University (OCAD U). The Coordinator works to ensure that Indigenous students are supported with culturally relevant services, working closely with Indigenous Student Centre staff, faculty and OCAD U support services to facilitate open, respectful communication to meet the needs of Indigenous students.    

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance, advocacy, and referrals to Indigenous students through one-on-one consultations   
• Maintain current knowledge and comprehensive understanding of relevant university policies, procedures, and practices to effectively respond to student concerns and support Indigenous student safety 
• Develop, coordinate, and support weekly programming and workshops supporting Indigenous students’ social, cultural and emotional wellbeing    
• Provide support, crisis intervention and referrals to Indigenous students, as needed; act as a liaison between students and supports internal and external to the University   
• Provide advocacy services and guidance to Indigenous students in navigating academic and non-academic policies and processes such as academic misconduct, appeals, and petitions; support students through the relevant policy or process as needed or requested 
• Provide academic advising, support and information to students pertaining to procedures, program requirements, dates and deadlines; work closely with Student Advising, Office of the Registrar and relevant support units     
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant academic and non-academic policies including Student Petitions, Grade Appeals, Non-Academic Misconduct Policy, Response to Violent or Threatening Behaviour, Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy; supporting students with referrals to the relevant policy holder when necessary   
• Maintain proactive communications, including the ISC weekly newsletter, social media accounts and the department’s website, to build awareness, promote events and ensure access to accurate, timely and relevant information; to connect with Indigenous OCAD U students, staff, faculty, alumni, Indigenous communities and partners 
• Knowledge of internal and external bursaries, awards, financial supports for Indigenous students; work closely with the Financial Aid & Awards office, providing referrals as needed   
• Knowledge of housing supports available for Indigenous OCAD U students; community programs, resources and housing partners   
• Coordinate Orientation and Welcome events for new students and represent the Indigenous Student Centre at University events. 
• Maintain collaborative relationships with OCAD U’s existing student support services to ensure Indigenous student needs are integrated into service delivery throughout the University; including Student Advising, Office of the Registrar, Student Wellness Centre, Student Accessibility Services, Centre for Learning and Teaching, Financial Aid & Awards, Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers 
• Maintain a resource list for external agencies and organizations that provide supports for Indigenous students, including grants and awards, housing, career opportunities, cultural supports, and health and wellness 
• Track persistence and retention of Indigenous students on an ongoing basis and develop retention plans in collaboration with the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre   
• Supervise Indigenous Student Centre, Student Monitors, participating in hiring, managing Monitor schedules, and approving biweekly time entry   
• Serve on internal and external committees as needed   
• Support the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre in other related functions and special projects contributing successful operation of the Indigenous Student Centre   

Qualifications:

• Indigenous citizenship (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), connection to an Indigenous community, lived experience and an understanding of the Indigenous culture(s) and practices    
• Experience with the administration of Indigenous community programming, education, and arts   
• Understanding of Indigenous cultural, educational, political, and economic conditions  
• Post-secondary degree or equivalent, with a minimum of three (3) years of administrative work experience, preferably in a post-secondary educational environment   
• A demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service in a diverse environment   
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and strong self-management skills   
• Demonstrated professionalism, and the ability to exercise tact, good judgment and diplomacy   
• Strong working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, and experience working with databases   
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong organizational and time management skills, and the ability to juggle competing demands, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines   
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be an active contributor in the planning, formulation and implementation of student-centered services   
• Proven ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment   
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty  
• Flexibility in work hours; must be willing and able to work occasional evenings, as required

Compensation: OPSEU Unit 1, Appendix A, Grade A4; $31.59 to $41.52 per hour

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until July 3, 2026.

Mode of Work: Hybrid Model

Interested internal permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 or temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service applicants are invited to submit an updated *resume and cover letter (PDF) by selecting “Apply Now” below, no later than Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

*Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload:  FirstName_LastName-Job Code

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-deserving groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.