Program Officer, Indigenous Initiatives & Research

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff (TLAPO) Agreement , this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $63,090 - $105,189. This position has an initial appointment of 3 years.

Location

Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for the Department/Faculty

As one of the top 5 research universities in Canada, the University of Alberta's research and innovation spans many fields and disciplines. Our researchers’ expertise and strength attract over $600 million annually from various research funders and partners including federal and provincial governments, industry, foundations, and other organizations.

Position

The position reports to Associate Vice President (AVP), Research Development and Services and is accountable for the development and implementation of Indigenous Initiatives programs and services in the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The position ensures that VPRI incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the work of researchers, staff, and faculty and follows Tri-Council principles on Indigenous Research.

The position ensures that institutional initiatives are implemented in a way that support the strategic direction of the University, as outlined in:

Duties

Initiatives Development and Support (40%)

• Engages and works collaboratively with VPRI staff, including the Research Partners Network, and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Programming and Research to support researchers in relation to Indigenous research initiatives and support grant development for Indigenous-engaged research
• Provides strategic advice, coaching and hands-on assistance for the development of grant applications/proposals for Indigenous-engaged research
• Provides expert research proposal development support to researchers, individually and in cohorts, to improve the quality of applications submitted to funding organizations
• Conducts research and analyses of Indigenous-engaged research issues to inform and improve program development and implementation
• Provides recommendations and ensures the Vice-President and Senior Administrators receive timely briefing, advice, and plans of actions on Indigenous-engaged research activities
• In collaboration with AVP Research Development and Services and others, develops and implements policies and procedures that support the university’s strategic direction for Indigenous-engaged Research

Training Development and Implementation (25%)

• Develops, organizes, and delivers training on Indigenous research issues for researchers to support them in meeting existing and emerging requirements within Tri-Council and other funding programs, working collaboratively with the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Programming and Research
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders for the development of resources and training materials for researchers
• Provides portfolio-specific training for VPRI staff related to their broad areas of work that helps them to integrate Indigenous  practices into their work and their interactions with the University and the communities the UofA serves
• Works with communications staff to ensure that Indigenous initiatives resources are easily accessible to staff, faculty, researchers, and the public

Community Engagement and Support (25%)

• Develops and supports relationships and partnerships internally and externally, including with the Indigenous researchers and communities, in collaboration with the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Programming & Research
• Facilitates communication and engagement events related to Indigenous research engagement
• Manages information collection and engagement information to support the University’s vision for Indigenous research engagement
• Keeps informed about funding, partnerships, and relevant events across the institution, provincially and nationally to identify opportunities to further the vision for Indigenous research
• Helps to develop protocols for community engagement; helps to ensure that others are aware of appropriate protocols to foster respectful research relationships
• Seeks and provides opportunities for connecting Indigenous and equity-denied communities with opportunities for research funding success

Special Project Management (10%)

• Leads, manages and supervises projects
• Provides project management support for Indigenous research initiatives
• Tracks project progress and resolves setbacks
• Ensures appropriate protocols are followed and ensures projects meet required outcomes
• Measures project performance against objectives

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a University degree in Indigenous Studies or related field – graduate degree preferred. Research experience, particularly Indigenous-engaged research, is desirable
• Minimum of 5 years progressively responsible administrative experience, with experience in research administration or grant development a strength
• Personal experience with Indigenous peoples and diverse groups of individuals
• Cultural sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of University policies, administrative and governance processes and academic programs
• Experience managing complex projects
• Strong communication skills

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.