Project Manager, Events and Special Projects
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 documentationis 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 Project Manager is responsible to lead, oversee and implement projects assigned to this role designed to further the mandate of the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement. The position will be aligned to support the Office of the Vice- Provost Indigenous Engagement and provides crucial creative expertise in coordinating events hosted by the office, writing reports, and other duties to help further the strategic projects of the office. These documents will contribute to relationship development and growth to enhance the reputation of the university both nationally and globally in Indigenous engagement. Additional crucial aspects of the position is to support the Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Knowledge Keepers who guide the OVPIE in their work across campus and oversight of the Muskeg Lake office space.
Nature of Work:
The position will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure understanding, knowledge, and integration of projects that are identified by the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement to further ohpahotân I oohpaahotaan - the university’s Indigenous Strategy. This position will identify timelines, financial management, logistics coordination, and problem solving through collaboration to support ideas and events into detail orientated projects that are subsequently prioritized, resourced, and executed as directed by the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement.
Reporting to the Strategic Officer, Indigenous Engagement, this position is responsible for end-to-end event coordination including consideration of internal resources, relationships with stakeholders, communications and post-event evaluation. The incumbent will orchestrate high quality, high impact and engagement experiences and events with measurable outcomes to build and strengthen relationships and the work of OVPIE. Stakeholders will include Elders, Knowledge Keepers, dignitaries, community partners, students, staff, and faculty and all ranging in size from small intimate gatherings to large-scale signature events.
The project manager will operate in a dynamic, fast paced, and highly collaborative environment with numerous, concurrent projects with competing deadlines. The incumbent is required to be motivated, collaborative, and highly effective at relationship building. Caring for relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers will include calendar and events management, logistics, payment processing, and other duties as assigned.
Accountabilities:
Event and Project Coordination
- Identifies and drafts budget management outline aligned with allocated resources and the needs of the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement
- Provides event and project direction, oversight, and participation in assigned project initiatives that are designed to achieve the long-term goals of the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement
- Determines the scope of projects developed and oversees and participates in the execution of effective plans that incorporate layered communications and change tactics
- Develops realistic schedules for projects, and provides timely and effective management of these schedules and associated logistics for projects
- Develops preliminary and final designs and estimates in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders
- Ensures timelines are adhered to for initiatives, by identifying capacity, pacing and resourcing issues needing leadership attention, and keeping executives aware of any red flags concerning timing or integration processes
- Ensures effective management and maintenance of projects and initiative documentation and data files
- Liaises with multiple stakeholders and maintains effective working relationships to ensure ongoing communication related to initiative activities and status
- Prepares draft materials for meetings, which may include research, and ensures that minutes are documented
- Prepares follow-up correspondence and coordinates business arising from meetings
- Oversight and management of the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement Muskeg Lake urban office space
- Other duties as assigned
Communication
- Works with communication partners to utilize the most effective channels to deliver consistent, appropriately timed communications
- Develops and maintains a system to track projects and applications including deadlines, budgets, requirements, and reporting
- Oversees coordination of logistics, including venue contracts and booking of appropriate spaces, food and beverage requirements and arrange or oversee ordering supplies, signage, AV equipment, and on-site production.
- Establishes events management documents, plans, and organizational memory
Relationships/Partnerships
- Engages and works with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities in a manner that is respectful and understands the diversity of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit cultures
- Engages and influences stakeholders and process owners in development and execution
- Collaborates with stakeholders to analyze and interpret data and to determine how to use, modify or change resources and processes for greater operational efficiencies and continuous improvement
Qualifications
Education: Related undergraduate degree is required; master's degree is preferred.
Experience:
- Experience in an Indigenous portfolio; experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers; Knowledge of Indigenous protocols
- Relevant and demonstrable experience in leading and managing projects and events with the academic student cycle and experiences specific to Indigenous students in post-secondary
Skills:
- A skilled communicator with the ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful, and collaborative relationships
- Excellent process design, project management, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to motivate, influence and gain commitment from cross-functional teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comprehensive reporting and detailed orientated
Application Instructions:
As part of this application, a cover letter is REQUIRED:
- Please tailor your cover letter and experience based on the accountabilities and expectations of this position.
Department: Vice-Provost IndigenousEngagmt
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: 6/13/2025
Closing Date: 6/19/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php
Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
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 are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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 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’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.