Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways Assistant
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.
Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) welcomes First Nations, Inuit and Métis students to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) with academic and social programming that builds confidence, knowledge and skills.
Primary Purpose: The ISAP Assistant will provide comprehensive support to the ISAP team, College of Arts and Science, with emphasis on ensuring the smooth administration of Indigenous Student Initiatives Pathways (ISAP) first year learning communities and peer mentor activities. The standard for quality of work and timely completion of projects is high. This role requires a team-based approach in a complex academic environment and the ability to communicate effectively, by a variety of methods, with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community members.
Nature of Work: The ISAP Assistant reports to and works closely with the ISAP Team Lead, providing high quality, efficient administrative support to ISAP student-facing initiatives, and thus playing a proactive role in delivering programming that supports Indigenous student success in the College of Arts and Science. ISAP works in partnership with numerous on and off-campus partners, and the ISAP Assistant will support continued collaborations by maintaining effective communication and professional working relationships with students, staff, faculty, administration and external partners. This position requires a high level of integrity and independent judgment. The ISAP Assistant must deal with emerging and unpredictable events in a timely and sensitive manner, providing effective follow-up on messages and decisions.
This position is focused on working with Indigenous students and Indigenous communities of practice; familiarity with and understanding of cultural border crossing in academic spaces, socio-economic diversities, Indigenous governance, and Indigenous student funding will be considered assets for this role. Prior knowledge of ISAP initiatives, or participation in ISAP initiatives, are also strong assets for this position.
The ISAP Assistant will interact with multiple projects and requires the ability to work under pressure, with minimal supervision, in a fast-paced environment where there are continuous changes, shifting priorities, and frequent interruptions. Competing deadlines and multi-tasking are the norm, so the ISAP Assistant must plan workflow to deal with deadlines, peak periods, and unexpected situations.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities: The ISAP Assistant will provide high quality administrative management to the ISAP Team, they will:
- Support undergraduate leadership development by facilitating weekly peer mentor training meetings;
- Coordinate delivery of ISAP LC weekly gatherings with peer mentors;
- Support coordination of ISAP events, including meetings, workshops, orientation;
- Co-facilitate ISAP Summer Start (August 25, 26, 27);
- Draft timely student communications, e.g. event notices, student opportunities, social media posts, throughout the academic year;
- Efficiently complete assigned administrative duties, such as proof-reading documents, updating website information, answering email inquiries, processing ISAP course requests, etc.;
- Communicate effectively and professionally with departments, students, and other internal and external stakeholders, effectively representing ISAP’s interests;
- Support ISAP student bursary and award administration;
- Provide drop-in support and wayfinding advice to ISAP students at the Trish Monture Centre (Arts 250);
- Work with Trish Monture Centre academic advisors to ensure that Indigenous students are receiving consistent messaging and support;
- Occasional travel and evening or weekend event attendance may be required.
Education: A post-secondary degree, or advanced administrative certificate, in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience: A minimum of 2 years working in a position with administrative, student leadership, or instructional responsibility. Experience working with Indigenous people and organizations, and/or in post-secondary educational contexts.
Skills: The ISAP Assistant must be highly motivated and have the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and to collaborate with other services, resource units on campus and external parties to support student success. This role requires highly effective interpersonal written and verbal communication skills; effective task organization and time management; demonstrated ability to work with Indigenous students with sensitivity and understanding; and the ability to exercise good judgment and demonstrate integrity in solving problems, managing conflict, making decisions and setting priorities.
Applicants should have demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast paced, high-volume environment; ability to manage data and accurately document and track services and outcomes; and willingness to utilize technology (phone, video conferencing, email, Canvas LMS, and social media) as a service delivery mechanism. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel & PowerPoint), USASK Learning Management Systems, and Survey Monkey will be required. Proficiency in developing and delivering presentations to share information, and to provide professional mentorship and leadership to current students, will be critical.
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Sandy Bonny at 306-966-1448
Department: ASPA
Status: Term 10 months otherlimited term, covering staff leave
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon-Thursday 10:00am-3:00 pm, with some flexibility
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.5 FTE
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 6/13/2025
Closing Date: 6/26/2025
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: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
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.