Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level A
Job Title
Research Strategist
Department
Research | Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
Compensation Range
$5,365.42 - $7,709.92 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
August 8, 2025
Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
Working collaboratively with the IRSHDC team, the Research Strategist develops initiatives, projects and events in support of research, recording and curation activities. Creates and/or maintains partnerships with Indigenous communities, Survivors of Residential School and/or Intergenerational Survivors to develop collaborative projects and initiatives, identify priorities and materials/records. Coordinates research initiatives at the Centre as well as with communities, schools, post-secondary institutions and UBC partners.
Creates content and aids in designing and carrying out research strategies, scope and goals. Participates in ongoing project planning, research development and execution. Investigates funding sources and works collaboratively with IRSHDC team to develop, compose, edit and proof funding applications and reports. Supports project- and program-related research ethics applications and initiatives.
Conducts research into the resources and records related to the Residential School System in Canada and its legacies directly with community members.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Research Manager at the Indian Residential History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC), or designate. Works closely and in collaboration with IRSHDC team, community and academic partners, and related research and archives staff at other institutions.
Work Performed
Works directly with First Nation community members and communities to develop collaborative research collections and initiatives;
Supports IRSHDC initiatives that are requested by Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors of Residential Schools; including, but not limited to: Archival Research and/or Oral Testimony Workshops, Research-focussed Dialogue events, Research presentations at Provincial Gatherings and other multi-community gatherings, direct research support to communities and their projects (including travelling to archives to research on behalf of the community, community specific research packages/reports).
Initiates research and archival guides, and identifies and catalogues repositories of records.
Compiles literature reviews. Engages in policy identification and analysis related to colonial institutions and systems in Canada;
Provides reference services related to Residential School records
Contributes to research ethics initiatives, including formulation, renewal, and amendment of IRSHDC ethics applications;
Engages in oral testimony planning, gathering and facilitation; including managing audio and visual recording devices and accessories;
Engages in research linked to oral testimony projects and initiatives;
Preserves recordings and accompanying documentation consistent with IRSHDC practices and guidelines, under the guidance of senior Collections Team members.
Develops resources for IRSHDC lessons, workshops and/or conferences under the guidance of the Research Manager;
Provides talks and/or is able to host events including public speaking engagements, group facilitation and/or workshops;
Identifies relevant methodologies in Indigenous studies, trauma-informed memory institution studies to inform IRSHDC content and strategies;
Collaborates on and/or writes compiled research findings and shares IRSHDC work to community and University/academic partners;
Under the direction of the Research Manager and IRSHDC Collections team, defines approach and scope for assigned content research;
Researches funding sources and prepares, composes and edits funding applications and research reports.
Contributes to project planning, execution, monitoring and reporting.Activities include, but are not limited to: identifying relevant archives and scoping the archival record groups; scheduling archival visits; planning and scheduling survivor interviews; identification of, and liaising with, potential project partners; identifying and reviewing primary literature (including ‘grey’ literature); liaising with the Research Team and the other teams/partners (especially Collections) in regards to prioritizing and shifting the general avenues of research. Compiles archival records, literature reviews, timelines, the recordings from interviews, and research reports, into reports and findings that other teams within the Centre can make use of.Works with the Research Team to highlight particular records and other information of importance.
Performs other duties as outlined by the Research Manager.
Supervision Received
Works independently under the broad direction of the IRSHDC Research Manager.
Supervision Given
May assign or check the work of technicians, support staff, students or volunteers.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Strategist will exercise initiative, sound judgment, and tact in working with faculty, staff and with contacts at other institutions. Good judgment in the assessment of materials is imperative, as is attention to detail and organization. Errors, poor judgment, and inappropriate decisions can impede the work of the IRSHDC and result in missed opportunities and, ultimately, ineffective or inadequate displays of public information, or in compromised relations with critical contacts at other institutions. Misidentification of usage rights on materials may create legal exposure for the Centre and university.
Qualifications
University degree in a relevant field (Indigenous studies, History with an Indigenous concentration, etc.), or in another academic field preferred with a minimum of two years related experience with Indigenous organizations related to Residential School issues, or the equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Experience working with First Nations, Metis and/or Inuit peoples and communities, demonstrated Indigenous cultural competency including knowledge of Indian Residential School system, and prior work with Survivors of schools and their families, is preferred. If candidate does not have adequate experience and cultural competency with Indigenous peoples, professional development requirements to achieve proven competency may be a requirement during the probationary period.
Excellent research and writing skills.
Knowledge of the Residential School history and historical context is requisite, as well ongoing intergenerational impacts.
Experience with archival research an asset.
Experience working with audio and video recording equipment an asset.
Computer competence in document preparation, database use, and organization of storage required.
Experience in working with multimedia resources and/or communications strategies desirable.
Excellent judgment and interpersonal skills required.
Excellent oral and presentation skills required.
Ability to build effective relationships when working with other staff, both locally and at related institutions required.
Ability to work both independently and within a team environment required.
Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines required.
Given equivalent qualifications, preference will be given to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit candidates.