Special Projects Officer, Indigenous Curriculum & Pedagogies

Description:

U of T Mississauga—the second largest campus of Canada’s top-ranked university and the only research university in Ontario’s booming Peel Region—is one of the world’s great catalysts of human potential. Our employee community hums with the energy of 3,400 faculty, librarians and staff, who power our campus with curiosity, connection and care. We work together to spark life-changing research and innovation, make an indelible mark on the world by building equitable cities and societies, enable healthy lives, create a sustainable future and ignite entrepreneurship. Above all, we prioritize student success and seek to give our 16,500 students the lift of a lifetime through learning and discovery. We love to open opportunities available nowhere else for our community to achieve their ambitions and make their unique contributions to Canada and the world. This work all comes together on a spectacularly green campus, alongside the Missinihe-ziibi(Trusting Creek or Credit River), where we seek to honour truth, reciprocity and reconciliation on the traditional land of the Wendat Nation, Seneca and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We’re thrilled to welcome those who want to learn more about us and to be part of what we do.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Director of the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (RGASC), and working closely with the Director, Indigenous Initiatives UTM, the Special Projects Officer (SPO), Indigenous Curriculum and Pedagogies is responsible for identifying, managing, and leading projects that increase awareness of Indigenous ways of knowing. The SPO will be ready to take on tasks or projects related to Indigenous ways of knowing; initiate and undertake research on a wide variety of issues and topics within Indigenous knowledges; provide guidance and advice; design, coordinate and facilitate workshops, follow-up with departmental leads, various committees and units to move projects along and to ensure UTM moves forward on efforts to meet the Calls to Action as outlined in Wecheehetowin, related to Indigenous curriculum, pedagogies and research methods.

The SPO functions as a member of the RGASC, but will work closely with the University of Toronto,Mississauga Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII-UTM) by participating in their team meetings, programs, and special events. The SPO will also collaborate regularly with the Institutional Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII); the Provostial Advisor on Indigenous Curriculum, Special Projects Officers focused on Indigenous Curriculum and Education and Indigenous Research across the three campuses; the Council of Indigenous Initiatives, the Elders’ Circle, and community partners, for example, Mississauga of the Credit First Nations. The SPO will maintain professional acuity using an Indigenous lens and will have knowledge of diverse cultural protocols, sensitivities, and competencies. Along with a high degree of awareness of University activities, especially as they relate to Indigenous curriculum, pedagogy, research and education, the SPO will bring an Indigenous lens to their work.

The SPO works in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The incumbent interacts closely with a wide range of senior members of the University as well as academic administrators, faculty and staff, as well as students and other community members. The role of the SPO will continue to evolve, and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Please note that short-listed candidates may be asked to participate in an Indigenous substantiation process. Indigenous Substantiation | Indigenous University of Toronto

QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:

University degree required, professional or post graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum six (6) years’ of project management (leading, organizing and tracking the outcomes of complex and multi-stakeholder projects) and a minimum four (4) years’ related experience working within Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) communities/agencies in a project management and/or community development role. Extensive experience in Indigenous community collaborations, Indigenous knowledges, and Indigenous curriculum and education. Experience working with Knowledge Keepers, learners, faculty, and staff, and an appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the University’s community. Excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with broader Indigenous communities.

SKILLS:
Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations). Internet, Acrobat, scheduling software and familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint.

Ability to interact in culturally safe ways with Indigenous individuals and communities. Advanced skills in Indigenous community partnerships and research methodologies.

OTHER:
Strong skills in Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations and collaborations. Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; high degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities. Must embrace diversity and inclusion as an integral component of a quality university experience

Strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. Demonstrated relationships with services agencies within Indigenous communities and/or urban centers and governments. Competence in an Indigenous language a definite asset.

Please note that one continuing position is available. 

Closing Date: 09/23/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried 
Personnel Subarea: PM
Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $93,592 - $109,190 -- Broadband Salary Range: $93,592 - $155,985
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial