Manager, Aboriginal Programs
/ORGANIZATION:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
DEADLINE:
Oct. 29, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Situated on unceded, traditional and ancestral xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories in Vancouver, Canada, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) is where creativity meets practice. Ranked among the world’s top 30 universities for art and design (QS 2024), ECU is recognized globally for its hands-on, practice-based teaching and learning environment that equips students to experiment, take risks and drive innovation.
Since 1925, ECU has championed bold ideas and emerging talent through a close-knit, studio-intensive setting that connects students with award-winning faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and real-world opportunities. Today, ECU serves more than 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students, along with thousands more through continuing studies, contributing to Canada’s cultural and creative sectors and shaping the future of art, media, design and research.
As the university celebrates its centennial in 2025, ECU continues to ask what art and design can make possible—100 years in the making, shaping what comes next.
WEBSITE:
http://www.ecuad.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This permanent, full-time excluded position (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm) serves as the operational lead in the planning and implementation of Indigenous programs and services at the Aboriginal Gathering Place (AGP).
The Manager, Aboriginal Programs assists the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and the Associate Director, Aboriginal Programs, with strategic planning, leadership, and administration for both Indigenous education and support services for Indigenous learners. Working collaboratively with the AGP team, the Manager contributes to the cultural voice on Aboriginal Programs, enhances access for Aboriginal learners, advances Indigenization and decolonization efforts, and strengthens relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations. This role also promotes cultural safety and supports the inclusion of Indigenous pedagogies across the university.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the AGP team with workshops, events, community development initiatives, recruitment, and grants.
Assist with recruitment strategies and services for Indigenous students locally, regionally, and provincially.
Represent the University and AGP at events related to Indigenous education locally, nationally, and internationally.
Provide information and guidance to Indigenous students on applications, admissions, registration, and degree requirements.
Facilitate access to workshops, counselling, advocacy, and liaison support.
Assist in establishing academic and cultural programs supporting Aboriginal student success.
Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to ensure services and activities are socially and culturally appropriate.
Support partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations to strengthen relationships and raise awareness of ECU’s commitments.
Assist in identifying and securing funding for Aboriginal initiatives and projects.
Oversee information gathering, data collection, and reporting related to Aboriginal student services and education.
Manage and mentor the Aboriginal Program team, overseeing recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
Support Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives within the university.
Maintain communications with the three Host Nations and participate in meetings as required.
Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of cultural experience, skills, and knowledge of Aboriginal epistemology (Master’s degree an asset).
Minimum three years of full-time administrative or management experience in Aboriginal education within a post-secondary institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong knowledge of Aboriginal Peoples, cultures, material practices, and protocols at local, provincial, and national levels.
Knowledge of current issues in Indigenous education, relevant legislation, and Aboriginal student success practices.
Experience with Aboriginal community engagement and relationship-building.
Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Microsoft Teams, Colleague, Informer, and WordPress is an asset.
Indigenous material practice and/or knowledge of an Indigenous language are considered strong assets.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, visit https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. Competition closes on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Emily Carr University encourages applicants who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes those from historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including Indigenous, racialized, and LGBTQ2S+ persons, women, and persons with disabilities. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
REMUNERATION:
$85,711 to $114,281 per annum
