Manager, Aboriginal Programs
/ORGANIZATION:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
DEADLINE:
Nov. 6, 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 globally recognized 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 ECU marks its centennial in 2025, the university continues to explore what art and design can make possible — shaping what comes next.
WEBSITE:
http://www.ecuad.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This temporary, full-time, two-year excluded position (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday) serves as the operational lead in planning and implementing Indigenous programs and services at the Aboriginal Gathering Place (AGP). The Manager assists the Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives, and the Associate Director, Aboriginal Programs, with strategic planning, leadership, and integrated administration for Indigenous education and learner support.
In collaboration with the AGP team, the Manager contributes to the cultural voice on Aboriginal programs, enhances access for Indigenous learners, advances Indigenization and decolonization initiatives, and strengthens relationships with Aboriginal communities and partners. The role includes developing culturally safe environments, facilitating workshops and training, mentoring staff, and contributing to the goals and vision of both the AGP and the university.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide operational and programmatic support for the AGP, including workshops, events, recruitment, and grants.
Coordinate recruitment strategies for Indigenous students locally, regionally, and provincially.
Represent the University and AGP at events on Aboriginal/Indigenous education.
Advise Indigenous students on applications, admissions, and degree requirements.
Facilitate student access to workshops, counselling, and advocacy support.
Support academic and cultural programs to promote student success.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to ensure culturally appropriate services.
Engage Aboriginal communities to strengthen relationships and raise awareness.
Develop and monitor Aboriginal project grants, budgets, and reports.
Mentor and supervise team members, overseeing hiring and professional growth.
Foster justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation practices.
Support communications with Host Nations: Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh.
Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and Aboriginal cultural experience; a master’s degree is an asset.
Minimum three years of full-time administrative or management experience in Aboriginal education within a post-secondary institution, or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of Aboriginal Peoples, cultures, and protocols locally, provincially, and nationally.
Knowledge of current and emerging issues in Aboriginal education and related legislation.
Experience working with British Columbia Aboriginal communities and organizations.
Understanding of Aboriginal post-secondary pedagogies and student success practices.
Experience in human resources, budgeting, and program management.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Strong conflict resolution, facilitation, and networking abilities.
Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Teams, Colleague, Informer, and WordPress is an asset.
Indigenous material practice and knowledge of an Indigenous language are considered strong assets.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, visit https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. The competition closes Nov. 6, 2025. Emily Carr University encourages applications from those committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, especially members of historically marginalized groups including women, 2SLGBTQ+ people, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous peoples. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
REMUNERATION:
$47.09 to $62.79 per hour
