Mandate

Reporting to the Director of Indigenous University Initiatives, the Policy Implementation Manager leads the effective, campus-wide implementation of the Indigenous Citizenship Declaration (ICD) Policy through systems coordination, maintenance of the policy portal, initiating procedural reviews, establishing MOUs with BC Indigenous Nations, Communities and Peoples, and developing strategies for communications, training, workshops and engagement sessions. In alignment with the goals and priorities of Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL ( UVic’s Indigenous Plan , 2023), the Policy Implementation Coordinator plays a key role in upholding the institutional objective of ensuring that university policies and procedures respect the self-determination of distinct Indigenous Nation and fulfil institutional commitments to Indigenous members of the UVic community.

Objectives

• leading high-level strategic planning towards implementation and facilitating workshops, information sessions, presentations, engagement events and committee meetings to support key initiatives in collaboration with the Policy Navigator;
• providing ongoing, campus-wide guidance under direction of the Director of Indigenous University Initiatives to units administering Indigenous-specific opportunities and implementing the ICD policy;
• establishing and maintaining relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, governing bodies and organizations in British Columbia;
• reviewing and overseeing the review process for applications made through ICD portal; and
• coordinating procedural reviews and advising on best practices.
  
  

Confidentiality, sensitivity and Indigenous-specific cultural knowledge is paramount to this role. This position is responsible for handling applications containing sensitive personal information and applications that may touch on sensitive subject matters relating to experiences of disenfranchisement, disconnection from community, nation, peoples, and/or land, and intergenerational trauma. Of critical importance to this position is an intimate knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Cultural competency, including an in-depth understanding of colonization, decolonization, reconciliation, land issues, cultural protocols, and Indigenous/settler relationships is essential.

The Policy Implementation Manager will possess a demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage a diverse caseload. This position requires excellence in building and maintaining respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, and Peoples.

This position will support initiatives and events hosted by the OVPI that may take place in the evenings or on the weekends and requires the ability and willingness to work these hours as required. Some travel may be required.

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. political science, law, Indigenous governance, Indigenous nationhood, Indigenous studies, etc.) with a master’s degree preferred, and 5 years of practical work-related experience working with Indigenous populations, managing a complex caseload, and supporting knowledge transmission of institutional policies and processes affecting Indigenous peoples within university-aged populations, with advanced knowledge and skill in trauma-informed practices and/or with Indigenous communities/organizations. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Include

• In depth knowledge of colonization and the ongoing impacts to Indigenous communities (e.g. mental health, addictions, racism, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous communities’ history, culture, social circumstances, and protocols particularly Coast and Straits Salish
• Understanding of human rights and privacy legislation
• Knowledge of local community-based resources and ability to foster and maintain effective working relationship with community-based partners
• Administrative and computer software applications including case management tracking system
• Unique issues facing Indigenous university students, staff and faculty
• Implementation of advanced de-escalation techniques, complex problem-solving, and mediation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to work effectively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples from a range of settings including urban, rural, and remote
• Experience working in or engaging with Indigenous communities or community organizations and in building positive partnerships with such communities and organizations
• Handling highly sensitive issues and/or crises in a complex environment, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and neutrality
• Ability to identify and analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve desired outcomes
• Administrative and organizational skills including developing/implementing case management processes/practices in a post-secondary or similarly complex environment
• Apply trauma-informed practices in all interactions with Indigenous students
  
  

Assets

• Knowledge of Indigenous laws, historical perspectives, and current political issues involving Indigenous communities
• The development, interpretation, application and review of institutional policies and procedures
• Investigating and applying judgment to significant issues while adhering to legislation and policies
• Relevant experience and knowledge working with Indigenous students, staff and faculty
• Training in post-secondary threat, violence and risk assessment
• Experience in writing reports, developing presentations and communications materials, and public speaking, specifically in terms of policy and governance subject matter
• Ability to provide triage assessment, risk assessment and crisis intervention