Administrative Assistant

Overview

In Keewatinase, the Department of Indigenous Education, we work “from the heart.” Founded on traditional Indigenous values, we believe in the healing power of education to strengthen families and communities. We privilege Indigenous ways in our programs, pedagogy and operations. The Administrative Assistant is an integral and valued part of this team and is responsible for the overall administrative management associated with KIE and all its programs. This position is the primary departmental contact for Indigenous students, their families, and community organizations. As such, the incumbent requires functional knowledge of Indigenous community protocols, communication styles, funding organizations, and political structures.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate and caring support to Indigenous students and families to help them with their transition to post-secondary school life;
• Provide comprehensive and skilled administrative support to the chair and department, including drafting professional correspondence and reports and carrying out complex workflows and processes with great attention to detail;
• Assist with the promotion of the programs and recruitment of students at various community events and educational fairs;
• Assist with the preparation of promotional materials, marks submissions, recommendations for the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), surveys, and graduate records;
• Maintain detailed and complex electronic files and databases with student records, enrolment and program statistics;
• Working closely with the chair and program coordinators, oversee the logistical organization, scheduling, course allocation, and student support associated with all departmental programming, including working alongside the Administrative Assistant of the KITEP language and culture programs;
• Assist in the organization of departmental events and programming, such as ceremonial activities and land-based culture campus;
• Create and manage all departmental and program social media platforms and external communications;
• Provide administrative and general technical support to program faculty, contract lecturers, work-study students, and staff;
• Liaise with administrative personnel in other Faculty of Education departments to uphold a cohesive and collaborative culture;
• Other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in business administration, education, or other directly related field, combined with closely related administrative experience reflecting increasing administrative responsibility and skill. Experience working in a university or college setting is preferred and direct work with Indigenous students, families and communities is paramount.
• This position is the departmental frontline contact for Indigenous students, their families, and community members. As such, the position requires some foundational knowledge of Indigenous community protocols and structures, communication styles, and educational funding organizations.
• The person fulfilling this position must have strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. Compassion, steadfastness and a calm demeanour are essential. When working with Indigenous students, staff and communities, it is paramount that this staff member be culturally sensitive, patient, and relational.
• This position requires advanced proficiency in the following platforms: Google Workspace (advanced Sheets and Drive skills), Microsoft Teams, prominent social media platforms, Canva, and Zoom; institutional-specific platforms such as MyInfo/MyPortal, Concur, Curriculum Navigator, DCU, and Laserfiche considered a significant asset.
• This position requires highly developed interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, in dealing with a diverse spectrum of people and organizations. A high degree of professionalism, the ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate initiative and the capacity to represent the faculty across both campuses is essential.
• Knowledge of educational authorities and organizations, including the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), and a general understanding of the Ontario K-12 education sector, considered an asset.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.