Coordinator, Indigenous Student Financial Support

Competition 2591

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Office of the Registrar

Student Financial Support in the Office of the Registrar provides $52M each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support to undergraduate students. Student Financial Support also administers need-based financial supports to graduate students. Student Financial Support works closely with the campus community to promote programs and services, and advocates and advises students seeking financial assistance through university programs and government repayable (loan) and non-repayable (grant) support.

Position

This exciting and diverse position will be responsible for strengthening student financial support for prospective and current Indigenous learners while liaising with Indigenous funders and sponsors. This position will also engage and build relationships with the on-campus Indigenous community to help improve Indigenous student financial literacy across the institution, including administering Indigenous documentation submissions. Reporting to the Manager, Operations – Student Financial Support, the Coordinator, Indigenous Student Financial Support is responsible for the coordination of effective funding support initiatives that reduce financial barriers for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in achieving their academic goals.

The University of Alberta is committed to respectful relations with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples by developing, in consultation and collaboration with internal and external community stakeholders, a thoughtful, respectful, meaningful, and sustainable response to the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In support of this objective, the University of Alberta’s Indigenous institutional Strategic Plan calls for Indigenous Enrolment Management to develop and implement an undergraduate Indigenous financial student support strategy.

Travel within Alberta and overtime is required in this position, which includes driving a University of Alberta fleet vehicle to local and rural community events. The hours of work for this position may be varied, including a requirement to work evenings and weekends.

Duties

• Acts as subject matter expert in all areas of Indigenous financial support process, policy and strategy by providing data-informed input on overall strategic planning and initiatives related to Indigenous student funding.
• Monitors environmental trends in Indigenous student funding patterns, anticipating shifts, making connections, identifying patterns and make decisions that support Indigenous student retention and success.
• Provides leadership, advice and training to the Registrar’s Office (RO) staff for Indigenous student financial support initiatives. Builds partnerships with the Office of Advancement, Dean of Students, and external funders to support strategic goals of Indigenous Enrolment Management and the University.
• Responsible for supporting and managing creation of new or making amendments to existing financial supports, ensuring compliance with UAPPOL policy and procedures.
• Serves as the main contact and subject matter expert to other units within the RO, to faculties and programs, and other areas across campus regarding the work/background functions of financial resources within RO related to Indigenous Enrolment Management and Indigenous identity documentation.
• Develops productive relationships with Enrolment Management Service Partners and Recruitment Service partners and collaborates with them to evaluate and develop alignment of financial support programs with recruitment and enrolment goals.
• Remains up-to-date on best practices in integrated financial aid services, by other Canadian post-secondary institutions and throughout North America. Proposes how these best practices can be integrated into Indigenous Student Financial Support initiatives.
• Leads the development and execution of student engagement, financial literacy, and outreach programs for First Nations, Metis and Inuit prospective and current students.
• Creates accessible and engaging learning opportunities that empower students to proactively understand and improve the unique Indigenous student financial situation.
• Tracks the success of programs through statistics, audience feedback, and the development of key performance indicators.
• Promotes scholarships and financial aid to enhance the quantity and/or quality of applicant pools.
• Monitors Indigenous students throughout the recruitment funnel to develop tactical prospective applicant communications that increase financial support touchpoints.
• Leads training of partners participating in Indigenous attended events, to prepare non- Indigenous staff to work with First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners.
• Works with First Peoples’ House, Indigenous Students’ Union and Volunteer Management to recruit student volunteers for Indigenous community events.
• Holds a seat on the Indigenous Recruiter Circle.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree or equivalent.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in Indigenous student support or recruitment.
• Expert knowledge of Indigenous funding mechanisms, challenges, and pathways.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License (non-GDL) is mandatory; plus a 3-year driver's abstract must be provided.

Preferred Qualifications

• Personal experience with Cree, Sioux and Dene ceremonial practices is preferred.
• Ability to speak and communicate in any Indigenous language is preferred.
• Knowledge of University of Alberta policies and procedures is an asset.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft, Slate systems is an asset.