Culture & Land-Based Education Coordinator

The Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority (ADEA) is seeking a competent, confident, motivated individual to fill the position of Culture & Land-Based Education Coordinator. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the Dene culture and land-based initiatives of the Authority and providing ongoing support and monitoring of culture and land-based programming in all schools.

The ADEA is a First Nation Education Authority serving the three Denesuline First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan: Black Lake First Nation, Hatchet Lake First Nation, and Fond Du Lac First Nation. The Authority serves a total student population of approximately 1,400 students. The Authority is working toward improved educational outcomes by utilizing the latest technology, progressively piloting programs, and integrating Denesuline culture into the classroom and school curriculum.

This competition is open to all applicants who reside in Canada; and preference will be given to First Nation or other Indigenous applicants who possess the qualifications, knowledge, and skills to meet the requirements as stated for the position.

What We Offer:

We offer an exciting opportunity to provide school leadership. The successful candidate will be supported by local and central office staff and have access to a great benefit program. The benefits we offer include group insurance (vision, dental, life insurance and other health benefits such as chiropractor and massage therapy), and the company’s registered pension plan. In addition to following the provincial teacher's salary grid we provide subsidized housing and a northern allowance. You will be surrounded by leaders and colleagues that want the best for each student in their learning and well-being.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Supports student welfare through the honoring and practicing of Dene culture and land based traditions in all schools.

• Leads the development of and supports implementation of the Culture and Land-based Framework. Models’ effective leadership practices with school staffs and community members.

• Prepares budget estimates for the Culture and Land-based Framework and ongoing programming.

• Monitors expenditures against budget and explains variances as required.

• Plans, organizes and leads school-based personnel in the design, implementation and revisions of the Culture and Land-based Framework.

• Supports principals and vice principals in school level implementation of the Culture and Land-based Framework in collaboration with Superintendents of Curriculum and Instruction.

• Provides clear performance expectations pertaining to culture and land-based initiatives for principals and vice principals, and provides advice, coaching, feedback, and input into performance improvement plans as required in collaboration with Superintendents of Curriculum and Instruction

• Drafts administrative procedures applicable to school operations regarding culture and land-based practices as requested by the Director of Education.

• Improves culture and land-based learning opportunities within the system and facilitates continuous improvement initiatives based on Education Authority's approved plans and key actions.

• Prepares culture and land-based accountability reports as determined by the Director of Education for presentation to the Education Authority Board.

• Assists school principals in the preparation of annual School Learning Improvement Plans pertaining to culture and land-based learning in collaboration with Superintendents of Curriculum and Instruction.

• Manages culture and land-based strategic initiatives.

• Establishes and maintains all required methods and records to support and monitor culture and land-based initiatives.

• Effectively communicates Education Authority strategic initiatives pertaining to culture and land-based education in all communities.

• Works effectively with community members in supporting effective interactions between school and community in advancing culture and land-based programming in the schools.

• Practices leadership in a manner that is viewed positively by staff and community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Can set direction when presented with challenges.

• Uses a distributive and collaborative leadership model to mobilize people to work toward a shared purpose.

• Empowers others to make decisions.

• Thoughtfully anticipates future trends and the consequences.

• Uses analytical skills to diagnose problems and challenges and develop appropriate strategic solutions.

• Provides appropriate direct and complete communication to others.

• Can effectively communicate in writing and verbally with individuals, small, and large groups. Provide appropriate direct and complete feedback to others.

• Is not afraid to make an unpopular decision when necessary.

• Settles differences while attempting to preserve relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Problem solves with the outcome and the relationship in mind.

• Brings resources (people, budget, and other supports) together to accomplish tasks.

• Able to set priorities, develop project plans, manage projects and deal with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.

• Broadly shares responsibility and accountability through delegation, coaches and mentors’ employees and trusts them to perform, provides constructive feedback, and builds development and training plans that meet the career goals of direct reports.

• Builds strong morale and support through open dialogue with individuals and working groups.

• Shares wins and successes, builds strong morale and supports open dialogue with individuals and within the team.

• Proactively settles conflicts.

• Finds common ground through focused listening to settle disputes equitably.

• Maintains confidentiality of student and personnel information. Maintains confidentiality of all Board matters.

• Can innovate and incorporate culture, language and land-based strategies for changing conditions.

Qualifications:

• Extensive life experience in, knowledge of and practice with the Dene culture, language and land-based traditions.

• Proficient in spoken Dene and English languages.

• Professional 'A' Teaching Certificate and significant teaching/school administrative experience preferred; or other recognized relevant training and/or experience.

• A strong understanding of leading educational, administrative and management practices.

• An acceptable vulnerable sector and criminal record check.

• A strong belief in and commitment to First Nations education. Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.

• Ability to take initiative.

If you are interested in applying for the above position, please submit your resume along with a cover letter, references and a most recent Criminal Police Record Check and a Child Vulnerable Sector Check to:

Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority

Attention: Human Resources Department

153 South Industrial Drive

Prince Albert, SK S6V 0Z8

Phone: (306) 922-9857

Fax: (306) 922-9838

Email: hrs@adeask.ca

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted further.