Education

Thunder Bay

Full-time

Permanent

Overview

• Internal COPE employees will be considered first among externals, internal candidates will be reviewed after July 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

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 degree in business administration, education, or other directly related field, combined with 5+ years of closely related experience reflecting increasing administrative responsibility. Significant experience working in a university or college setting is preferred and direct work with Indigenous students, families and communities is preferred.
• This position is the main contact for Indigenous students, their families, and community members. As such, the position requires intimate knowledge of Indigenous community protocols, communication styles, community structures, funding organizations, and political structures.
• The person fulfilling this position will not be successful without interpersonal relational 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) considered an asset.

Benefits Information

Why Lakehead University?

Application Deadline:

Friday, August 1, 2025 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Level 7 ($25.88 to $30.59)

Working Conditions:

On Site - Office Environment

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

COPE-25-03

Application Deadline:

Friday, August 1, 2025 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Level 7 ($25.88 to $30.59)

Working Conditions:

On Site - Office Environment

Yes, eligible for benefits

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

COPE-25-03