Job Description:

IMPORTANT: Effective immediately. Full time replacement expected to end upon the return of the incumbant.

Deadline to apply: November 28, 2025

JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Coordinator of the Centre for Continuing Education and working closely with the Directorate of Higher Learning at the Cree School Board (CSB) and the Dean of Indigenous Education at John Abbott College, the Program Coordinator serves as a key resource in supporting Cree students from iiyiyiu aschii while overseeing the coordination of all academic and administrative components of the Iyeskuwiiu (IK), Cree Nursing (CN), or similar Springboard to a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) programs. The coordinator ensures that students are welcomed, guided, and supported throughout their academic journey, fostering a culturally responsive and empowering learning environment.
The Program Coordinator’s responsibilities focus on direct student support, and includes cultural integration, academic coordination, and strategic collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Support and Engagement

• Guide students through orientation sessions—individually or in groups—to ensure they have all necessary tools and resources to begin the program successfully.

• Assist students in setting up and navigating digital platforms (e.g., Teams or equivalent) to enable smooth remote learning.

• Provide cultural and logistical support by familiarizing students with John Abbott College and Montreal during on-site visits.

• Organize and accompany students during graduation ceremonies to ensure a meaningful and well-coordinated experience.

• Serve as primary point of contact for students regarding John Abbott College academic policies and procedures, including IPESA compliance, timely validation processes.

• Monitor student success and academic progress

Program Coordination and Academic Liaison
Act as the primary liaison between John Abbott College and the Cree School Board, ensuring clear communication and collaboration:

• Coordinate with internal departments—such as Registrar, Admissions, HR, Academic Administration, Communications, Library, and Student Services—to establish structures for program delivery, including instructor recruitment, course development, and publicity.

• Collaborate with the Director of Continuing Education and government representatives to secure funding for small class sizes and prepare necessary documentation.

• Identify and recruit instructors with expertise in Cree or First Nations culture and facilitate joint course development with Cree cultural experts to ensure alignment with academic standards and cultural values.

• Oversee instructor hiring and training processes in partnership with Cree stakeholders.

• Manage program budgets and ensure timely processing of invoices in collaboration with the CSB Project Manager.

• Establish systems for online and in-person course delivery on Cree territory, including organizing local resource support for students.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive project timeline with milestones, deliverables, and budget tracking, reporting progress to both Cree partners and the College.

• Work with partners to design semester plans and teaching schedules.

• Contribute to communication strategies that promote the program within the Eeyou Istchee community.

• Act as a resource person for future initiatives, such as modifying the current programs and developing a Nursing DEC program on Cree territory.

• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support program success.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:

• Undergraduate degree in an appropriate field of specialization preferably in Education, Guidance Counselling, or Social Science with special consideration given to candidates who have knowledge of the Cree culture or First Nations issues.

Specific Requirements:

• minimum of 5 years of direct experience working with First Nations students, preferably Cree students, in a post-secondary environment
• solid understanding of the reality of First Nation students in a post-secondary setting
• project coordination background, including budget development, reporting, follow up, setting deliverables, project milestones and timelines
• proven track record to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders creating and environment of trust, consideration and on-going adaptation
• familiarity with the Cégep system and internal policies and processes, an asset
• high degree of autonomous and self-directed work, motivation, flexibility and creativity
• highly motivated in building an educational pathway benefitting the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee
• if required, in person attendance of meetings in Cree Territory, Quebec
• English, spoken and written; French, spoken and written, an asset. An assessment will be administered to determine the candidate’s level of proficiency
• occasional evening and/or weekend work required