Position Information

Position Number

S01161

Position Title

Indigenous Project Assistant

Division/Portfolio

Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

Department/Program

Indigenous Student Services

Location

Penticton

Other Flexible Work Options

Your Opportunity

The Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation portfolio at Okanagan College plays a crucial role in advancing Indigenization, supporting Indigenous learner success, and fostering reconciliation initiatives. Under the direction of the Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (DIRR), the Indigenous Project Assistant is responsible for providing operational and administrative support for Indigenous OC activities. This includes performing a variety of project coordination, research and analytical tasks including collection, compiling, and analyzing of data for planning and report to a variety of projects and initiatives. The Indigenous Project Assistant is responsible for assisting with Indigenous engagement session planning, data collection, and creation of resources. This job will require travel throughout the Syilx-Okanagan and Secwepemc territory and will be compensated as per OC travel policy and procedures.

Functions and Duties

1. Manages scheduling, coordinate meetings, take minutes, and fulfill service requests to ensure smooth and efficient department operations.

2. Facilitates communication and assists with the collection, transcribing, analysis, and validation of data from internal and external engagement sessions

3. Develops and maintains databases, documents, spreadsheets, and/or reports as directed by the DIRR

4. Completes environmental scans, compiles resources, and supports the drafting of reports and presentations.

5. Assists with hiring processes, people services and finance systems, including assisting with financial processing, expense tracking, and grant administration/reports

6. Assists in the planning, coordination, preparation and follow-up of engagement sessions, as directed by DIRR, anticipates needs.

7. Evaluates and reviews direction received to determine changes in processes and activities, and coordinates activities and information sharing across various departments

8. Assists in the creation and dissemination of webpage information, resources, and promotional materials

9. Ensure files and data are organized and maintained and used in compliance with the College policies in concert with chosen Indigenization methodology

10. Participates in the various Indigenous communities and organizations engagement meetings and activities, subcommittees and other groups as required

11. Acts as an internal and external liaison regarding Indigenous OC activities, assisting with communication, scheduling, and meeting coordination across departments as directed by DIRR

12. Facilitates discussion opportunities on collaborative projects or program opportunities

13. Performs other related duties similar in scope and complexity as required

Education and Experience

• Completion of a relevant four-year university or college bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of two years’ related experience with project coordination or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as a person with Indigenous ancestry and demonstrate an understanding of the Indigenous learner experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Onenote, PPT, Word, and Outlook

• Experience in database management

• Strong ethics standards and familiarity with Provincial privacy legislation

• Good understanding of research methodologies

• Experience in project and administrative management

• Knowledge of Okanagan College programs and systems and/or BC post-secondary education system

• Knowledge and internalized understanding of First Nations social and educational issues, resources, and community.

• Understanding of the cultural diversity amongst Indigenous people in Canada and the College catchment area.

• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, presentation, organizational and problem-solving abilities, including the ability to assess and adapt writing style to a variety of audiences

• Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and group communication skills including knowledge of culturally appropriate ways of working with local Indigenous groups

• Experience in event organization, program promotion, and public speaking

• Ability to plan and think strategically about research projects and sustainability

• Excellent research skills with ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations

• Demonstrated ability to manage time and resources with multiple priorities, including attention to detail, analytical skills, good judgment, initiative, and strong time management skills

• Valid BC drivers license

Preferred Qualifications

Desired Start Date

08/01/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

Schedule

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate

$55,947 to $63,827

Appointment Type

Support - Regular Full-time

Special Instructions to Applicants

Shortlisted internal candidates must notify the current Support Staff Bargaining Chairperson and People Services if they want a Union Observer during interviews and final selection of candidates.

Employee Group

Support

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

C003140

Number of Vacancies

1

Posting Open Date

07/04/2025

Posting Closing Date

07/20/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca.