• A University degree and a minimum of 3 years experience (including paid student and summer employment, volunteer, internship, co-op etc.) in a related field
• Must have Indigenous ancestry and extensive Indigenous community development or partnership building experience
• Understanding of the issues and concerns facing undergraduate students (particularly Indigenous students) and an appreciation for the value of a liberal arts and science education
• Training and experience in interviewing, counselling, advising or a community support role is considered to be a strong asset
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Flexible arrangements, including the option to do some work remotely may be considered

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Knowledge of First Nations Band structures and processes
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (both verbal and written) to build trust, develop a strong rapport with students, explain regulations and complex procedures to students and Faculty Office staff, to answer concerns accurately and with empathy and to deal with a wide variety of individuals in a professional manner
• Excellent understanding and comfort level working with Indigenous students, communities, and organizations
• Excellent relationship building skills to maintain strong ties with other support services on campus and Indigenous community at Queen’s
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based, client-focused environment
• Superior organization and time-management skills, ability to effectively deal with exceptions or issues that require immediate attention
• Excellent judgment to provide clear and accurate information with a high degree of diplomacy, discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to anticipate, analyze and solve problems and recommend solutions
• Strict attention to detail and accuracy with an appreciation for the implications of errors. Ability to self-monitor for accuracy in work
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines at peak work periods
• Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet and database applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) and aptitude for computer-based information systems and internet-based tools
• Ability to master new technological developments and computer programs as they are implemented
• Ability to listen, observe, evaluate and respond in a helpful and appropriate manner while being non-judgmental and maintaining strict confidentiality
• Ability to deal considerately with anxious and upset students and/or parents, and to calmly de-escalate emotionally charged situations
• Ability to analyze and interpret queries and reports to identify discrepancies with data and recommend solutions
• Ability to research and identify trends, to provide advice on Indigenous topics and issues
• Promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace

DECISION MAKING:

• Diagnoses student problems, determining the urgency of student needs, and judging when to refer a student to appropriate university support services for crisis or personal counselling, health concerns, career questions, departmental advice or financial assistance
• Judges which inquiries to refer to the Associate Director, which to refer to other staff and which to handle to completion
• Interprets Faculty regulations, policies and procedures, to determine students’ eligibility for progression, letters of permission or degree qualifications, and to determine criteria for student appeals.
• Makes judgments about who should receive confidential information (e.g. parents, instructors, other support services, other students)
• Assesses degree eligibility, including checking for total units, Plan units, transfer credits, exclusions and outstanding letters of permission or other grades
• Determines remaining requirements for individual degree programs
• Determines the best course of action for students with exceptional circumstances and special requests
• Interprets regulations to determine a student’s eligibility to study at another university
• Determines the appropriate Department for course equivalency assessments and the relevant information to provide to facilitate the assessment