First Nations’ Student and Community Empowerment Coordinator

In collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, Diversity, and Engagement, coordinate activities related to Office of Student Financial Services on administration of First Nations scholarships. Engage in annual information dissemination regarding availability of First Nations Scholarships, outreach to scholarship applicants and recipients, as well as monitoring of student progress. In collaboration with the CESS Office of Student Services and other units across campus, develop, and implement activities designed to promote retention and wellbeing of First Nations students within the College of Education and Social Services (CESS) and across the University of Vermont (UVM) campus. Design and coordinate implementation of 2 -3 activities per year that raise awareness of indigenous peoples and communities and engage UVM students, faculty, and staff, as well as external community members in examining issues of identity development, inclusivity, equity, and belonging among members of indigenous communities. Collaborate with UVM Foundation and the CESS Office of Research Development and Support to identify and secure external funding for First Nations initiatives. Partner with faculty across the university to explore the development of a curriculum focused on the history and contributions of members of indigenous communities with the goal to develop a minor or certificate in Indigenous Studies. This position is wholly supported by restricted funds and is a 10 month position.

Bachelors degree with a specialization in diversity programs or related education field and two to four years’ experience required. Experience working with diverse populations or communities, and planning, developing, and implementing programs, services, high impact educational practices, and strategies that promote critical dialogue and social change around multiculturalism, campus climate, and issues of equity and inclusion required. Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite required. Effective communication, collaboration, interpersonal and organizational skills required. Desirable Qualifications: Experience working with Indigenous students, families, and communities. Experience in curriculum development and liaising with faculty and external university partners. Familiarity with Education and Social Services fields or related fields preferred. Duties & Responsibilities Student recruitment, success, and engagement activities Administration of First Nations Scholarships, in collaboration with Student Financial Services (SFS) Annual information dissemination regarding First Nations scholarship program, in collaboration with the Division of Enrollment Management (DEM) Monitoring of progress of scholarship recipients, in collaboration with Student Financial Services Collaboration with Office of Student Services on programming related to student success, retention and belonging among First Nations scholarship recipients and other UVM students who identify as indigenous. Development and implementation of community-wide awareness activities Design, coordinate, and evaluate 4 – 5 events per year Identify and coordinate logistics for guest speakers, etc. Arrange locations for events and work with Communications on marketing efforts Manage event budgets and expenditures Identify and partner with faculty in CESS and/or across the university to explore development of student learning objectives, a curriculum sequence, and/or a certificate or minor in Indigenous Studies Partner with UVM Foundation and CESS Office of Research Development and Supports to identify opportunities for philanthropic giving and external grants that will support First Nations initiatives. Collaborate with Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, Diversity, and Engagement on implementation and evaluation of related objectives in the CESS Inclusive Excellence and Strategic Plans Gather data specified in Inclusive Excellence Plan in relation to identified growth targets Assist Assistant Dean in preparation of annual reports on progress Partner with the Provost’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to ensure that First Nations initiatives are centered in UVM’s inclusive excellence principles and initiatives. Maintain office records related to frequency and effectiveness of student and community events; other duties as assigned.