Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program Lead

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff (TLAPO) Agreement , this 0.5 FTE position has an annual salary range of $31,545 – $52,594.50 (pro-rated). This position is not eligible for benefits. This position has an end date of March 31, 2026.

Location – This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program

The Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program was founded in 1988 by the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) at the University of Alberta to encourage a greater number of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis students gain access to, and graduate from, all Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry programs. Since the program’s inception, the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program (WIHP) has been a leader in the recruitment and retention of Indigenous students, representing Abenaki, Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Delaware, Inuit, Iroquois, Metis, Mi’kmaq, Mohawk, the Ojibwe communities in Health Sciences in Canada.

Position 

This position leads the day-to-day operations of the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program, and assists the Executive Director with implementing the strategic plan. The role is broad in scope, and will draw on the successful candidate’s strengths in operations, finances, reporting, communications, community engagement and relationship building. The successful candidate will have knowledge of the community, Indigenous Governance structures, implementation of community-based programming, and the TRC Calls to Action, bringing their lived experience to the WIHP team. 

Please note this is a temporary position with a term of 2 years.  

Please note this is a part time position (0.5 FTE).

Duties 

1. Assist the Executive Director, WIHP in achievement of strategic goals

• Works collaboratively with the Executive Director to execute short-term and long-term plans.
• Completes budget and administrative planning.
• Understands scope, objectives, and deliverables and creates process, procedure, or tools to support the program’s achievements.
• May serve on committees within the FoMD as deemed appropriate.
• Develops strategies and proposals regarding budget allocations/reallocations and distribution of resources to support area’s priorities.
• Works with Finance Partner and Staff Service Center to monitor, analyze, report on financial position.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Indigenous medical education, health systems, as well as programming that supports the improvement of Indigenous health, including the integration of Indigenous traditional medicine.

2. Lead day-to-day operations of the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program

• Provides day-to-day guidance of WIHP staff in support of achievement of strategic plans and initiatives.
• Coordinates and liaises with Indigenous cultural supports (i.e., Elders, knowledge keepers, community service providers) to ensure students’ unique perspectives are supported and strengthened.
• Monitors current business processes for operational and financial efficiencies. Reviews policies and procedures. Recommends changes.
• Monitors the purchase of services, equipment, and supplies.

3. Reporting

• Regularly submits key performance data monthly, quarterly, annually, or ad hoc reporting.
• Presents specified key performance indicators (including data analytics on program growth) to prepare the outreach/engagement program budget for incorporation into the budget.
• Prepares and submits quarterly outreach/engagement program goals, objectives, and a variety of program reports.
• Prepares annual reports and evaluation of engagement and outreach activities to determine the effectiveness of goals and objectives.

4. Community Relationships and Engagement

• Liaises with First Nation, Inuit, and Metis students, educators, and leaders in the community and holds communications and related information with sensitivity and awareness of protocols.
• Develops a network with Indigenous leaders, educators, and physicians.
• Works with partners to remove barriers to opportunities and experiences for Indigenous experiences.
• Travels, when necessary, for community and academic events.
• Encourages the dissemination of the centre’s scholarly knowledge to the Metis Nation, academic and public audiences.

5. Communications

• Maintains regular and responsive communication.
• Assists in communications activities, in conjunction with communications partner and other stakeholders when required.
• Develops PowerPoint presentations related to WIHP strategic plan and related communications and reporting.
• Other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate level training; Master’s degree or terminal degree preferred.
• Must have knowledge of the community and Indigenous Governance structures.
• Must have knowledge and experience in community development and implementing community-based programs.
• Full understanding of TRC Calls to Action (particularly 18-24, which pertain to health including an emphasis on preserving Indigenous languages and cultural practices), Principles of OCAP®, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Tri-Council Policy Statement, Chapter 9.
• Team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated involvement in the communities and a solid understanding of community development principles, Indigenous methodologies and research approaches, and Northern Indigenous cultural protocol.
• Ability to understand multiple perspectives and respond to diverse needs.
• Strong project coordination, reporting, and organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to those with an Indigenous heritage.
• Preference will be given to those with a PhD Degree, or a Master’s degree with experience in Indigenous health research, community-led research, or clinical research.
• Flexibility in available hours to accommodate varying schedules, meetings, and conferences.
• Strong competency using Microsoft Office and Google Suite, and willingness to learn new applications.
• Project Management experience or training.
• Experience or training with Finances.
• Formalized training such as post-secondary training in Project Management.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.