Coordinator, Learning Skills Support

In order to alleviate the under-representation of Indigenous administrators, this opportunity is open only to qualified individuals who self-identify as Indigenous to Turtle Island in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

OCAD University (OCAD U) acknowledges the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishnaabe and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we stand and create.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre, the Coordinator, Learning Skills Support is responsible for the development and delivery of academic learning support programs aimed at enriching the academic success, and retention of Indigenous students at OCAD University (OCAD U). The Coordinator works closely with the Writing & Learning Centre (WLC) delivering writing and learning services and programs, and liaises with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) connecting students with academic accommodations as needed. In collaboration with the WLC and SAS, the Coordinator, Learning Skills Support assists students with writing, research strategies, exam preparation, time management, and provides on campus referrals as needed.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), and working in collaboration with the Program Supervisor, Writing & Learning Centre, and Student Accessibility Services, develop and deliver writing, academic and studio learning support programs and services for Indigenous learners in a range of presentation formats, in-person and online
• Deliver individual and group writing and academic skills consultations for undergraduate and graduate Indigenous students
• Produce and deliver writing, academic and studio learning skills workshops for Indigenous students; coordinate guest facilitators as needed
• Contribute to the Indigenous Student Centre’s online promotional and outreach initiatives related to writing, academic and studio learning programs and services supporting Indigenous students
• Create and maintain appropriate student engagement tracking tools and develop interventions for students in academic difficulty
• Compile and maintain related, academic and studio learning resources in print and on-line formats as required
• Work closely with Student Accessibility Services to support Indigenous students in accessing disability related academic accommodations
• Attend weekly Indigenous Student Centre team meetings and relevant Writing & Learning Centre and Student Accessibility Services meetings
• Maintain currency in advances and trends in writing, studio learning and academic support service provision in post-secondary education with an emphasis on art and design education
• Liaise with departments across the University, including the Indigenous Visual Culture Program and the Special Advisor to the Provost, Indigenous Knowledge, Practices and Production, to maintain knowledge of OCAD U curriculum, writing, studio learning and academic support needs of Indigenous learners
• Assist the Manager, Indigenous Student Centre in other related duties that contribute to the successful operation of the ISC

Qualifications:

• Degree in Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Art, Design or a related field with a minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a university writing centre or similar student support unit delivering programs to enhance student learning, or equivalent; graduate degree an asset
• Post-secondary studies in Art or Design or a current or past art or design practice an asset
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous students in higher education with strong understanding of Indigenous student academic support needs
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous students and/or community; understanding of post-secondary Indigenous student needs and strengths; ability to refer to relevant university and community resources as needed
• Excellent academic and professional writing skills with knowledge of different writing genres and disciplines; familiarity with both art and design writing genres a strong asset
• Knowledge of critical discourses in the areas of art and design and an interest in the correlation between art and design practice and writing
• Excellent group facilitation and instructional skills
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student writers and learners
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with faculty in an education capacity an asset
• Demonstrated experience producing educational resources, and curriculum-related materials; experience developing resources to support online education an asset
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leaderships skills, and a demonstrated ability to exercise tact, sound judgement and commitment to confidentiality
• Excellent project management skills, demonstrated attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment
• Research, needs assessment, and data analysis skills an asset
• Well-developed computer skills, including working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty

Compensation: Hiring Range – $29.76 to $34.05 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range – $29.76 to $39.12 per hour.

Hours of Work:  Tuesday to Thursday, 21 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until April 26, 2024.

The incumbent in this role will be expected to report to work on campus.

Please review the OCAD University’s Safety Measures for all up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 protocols.

OCAD University’s vaccine mandate will be in abeyance until further notice. However, to ensure continuity of teaching, learning and campus activities throughout the year, the University expects all students, staff and faculty to maintain up-to-date vaccination records.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated resume, with a cover letter by selecting “Apply Now” below. The review of applications will begin on June 1^st, 2023, and will continue until the position has been filled.

As   an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse.  OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

 OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.