Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

For more information, visit www.snpolytechnic.com

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University is a leader within SNP’s educational community. Under the supervision of the Dean, Language, Culture and Lifelong Learning, the individual shares responsibility for designing, organizing, reviewing, and maintaining all aspects of the planning, delivery, and quality assurance of university programming and related services for the Indigenous Knowledge Centre at Six Nations Polytechnic. Efforts to revitalize, preserve and nurture Indigenous knowledge and languages through education, research, and knowledge mobilization are key components of these roles. This role also supports the enlivening of Deyohaha:ge:’s community institutional mandate, and SNP’s vision and mission through participation in strategic initiatives, curriculum development, relationship building and partnership development. 

The Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values and operating policies of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) while fostering positive relations with staff, students, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinǫshǫ:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ga’nigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).  

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Academic Program Planning, Delivery & Quality Assurance 30%

• Leads the development, implementation, and continual improvement of all university and language programs within the University programs.


• Responsibilities include producing the annual 18-Month Program Plan, coordinating curriculum revisions, conducting cyclic self-studies and quality assurance reviews, reviewing syllabi, overseeing student progression and degree audits, and supporting recruitment and enrolment planning.


• Ensures all programming aligns with Indigenous pedagogies, regulatory requirements, and SNP’s academic priorities.


• Conducting research on accreditation, articulation, legislation, regulation, the history of Indigenous education, and labour market trends to inform academic decision-making, policy and process development, advocacy initiatives, and participation in local, provincial, national, and international governmental and educational dialogues, while effectively administering assigned resources and budgets in accordance with established standards.


• Other related duties, as required.

Research Leadership & Knowledge Mobilization 25%

• Oversees the development of research capacity, policies, and ethical processes;


• Supports collaborative research in Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous language revitalization; and contributes to the creation of educational and cultural resource materials.


• Provides guidance to research staff, assists with proposals and funding applications, and advances projects that revitalize, preserve, and mobilize Indigenous knowledge across the institution and community.


• Other related duties, as required.

Strategic Initiatives, Community Engagement & Partnership Development 20%

• Advances institutional priorities related to Indigenous knowledge mobilization through relationship building with educational partners, community organizations, Indigenous Knowledge Guardians, and other stakeholders.


• Leads community awareness initiatives, contributes to strategic planning for the IKC, and represents SNP in external forums locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.


• Supports the enlivening of Deyohahá:ge:’s institutional mandate.


• Other related duties, as required.

Leadership, Management & Staff Development 15%

• Provides supervision, direction, and performance management for full-time staff, instructors, and teaching assistants.


• Leads professional development initiatives, establishes transparent communication structures, and ensures effective workflow management.


• Oversees staff work plans, conducts midterm and end-of-term check-ins, and maintains thorough documentation of performance reviews.


• Leading and supporting the development of community awareness and public education for community.


• Other related duties, as required.

Academic Governance, Administration & Reporting 10%

• Participates in academic governance processes, adjudication proceedings, and internal committees.


• Oversees departmental financial planning, monitors budgets, and ensures compliance with SNP policies and reporting requirements.


• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, drafts briefs, and contributes to partnership agreements, accreditation research, and administrative decision-making.


• Other related duties, as required.

EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE 

Completion of a master’s degree in a specialized or occupational field or completion of an undergraduate degree plus professional certification in Indigenous Studies, Management, Leadership, Education, Sociology, Arts, Research, or History

EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE / CULTURE AND LANGUAGE EXPERTISE 

Over 3 years and including 5 years of experience in a senior management or leadership role within a postsecondary, research, archival, library, museum, Indigenous institute, or Indigenous knowledge centre environment. Experience must include overseeing academic program development and delivery, coordinating or conducting research activities, and implementing quality assurance processes. Demonstrated experience developing curriculum grounded in Indigenous pedagogies, supporting research ethics processes, preparing proposals or funding applications, managing complex academic or community-based projects, and working with data-driven planning tools such as enrolment forecasting, course scheduling, and progression mapping.

Organizational / Leadership Experience:

3–5 years of experience supervising staff or instructional teams, managing budgets, and leading organizational initiatives from conception to implementation while balancing multiple stakeholder interests. Experience collaborating with Indigenous communities, Knowledge Guardians, Elders, and subject matter experts, as well as navigating institutional governance processes, committee work, and cross-unit coordination. Demonstrated success working within complex organizational structures, maintaining strong communication across departments, resolving conflicts, and supporting a positive, culturally grounded work environment guided by Indigenous values.

Prior experience working for an Indigenous organization is preferred.

Criminal Record Check

The successful candidate will be required to provide an original Criminal Background Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening that is satisfactory to Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) prior to the first day of work at Six Nations Polytechnic, and an Offence Declaration that is satisfactory to SNP by their first day of employment at Six Nations Polytechnic. 

At Six Nations Polytechnic, we are committed to diversity and inclusion as we continue and expand our efforts to become a more inclusive, safe and respectful workplace. Human Resources will accommodate any needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Recruitment processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, as may be requested.

Applicants from Six Nations and other Indigenous communities will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community. 

Full Job description is available upon request.

POSITION TYPE: Existing Vacancy

POSITION CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

JOB TYPE: Full-time Permanent

SCHEDULE: 37.5 hrs Monday-Friday; 8:30am-4:00pm

WORK MODEL: Hybrid 

PAY BAND: 9 Core range $99,654.50-$116,758.78. The target hiring salary for this position is minimum (Step 1) up to 45% of the pay band. Considerations for new hire step placements include experiential knowledge and/or language and cultural expertise.

BENEFITS:

• Company registered pension plan


• Dental care


• Extended health care


• Life insurance


• Paid sick and personal time