Community Outreach and Cultural Programming Coordinator, Indigenous Studies

The Indigenous Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University at Buffalo is inviting applications for an Indigenous Community Outreach and Cultural Programming Coordinator. This individual will be responsible for outreach and partnership development with Indigenous communities (including Elders, organizations, school personnel, and non-profit agencies); planning and coordinating relevant programming; and identifying opportunities and training initiatives in support of student learning in Indigenous community-based settings. The incumbent will establish and maintain strong relationships across different stakeholder groups in order to support engagement with the Indigenous community and support the development of new knowledge, increased mutual understanding and opportunities for collaboration.

 

Listed below are the broad areas of responsibility within the purview of the Indigenous Community Outreach and Cultural Programming Coordinator, including but not limited to:

 

• You will develop, organize, and implement outreach programs, events, and activities for local Indigenous elementary and high school students, including, but not limited to campus visits, mentorship programs with local school boards.

 

• You will create and maintain working relationships with regional Indigenous tribal nation programs/departments relevant to Indigenous education and research at UB.

 

• You will liaise and create potential opportunities to partner with Indigenous community organizations, and develop partnerships with regional Indigenous nations in efforts to enhance Indigenous Inclusion at UB in multiple areas (student well-being, education, research, community engagement).

 

• You will build relationships with a broad range of community leaders who are interested in bringing arts and culture opportunities to their stakeholders.

 

• You will develop and implement an annual schedule of cultural, academic, and social programming for Indigenous students with the goal towards developing a sense of community and belonging for Indigenous students while at the same time raising awareness of Indigenous cultures, traditions and history at UB.

 

• You will be responsible for the logistics and execution of Indigenous-centered events and co-curricular programming. These duties include but are not limited to securing speakers, managing travel, promotions, working with required parties on campus for event coordination. Examples of events that you will be required to manage and coordinate are:

 - The UB Native American Welcome Day

 - The Annual Indigenous Studies Storytellers Conference

 - The Haudenosaunee-Native American Studies Research Symposium

 - The SUNY Native American Western Consortium Graduation Social (alternating years)

 

We seek an individual who possesses a bachelor’s degree and experience in at least one of the following areas with an Indigenous emphasis: Indigenous community services, community development or recruitment, project management, student affairs and services, and/or student volunteer management and supervision. We seek an individual with proven experience in coordinating programs, events, and co-curricular volunteer opportunities; and in developing relationships and partnerships with Indigenous students, organizations and communities. This individual must possess strong communications, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills; as well as a demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity. A strong understanding of systemic issues facing Indigenous learners, Indigenous community-based organizations, the governance and leadership structures of Indigenous nations, especially the Haudenosaunee, and local urban Indigenous issues would be an asset. Demonstrated Indigenous cultural knowledge and ceremonial experience and a general knowledge of Haudenosaunee language is also an asset.

 

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field with training and experience working in an Indigenous student-centered environment on Indigenous student centered-issues.

• A demonstrated connection with a living Indigenous community and other Indigenous networks.

• Experience working with Indigenous youth

• Experience with program and project development, maintenance, evaluation along with event planning.

• Sound knowledge of human rights, diversity, and equity issues facing Indigenous peoples, students, and communities.

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours (evenings and weekends when required).

• Ability to multi-task in an office with an open-door policy for serving students.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent prioritization and time management skills.

• Demonstrated analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent administrative skills, including supervisory and leadership ability and use of computers for data analysis and information distribution/reporting.

• Proven competency in Word, Excel, and the ability to learn new software.

• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Master’s degree preferred.

• Ability to speak a local Indigenous language.

• Familiarity with university life and activities and knowledge of university policies and priorities.

• Demonstrated Indigenous cultural knowledge and ceremonial experience and a general knowledge of Haudenosaunee language is also an asset.