Educational Development Consultant (Indigenous Ways of Knowing), Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

Position Description

Educational Development Consultant – Indigenous Ways of Knowing (Tenure-Track)
Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning
Location: 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4

The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s top comprehensive research intensive post-secondary learning institutions, with over 34,000 students in 14 faculties, over 2,300 academic staff, and over 3,300 non-academic staff across five campuses.

Through their Eyes High vision, the University of Calgary has been fundamentally transformed. They have raised their global profile, enhanced the quality of undergraduate and graduate education, promoted innovation and excellence in scholarly activity, and provided significant returns to the community and economy both locally and beyond. The Eyes High 2017-2022 vision was recently updated. Launched in the 50th Anniversary year of the University, it will continue to provide the platform from which the University can leverage its momentum and aspirations. The University continues to serve as a beacon for change, for elevating excellence, and for building a strong community around a shared future vision to be recognized as a top five research university in Canada, with a strong focus on student experience, campus culture and entrepreneurial thinking.

The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations) as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). The University of Calgary is committed to transformation and renewal as outlined in our Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p. The strategy guides the University to walk a parallel path in ”a good way” with Indigenous communities, create and maintain shared ethical space that is inclusive of Indigenous people’s representation, and engage in an evolutionary process in the four primary areas of Ways of Knowing, Ways of Doing, Ways of Connecting, and Ways of Being.

The Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning is dedicated to strengthening teaching and learning cultures, communities and practices. The Institute supports the teaching development of instructors, promotes high-impact student experiences such as experiential learning, ensures the meaningful integration of learning technologies, and fosters research to better understand and improve student learning.  The Taylor Institute works to facilitate conversations, build communities, link networks, and catalyze a culture of evidence and practice-based teaching and learning across the University. Its mandate embodies the University’s three foundational commitments of sharpening focus on research and scholarship, enriching the quality and breadth of learning, and fully integrating the university with the community.

The University of Calgary now seeks applications for a permanent full-time tenure track academic appointment as an educational development consultant (Indigenous Ways of Knowing) in the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, with a start date of January, 2021 or at a mutually agreeable time. Candidates with diverse backgrounds will be considered. The starting salary range for this position is $79,325 to $100,000 per annum and will be negotiated based on the candidate’s expertise, contributions and experiences.

Academic staff in the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning a) identify the need for, develop, facilitate, and evaluate evidence and practice-based initiatives to strengthen teaching and learning cultures, practices, and communities; (b) create and nurture networks and communities of practice related to teaching and learning in postsecondary education; (c) provide educational leadership and consultative expertise to strengthen teaching and learning in postsecondary education; (d) support program-level curriculum development and quality assurance processes; and, (e) support and contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning; (f) engage in scholarly research to strengthen educational and curriculum development practices, as well as teaching and learning in post-secondary education. The Taylor Institute is committed to supporting the implementation of the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p. A primary focus of this position will be to work with the TI, the Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), the Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement), Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and the campus community, to support postsecondary educators to (a) further understand the impacts of Canada’s colonial practices, (b) engage in decolonization and transformation, and (c) incorporate Indigenous perspectives and practices into UCalgary’s teaching and learning culture, community and practices.

Reporting to the Senior Director of the Taylor Institute (TI), the educational development consultant (Indigenous Ways of Knowing) will:

• Develop, implement and evaluate educational development initiatives (e.g. consultations, partnerships, courses, programs, resources) that help educators across UCalgary to address colonization and its impacts, and incorporate Indigenous perspectives and pedagogies into UCalgary’s teaching and learning culture, community and practices
• Recommend and implement strategies to weave Indigenous perspectives, philosophies, theories, models, and practices into existing TI programs and activities
• Foster and build relationships and connections with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, scholars, leaders and communities
• Facilitate the incorporation of contributions from Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, scholars, leaders and communities into existing programs, curriculum and teaching and learning activities
• Contribute to existing TI educational development programs, including consultations, courses certificate programs, and building disciplinary partnerships and connections, particularly around decolonization and Indigenous perspectives and pedagogies
• Administer and provide educational development leadership and expertise for institutional-level programs and initiatives, particularly around decolonization and Indigenous perspectives and pedagogies
• Develop scholarly resources to support educational development programs and knowledge mobilization that presents Indigenous ways of knowing, particularly of Indigenous peoples in southern Alberta
• Consult with individual and small groups of academic staff to strengthen teaching and learning approaches, particularly with Indigenous students
• Provide leadership and guidance in the educational development activities of the TI and other academic units around Indigenous ways of knowing
• Provide educational development leadership and expertise on departmental, faculty and institution-level teaching and learning committees, action groups, and task forces
• Support a culture of collaboration and respect both within and beyond the TI, including with Indigenous communities
• Actively contribute leadership and service to the TI, University and field of educational development (locally, provincially, nationally and/or internationally)
• Engage in scholarship related to educational development and/or teaching and learning in postsecondary education

The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to Indigenous knowledges, approaches and histories, and a record of engagement and/or lived experience with Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada. Familiarity with Treaty 7 and Metis Region III in Alberta will be considered an asset. Applicants are normally expected to have a doctorate degree.  However, a doctoral degree in progress, with relevant teaching, educational development, lived-experience, and scholarly expertise will also be considered. The successful candidate must have scholarly experience related to Indigenous perspectives, communities, and a strong track record of teaching at the university level. The successful candidate must possess a strong educational development philosophy, and a clear understanding of how to apply these principles and ideas in practice. This philosophy and understanding of how it applies in practice must speak to Indigenous ways of knowing and a means of responding to colonialism. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build relationships with educators to develop curricular approaches that are well-informed by Indigenous perspectives and pedagogies.  Applicants must have the ability to engage colleagues in meaningful dialogue and decision-making processes about teaching and learning in post-secondary education. They will know processes to productively challenge and influence negative attitudes and conceptualizations about Indigenous people. The incumbent must also have a proven track record in building collaborations and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with Indigenous communities, university administration, academic staff, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and/or staff supporting instruction. Also essential is a demonstrated interest and a record of engagement in the scholarship of educational development and/or teaching and learning in post-secondary education. Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required.

Ranked the most livable city in North America, 3rd most ethnically diverse city in Canada, and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to the University of Calgary, world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that support healthy lifestyles. Calgary is a city of leaders—in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. With the highest concentration of entrepreneurs and Canadian head offices in Canada, Calgary ranked 2nd in Canada’s Best Places to do Business. Situated in the sunny foothills of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by an area of profound beauty with unspoiled, resource-rich natural environment.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community.  We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society.  We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.  In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question:  Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada?  (Yes/No)

The University of Calgary’s comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members through coverage for health, dental, life insurance, income protection for disability, and retirement income planning. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package please visit: www.ucalgary.ca/hr/academic_benefits_pension.

To apply, please submit your CV, letter of interest, and an abbreviated educational development dossier (maximum 15 pages) that speaks to and provides evidence of the requirements for this position. Applications must be submitted online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Only complete applications will be considered by the search committee.  Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2020

To explore this exciting opportunity further, contact Natasha Kenny, Senior Director, Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning at nakenny@ucalgary.ca

Additional Information

To view a listing of all available academic opportunities and to find out more about what the University of Calgary has to offer, please visit our Academic Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.