Dean, Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies – University of Prince Edward Island

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is actively seeking an experienced and transformational leader to serve as their next Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS).

UPEI’s standalone Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS) brings Indigenous knowledge and ways of doing to the forefront of the University, embedding it throughout the institution. This positions UPEI as the role model for all universities in decolonizing and Indigenizing academic spaces.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Academic and Research, and serving as a member of senior academic administration, this position will provide a transformative vision, leadership, and support to the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research and Applied Studies – and the University as a whole – in the mission to further Indigenize the UPEI campus and academic curriculum. The successful candidate will provide leadership in the continued development and implementation of this Faculty. They will be involved in the development and implementation of UPEI’s new Strategic Plan, offering their expertise in administration, change-management, program development and Indigenous community relations.

As one of the University’s key contacts for Indigenous community engagement, the successful candidate must bring a strong record of consensus and relationship-building with Indigenous Peoples, communities, organizations, universities, and colleges. Bringing to life the concept of Etuaptmumk – ‘two-eyed seeing’ – the new Dean will ensure a balanced approach and cooperation across disciplines, faculty, staff, and community members while building and sustaining a culturally appropriate environment that supports academic, research, operational excellence, and the co-production of knowledge.

Qualifications:
The impact of this position is significant. Through reciprocal and collaborative approaches, the Dean will continue to grow Indigenous participation across the student, staff, and faculty communities, and embed Indigenous ontologies and epistemologies in all facets of UPEI operations. In helping UPEI to achieve its equity and inclusion goals, the Dean, IKERAS will also help position UPEI to better serve its community and to better address issues of national concern and will bring exceptional interpersonal, management, and team-building skills.

UPEI actively seeks an Indigenous candidate to lead the Faculty of IKERAS. The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative and organizational leadership experience and an ability to operationalize a strategic vision and inspire others. They will bring lived experience of Indigenous world views, traditional ceremonies, cultures and values, and superior understanding of diverse Indigenous knowledge systems, epistemologies, and Indigenous research methodologies and ethics. They have a keen ability to attract and retain outstanding students, staff and faculty and motivate others in the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.  Their knowledge and experience with culture, interventions, and ceremony; connecting community to cultural practices that can be used to support healing pathways is excellent, and they are committed to Indigenous community-engaged, led, and co-produced research, teaching, and learning across diverse cultures.

With a proficient knowledge of the political, legislative, and governing bodies pertaining to Indigenous initiatives at a local, provincial, and national level, they bring demonstrated record of establishing positive cross-cultural relationships and relationships within and alongside Indigenous communities, all with an understanding of the broader context for higher education in the Atlantic region and across Canada.

The salary range for this position is $155,000 to $195,000 per annum.

Application Instructions:
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Laurie Sterritt (LaurieS@leadersinternational.com), Carly Jamieson (CarlyJ@leadersinternational.com), or Saxon Miller (SaxonM@leadersinternational.com).

UPEI invites applications from all qualified candidates. Completed applications can be submitted via email to ottawa@leadersinternational.com. Please note the following application requirements:

• Cover letter clarifying your attributes and qualifications in relation to the Opportunity Profile;
• CV (Canadian Common CV or institutional CV);
• Proof of citizenship or membership to an Indigenous Nation or community. This should be a document that is acceptable to the community or Nation you are from.*

* Verification with documentation can take many forms, and these will be defined by Indigenous communities. Examples of verification with documentation can be, and are not limited to, a letter from a community’s governance body, an Indigenous government-issued membership or citizenship card, a status card issued by Indigenous Services Canada, or another means of verification appropriate for the appropriate Indigenous social and cultural context.

In situations where Indigenous government-approved documentation is not available, the committee will guide and support the individual through a verification process. The process will support Indigenous people who may not possess documentation for a variety of reasons, including displacement through past policies, laws, and the overall impacts of colonization.

Measures for accommodation are available to all candidates for further assessment. If you require accommodations, please contact LaurieS@leadersinternational.com. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.