Description
The Writing Symbols Lodge in Student Experience and Support is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Cultural Programming and Events Coordinator.
Reporting to the Manager, Writing Symbols Lodge, the Coordinator is responsible for cultural programs and training offered through Writing Symbols Lodge. This includes the Ótáp ímisskaan Youth Leadership program, the Indigenous Relations Training Program (IRTP) and culturally based supports and programs offered to UCalgary Indigenous students and the broader community. Due to the nature of the work, this position may experience occasional irregular work weeks, which will require the ability to be flexible to accommodate special events, presentations, and travel that occur outside the regular workday. This position is eligible for hybrid work in alignment with UCalgary policy and when operationally feasible.
Primary Purpose of the Position (Key purpose, functions, roles):
Ótáp ímisskaan
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Oversees the overall coordination of the Ótáp ímisskaan program, including recruitment, hiring and in-scope supervision of student Wayfinders, tracking and reporting on program outcomes , liaising with school boards, educational administrators in local schools and community partners.
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Oversees the development, evaluation of, and continuous improvement of Ótáp ímisskaan leadership training modules and overall curriculum plan.
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Facilitates Ótáp ímisskaan training when required; observes and evaluates student Wayfinders in their delivery of training modules.
Cultural Programs
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Implement and coordinate cultural programming that supports Indigenous student success and belonging at the University of Calgary and that encourages Indigenous participation in post-secondary study at the University.
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Ensure that Indigenous students have access to effective, high quality, culturally based programming that is reflective of a diverse Indigenous student population, and inclusive of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit traditions represented at the University of Calgary.
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Participate in the planning and organizing the annual Indigenous Graduation and associated tasks alongside the Writing Symbols Lodge Team.
Indigenous Relations Training Program (IRTP)
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Oversees the delivery of the Indigenous Relations Training Program (4-6 offerings/year).
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Coordination includes administrative tasks (registration coordination, room bookings, liaising with facilitators) and liaising with internal communicators to promote the program within the campus community, and to external audiences.
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Oversees the quality and content of curriculum, and continuous improvement based on program evaluations.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Recruiting, hiring, onboarding and ongoing in-scope supervision of Ótápímisskaan Way Finders.
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Coordinating program activity, which includes setting annual targets, promoting scheduling training for schools, conferences, special workshops, and summer camps.
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Ability to facilitate all levels of leadership training sessions when required.
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Overseeing curriculum development and evaluation.
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Working with external partners and other stakeholders to refine the leadership training curriculum for cultural content and age appropriateness.
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Ensuring appropriate measurements of success are obtained through the coordination and enhancement of evaluation tools and processes.
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Ensuring all program data is tracked and confidentially stored, and overseeing the compilation of monthly and annual reports.
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Coordinating and leading regular Ótáp ímisskaan team meetings; building a strong culture of success within the Ótáp ímisskaan team.
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Assisting with the program stakeholder relations, including presenting, providing data and reporting, and liaising with program sponsors.
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Oversee delivery of cultural programs associated for Tiya Dagumisasriy, in consultation with program partners.
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Contribute to development of Writing Symbols Lodge promotional materials and communications to students.
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Coordinate and organize the logistics and scheduling of the IRTP program, including booking instructors, classroom space and collecting course feedback using surveys.
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Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Writing Symbols Lodge.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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A completed undergraduate degree, preferably in the field of Indigenous studies, education, or student affairs is required.
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Completion of post-secondary education in a related field as well as three to five years of relevant work experience will be considered.
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Program coordination, event management, supervisory experience, and experience working with Indigenous youth is required.
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Experience with organization of special events and cultural programming is required.
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Working knowledge of cultural competence related to regional Indigenous protocols and Indigenous peoples.
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Ability to speak an Indigenous language an asset.
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Experience working closely with an established network of Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
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Background in forging positive community relations and partnerships.
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Competence in program facilitation and evaluation.
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Excellent, proven communication skills, both written and oral.
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Excellent public speaking, and facilitation skills.
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Leadership experience.
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Awareness of current issues in Indigenous education and support services for Indigenous students.
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Excellent computer skills, including comfort and knowledge with using various social media platforms.
Application Deadline: June 16, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
