The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to reflect the community we serve. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Only Indigenous candidates will be considered for this position. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship with documentation is a condition of employment and a requirement to hold this position and the successful candidate must maintain those conditions throughout their employment.
Primary Purpose: The Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) is seeking a Program Assistant to support the Building Intercultural Mentorship (BIRM) program and other programming as directed.
The OVPIE works within and outside the university to meet the unique needs of Indigenous students, staff, faculty and communities and uplift Indigenization by advancing initiatives and strategies that promote Indigenous Knowledges and supports reconciliation and decolonization. The BIRM program provides support to Indigenous high school students in Saskatoon Public Schools to engage in leadership opportunities, career exploration, goal setting, learning Indigenous cultures and languages, land-based experiences, and developing academic skills. The program assistant will be expected to assist the BIRM Director in the implementation, ongoing documentation and assessment, and delivery of programming.
Nature of Work: As a member of the OVPIE team, the Program Assistant will report directly to the Strategic Officer, OVPIE. This position is unique at the University of Saskatchewan in that the incumbent will have a professional home within the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE), and support off campus programming through BIRM. The Program Assistant will contribute to empowering Indigenous youth and Indigenous USask students, increasing self-efficacy, and improving systems access and navigation in post-secondary education by furthering relationships with USask stakeholders to develop research-informed programming. The position will support the administrative needs of the BIRM program and be responsible for directly supporting and uplifting transition programs and initiatives for Indigenous youth considering and entering post-secondary.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:
Working in collaboration with BIRM, OVPIE and USask stakeholders to develop, implement, support, and evaluate student engagement and support initiatives, increase positive experiences and outcomes for Indigenous learners, and support transition to post-secondary at USask.
- Reconciling payment and financial transactions
- Provide individual support and guidance to Indigenous students across USask
- Collaborate and participate within community events to promote recruitment and engagement
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, documents, communications
- Other duties as required
Qualifications
Education:
The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree in a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Skills:
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills required; strong student service focus; contribute to a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment, able to engage stakeholders and build consensus; demonstrated capacity for facilitating and managing change; able to work independently and thrive as an integral part of a cross-unit team; full computer literacy required.
Must have highly effective interpersonal skills and well- demonstrated problem solving and conflict resolution skills; efficient, productive and innovative work in a dynamic and fast passed working environment; demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals while demonstrating tact, diplomacy and professionalism; demonstrated ability to develop and nurture relationships with students; creative thinking skills. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.
Valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Drivers License.
Willing to acquire training such as ASIST and Mental Health First Aid.
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Amaranta Sokol, [email protected].
Department: Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 6/5/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php
Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Yes
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.
