Job Type

Casual

Close Date

12/02/2025

Employee Group

Interim

Favorite Job

Department

Indigenous Student Services

Contract Duration

2.7 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

35 hours per week available no fixed schedule.

Education Level

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study

Career Level

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study

Job Description

Department, Unit or Project Description:
The Indigenous Student Services team is a dynamic group of passionate and dedicated Indigenous professionals committed to fostering the success of Indigenous learners at McMaster University. Our department champions McMaster as the preferred university for Indigenous students, offering culturally relevant programs and services, including:

• Recruitment and Community Outreach
• Admissions and Transition support for students new to McMaster
• Academic support and advocacy for Indigenous learners
• Financial Literacy and support, including access to Scholarships/Bursaries/Awards
• Wellness Counselling
• Elders in Residence/Traditional Knowledge Keepers programming
• Social and Cultural activities, including Welcome Week and the Indigenous Grad Celebration

Job Summary:
Responsible for attracting Indigenous applicants to the University through a variety of centralized recruitment efforts, programs, and initiatives. Delivers information to Indigenous students at events and through digital media platforms as a means to promote the various faculties and specific programs. Develops strategies and policies that serve to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the University’s strategic recruitment and admissions initiatives.

Accountabilities:

• Develop creative methods for raising the profile of the University's graduate and undergraduate programs in Indigenous communities.
• Conduct an annual needs assessment and write a business plan, which includes the development of recruitment, admission and strategic plans and objectives.
• Research and conduct analysis of best practices domestically and internationally targeted at Indigenous students.
• Advise the University on strategies to make it more attractive to potential Indigenous students.
• Develop and deliver presentations to potential applicants, families and guidance counsellors.
• Visit Indigenous communities across the province, and occasionally other provinces, to recruit students. Provides program information to graduate and undergraduate applicants.
• Consolidate and analyze recruitment and admissions practices of competing schools.
• Network and remain current on national and international practices, issues, policies, application procedures, etc.
• Apply historical data to support and document Indigenous enrolment targets for the University.
• Plan and coordinate a variety of events and activities such as campus tours, recruitment fairs, workshops, and high school visits.
• Establish strategic links with appropriate stakeholders as it relates to the University’s recruitment and admissions strategy and student needs.
• Conduct surveys of newly admitted students and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of various activities and processes associated with the transition to campus.
• Create statistical reports and profiles of new students that assists in the development of recommendations for policy changes that are submitted to senior management for review.
• Develop a marketing plan including, brochures, pamphlets, posters, and event flyers that provide information on available Faculty programs, scholarships and awards and student services.
• Develop, and support the implementation of long-term and short-term targeted Indigenous recruitment and admission strategies.
• Plan and coordinate an orientation program for students and transition to campus activities.
• Source and obtain pricing information and terms with internal and external vendors for activities and events such as promotional giveaways, advertisements and publication renewals.
• Coordinate the completion and submission of student applications for a variety of internal and external scholarship opportunities.
• Provide information to students regarding items such as registration, course selection, timetables, orientation, housing, and available community services.
• Monitor Indigenous student admissions data and liaise internally with faculty advisors, and admissions officers.
• Provide administrative support to scholarships and awards committees.
• Write a variety of documents such as correspondence and reports.
• Update and maintain information on websites and social networks.
• Develop and maintain a variety of spreadsheets and databases.
• Update and maintain confidential files and records.
• Handle sensitive material in accordance with established policies.
• Assemble, copy, collate, and disseminate a variety of documents and materials.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study.
• Requires 3 years of relevant experience

Assets:

• Knowledge and experience working with Indigenous organizations and community programs, particularly in education
• Lived experience of Indigenous world views, cultures and values
• Available to work evenings and weekends on occasion
• Good verbal and written skills
• Strong organizational skills

Additional Information:

• This position requires a valid G-License as some travel is required to communities where transit is unavailable.
• To fulfill McMaster’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity and pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position is restricted to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this designated group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, in a transparent manner, as part of the application process. Successful candidates will also be required to submit documentation to support their Indigenous ancestry in alignment with McMaster University’s Indigenous Ancestry Verification Guidelines as part of the hiring process.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.