Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) Manager

Queens University, Kingston, ON

Closing Date May 7, 2024 Location Kingston, ON Work Type  -
Salary Range

$64,400-$78,528/Year

 Experience Level  - Job ID J0424-0493
Job Description

Overview:

The community-based Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) represents the Queen’s University Faculty of Education commitment to community-based teacher education delivery so that prospective Indigenous teachers can live and work in their First Nations communities while gaining the credentials to be Ontario certified teachers. This supports our commitment to reconciliation by ensuring that Indigenous teachers work within their First Nations communities and beyond.

Reporting to the Associate Dean, Teacher Education, the ITEP Program Manager is responsible for the overall planning, development, and implementation of the on-campus and community-based programs, which will support the key goals and objectives identified in the Faculty's strategic plan and the wider University strategic plan. The ITEP Program Manager will manage the extensive program's activities, which includes administration support, practicum, program liaison, recruitment and advertising, and financial support. The incumbent serves as a resource person/liaison, ensuring information flow, and overseeing data processing and presentation activities. The incumbent engages in financial planning and supervises account management, and interprets, modifies, and implements changes in procedures, policies, or standards.

This position requires sound judgment and a high level of discretion when dealing with sensitive issues. A key component of this role is to support multiple locations across the province to ensure consistency in program delivery, administration, and planning.

This position requires occasional travel, including to remote Indigenous communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management

  • Manage the ITEP Program; this involves planning, coordinating, and monitoring all aspects of operations and progress in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness, identify and recommend improvements, and lead the implementation of approved changes that correspond to the vision and direction of the Faculty.
  • Plan, develop and implement policy and procedure reviews for the ITEP.
  • Collaborate and communicate with other relevant partner institutions to develop and maintain the recruitment, admission, and retention strategies of instructors that are sensitive to Indigenous student needs and realities. Identify ways to increase unit’s organizational effectiveness.
  • Coordinate with the Faculty of Education to recruit for, advertise, and promote the Program. This includes participating in recruitment activities, such as recruitment fairs, Indigenous community­ based fairs, and other special events.
  • Lead implementation of short and long-term strategic plans for the operations of the programs and policies for ITEP.
  • Communicate and liaise with other units, agencies, and individuals throughout the province to increase program awareness and/or facilitate communications.
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge and understanding of University and Faculty policies that influence or impact staffing decisions and arrangements as it relates to the ITEP Program.
  • Develop and conduct workshops, presentations, and information sessions to a wide variety of audiences. Prepare and disseminate materials to program participants and Indigenous communities.
  • Liaise with the Multi-Session Program Administrator to ensure students are provided with up-to-date and relevant information pertaining to registration and enrolment.
  • Implement mandates of locally based program management committees and Queen's Indigenous Council as they pertain to Indigenous teacher education.
  • Provide support to ITEP Coordinator for program delivery.
  • Provide guidance to Education Student Services on student admissions and prior learning assessments.
  • In conjunction with the Practicum Office, coordinate revisions of the ITEP Policy Handbook and ITEP Practicum Handbook between the Faculty and program management committees.
  • Liaise with community-based instructors and school staff, dealing with practicum issues and students-at -risk as needed, support exit conference for students completing program.
  • Attend meetings in conjunction with Associate Dean, Teacher Education with key organizations to represent ITEP.
  • Negotiate, draft, and manage education agreements with communities; write new funding initiatives and agreements.
  • Provide guidance to hiring committees for ITEP adjunct faculty.
  • Attend graduation ceremonies at all our community-based sites.
  • Manage the day-to-day coordination of community-based programming (academic support, financial operations, communication with schoolboards, connecting with community-based instructors, reviewing course outlines, etc.)
  • Work with various units at the Faculty of Education to ensure the success of all ITEP teacher candidates.
  • Plan, develop, and coordinate the delivery of community- based on campus summer sessions.
  • Monitor weekend sessions and provide guidance/one-on-one mentoring as needed.
  • Secure and oversee the placement of teacher candidates in the scope of the practicum courses.
  • Attend regular ITEP specific and multi-session meetings as required.
  • Seek out external funding opportunities and initiatives.

     

    Administration/Human Resources

  • Manage administrative functioning of the unit including supervision of the ITEP campus-based office, ensuring unit functions and special projects are carried out efficiently and to completion.
  • Advise on development of ITEP website admission and application related materials, in consultation with Student Services and Support.
  • Plan, prioritize and manage the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching. Identify the need for staff resources, participate on staffing committees, and make effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
  • Manage performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing, and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
  • Assess staff training and development needs and ensure that employees receive the training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
  • Investigate, address and resolve employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters. Make decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge and probationary termination.
  • Establish communication with all instructors before the beginning of each term to ensure they are adequately prepared to begin teaching, including familiarity with expectations, academic policies and using the online course software.
  • Gather data from faculty, teacher candidates, and community stakeholders to offer analysis in support of improved student experience, student success, instructor onboarding and instruction.

    Financial

  • Prepare and present reports to the Ministry of Education, the Indigenous Council of Queen's University, community management committees and the Faculty of Education in collaboration with Faculty of Education Finance office.
  • Participate in setting objectives to ensure the financial health of the unit, including working with the Office of the Dean to prepare the ITEP budgets.
  • Supervise unit financial functioning, including coordinating development of business plans and budgets.
  • Monitor resource allocation and administer accounts; review expenditures in advance of being sent for approval in the Faculty of Education Finance Office.
  • Review financial records and analyze data to prepare reports and statements.
  • Develop funding proposals as requested.
  • Prepare financial forecasting for proposal budgets, in consultation with the ITEP Coordinator.
  • Negotiate service contracts as needed.
  • Provide advice and support on the creation and review of the Education Agreements for community based ITEP delivery.

     

    REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • University Degree in Education or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of management experience
  • Must demonstrates connection with Indigenous community and other Indigenous networks.
  • Indigenous ancestry preferred.
  • Experience supervising staff, with the ability to delegate work and prioritize tasks to office staff.
  • Previous work in a university or other academic environment is preferred.
  • Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Comprehensive understanding of Indigenous communities, educational history and settings, student lifestyles, Indigenous education, and teacher education.
  • Proven experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining complex processes.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with computer applications and software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, and internet. Experience with D2L, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Salesforce, JotForm’s and website technology considered an asset.
  • Demonstrated successful program administration experience in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, requiring quick and appropriate decision-making skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of collective agreements.
  • Knowledge of university structure, policies, and procedures.
  • Training and/or experience in setting and managing budgets required.
  • Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.