Job Details

Mandate:
The Indigenous Academic Advising Consultant (IAAC) is a senior advising role within the Academic Advising Centre, providing specialized academic advising, guidance, and institutional insight to support the academic success and retention of Indigenous undergraduate students in the Faculties of Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences.

The position integrates a culturally grounded, trauma-informed advising approach with deep knowledge of academic programs, policies, and systems. The IAAC works collaboratively with Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE), Student Affairs units, Faculties, and academic advising colleagues to enhance advising practices, remove systemic barriers, and strengthen culturally relevant student supports.

The role also contributes to the development of advising practices, training, and institutional initiatives that advance UVic’s commitments under the Indigenous Plan and Equity Action Plan.

Objectives:

• Provide holistic, culturally responsive academic advising that supports Indigenous student success, persistence, and self-determination.
• Strengthen coordination and alignment between the Academic Advising Centre, IACE, Faculties, and Student Affairs to improve access to integrated student supports.
• Enhance advising practices across the university through training, resources, and guidance related to advising Indigenous students.
• Identify systemic barriers within academic advising processes and contribute to solutions that improve equity, access, and student experience.
• Maintain high levels of accuracy, consistency, and integrity in advising, administrative processes, and interpretation of academic policy.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed on-campus within the Academic Advising Centre and the First Peoples House. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support student engagement and events.

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in a university administration environment, a related post-secondary student support environment, and/or in Indigenous communities, organizations and programming. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising practices, undergraduate program structures, and the interpretation and application of academic policies and regulations.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary realities, including the impacts of colonization on education and student experience.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and student-centred support, including working with students navigating complex or sensitive circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex information, assess situations where clear precedents may not exist, and develop sound recommendations.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex academic information clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences.
• Ability to develop and deliver training, resources, and guidance to support advising practice and knowledge sharing.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work in a dynamic, high-volume environment.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe learning and working environment aligned with UVic’s Indigenous Plan and Equity Action Plan.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols, governance, and values across diverse communities, with particular awareness of Coast Salish contexts and the ability to apply this knowledge appropriately in advising and program delivery, is an asset.
• Experience building and maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships with Indigenous students, communities, Elders, faculty, and staff, is an asset.