Policy Specialist

Company: McMaster University

Role: Policy Specialist, Office of the Vide Provost Indigenous

Temporary - 12-month position

Job Summary:
 

This position will give preference to candidates who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit). Candidates from this designated group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, including details relevant to their community and lived experience, as part of the application process.

The Office of the Vice Provost Indigenous provides strategic leadership to advance Indigenous priorities, including research, education and reconciliation across the institution; and to strengthen the university’s relationship with Indigenous communities. 

The Indigenous Policy Specialist is accountable to the Vice-Provost, Indigenous (VPI). The incumbent provides support for the VPI and assists with the implementation and conduct of university-wide responsibilities.  The Indigenous Policy Specialist is an integral part of the team that supports the Office of the VPI.

The Policy Specialist develops, implements and evaluates policies, programs and initiatives to promote an inclusive and exceptional experience for Indigenous communities. This role conducts research and analysis and provides strategic advice on policies and practices affecting equity-deserving or underrepresented groups.

Working with internal and external parties, the Policy Specialist ensures institutional policies align with the University’s commitments to equitable and inclusive practice and promotes culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches across the institution.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Research and analyze policies and programs related to the issues and rights of equity deserving groups, with a distinct focus on Indigenous communities.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of existing policies on students, staff, faculty and Knowledge Keepers.
• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations to address emerging needs and systemic barriers.
• Collaborate with internal partners, community groups and organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups to inform policy and program development and implementation.
• Lead and manage projects and initiatives supporting the development and implementation of policies and programs.
• Lead the implementation of policies, programs and processes that support the culturally safe and trauma-informed practices across the University.
• Stay informed of current developments, legislation, trends, and best practices in equity, inclusion, and community-informed policy development.
• Provide guidance and expertise to internal and external partners.
• Advocate for the identified community’s rights and representation in decision-making processes.
• Represent the Indigenous community in collaborative reviews of equity-focused initiatives and programming applying an anti-racism lens. Write reports on remedial or improvement strategies.
• Provide feedback and support on the implementation of activities to ensure internal departments are using a cultural sensitive and trauma-informed approach.
• Provide strategic policy advice on institutional priorities, strategic plans, and special initiatives; prepare reports, briefing notes, position papers, and presentations.
• Collaborate with communications teams to ensure accurate and current content related to policies and initiatives
• Liaise with any academic program partners related to policy matters and related initiatives.
• Plan and coordinate a variety of meetings and events with internal and external partners