Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Futures in Engineering, the Indigenous STEM Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the delivery of outreach programming with Indigenous community partners engaged in Indigenous Futures in Engineering (‘InEng’) initiatives with the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (‘FEAS’).
The Coordinator is accountable for planning educational workshops and programming, with the majority of time in this position spent visiting elementary schools (K-8), and at Indigenous community-based events across Ontario and Western Quebec. Working effectively as a member of a team, the Indigenous STEM Outreach Coordinator will also support the key goals and objectives of the InEng unit.
This position involves significant seasonal travel (e.g. day and / or overnight) and requires the incumbent to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends, in order to support program and / or area needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develops outreach workshops, presentations, and experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (‘STEM’) specific to Indigenous communities.
• Delivers outreach programming to a wide variety of audiences, primarily, but not limited to, elementary schoolchildren with a focus on grades 5-8 (junior-intermediate).
• Develops and delivers professional development experiences for teachers, collaborating with educational leadership and teachers themselves on learning plans in STEM.
• Liaises with classroom teachers, principals, guidance counselors, and community groups to determine type of outreach support required to complement current and future curricula as well as to meet InEng program objectives.
• Represents InEng as required at Indigenous community events such as career fairs, post-secondary information sessions, and school visits designed to engage students for a future in STEM.
• Collects, compiles, and summarizes relevant information and statistics on outreach activities for reporting purposes.
• Researches and creates new material for InEng website and social media communication related to Indigenous outreach in STEM.
• Supervises summer students hired in service of the InEng outreach program.
• Advises the Director on general direction and policy needs for the overall outreach program.
• Undertakes other duties as required in support of program functions and priorities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• University degree required, with a preference for studies in Education, Engineering, Sciences, Indigenous Studies, or related area. Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Indigenous citizenship (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) with demonstrated community involvement and strong knowledge of Indigenous cultures, communities, customs, practices, and communication styles required.
• Valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s license required.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check (‘CPIC’) and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
• Knowledge of the engineering profession and course of study, admission requirements, and general structure and function of universities preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of Mohawk, Cayuga, and/or Ojibway languages considered an asset.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Able to work independently to organize, plan, and self-initiate both long-term and short-term goals.
• Able to analyze data to provide statistical reports on outreach activities.
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively within a small group setting.
• Able to work with children and youth from early elementary through university.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular, the ability to empathize and communicate effectively with Indigenous clients and the Queen’s University community.
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail, time management, and the ability to set and balance evolving priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public presentation skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills combined with an ability to develop and proactively use networks to build rapport to seek or provide help.
• Computer and office skills, including web-based technology and ability to adapt to emerging technology.
• Experience with online teaching and learning considered an asset
• Experience with coding and robotics in an elementary school setting considered an asset
• Professional and respectful of client confidentiality.
DECISION MAKING:
• Researches, identifies and recommends effective outreach practices and programs, in collaboration with Director and community partners.
• Makes decisions regarding the development, format, and content of communication tools, workshops, and presentations.
• Identifies actions required to achieve project completion.
• Establishes day-to-day work plan and travel schedule within budget allocations.
• Determines logistics for special events.
• Decides when to refer a matter to the Director ensuring appropriate background information is provide.
