SFNS Economic Toolkit (SET)
Indigenous Research Facilitator
- CompanyWestern University
- Job TypeEducation
- Required Experience2 years’ experience working in the area of Indigenous research within a post-secondary environment
- Job TypeContract, Full Time
- Education / Credentials4 year Undergraduate Degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., Indigenous studies, diversity and equity, etc.)
- ResumeRequired
- Cover LetterRequired
- Application Deadline08/16/2025
Job Description
Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 35
Salary Grade 14: $65,050 – $76,550, commensurate with experience
Please note, this is a 2-year grant-funded position.
Secondments are Welcome
Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.
About Western
With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.
About Us
Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. With contributions that range from fundamental research to applied discovery, its researchers advance knowledge and provide tangible benefits for the economic, social, health and cultural development of citizens in London, in Canada, and around the world. Western Research provides strategic and comprehensive support to foster a culture of research excellence that enhances Western University’s profile on the global stage.
Responsibilities
The Indigenous Research Facilitator will work in collaboration to advance the respectful inclusion of, and capacity for, Indigenous research, methods, data and/or research involving Indigenous people, communities, and organizations across campus. This role will provide professional guidance both to Western Research colleagues and to Indigenous and allied scholars, students, and staff. In addition, the Facilitator will work in collaboration with other staff to identify internal and external funding opportunities related to Indigenous research, assess funding criteria and success factors, organize funding launches, support implementation and adjudication activities, and support Indigenous and allied faculty, postdoctoral fellows/associates, staff and students. The role will facilitate the completion of research applications and proposals, ensuring they are completed in a respectful way, honouring Indigenous voices, peoples and perspectives. The role will also support relationship development to elevate Indigenous voices in research, develop and disseminate resources, and participate in training and workshops that foster a culture of ethical research, partnering with Indigenous people, communities, and organizations while ensuring Indigenous worldviews, Western and funding requirements are met.
Background Checks
Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond the sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in hiring designated Indigenous roles to safeguard against use of incorrect, incomplete or misleading information regarding claims of Indigenous identity.
Preference will be given to candidates whose claim to Indigenous identity (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada; and Global Indigenous peoples) has been affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes.
Experience and Qualifications
Qualifications
Education:
- 4 year Undergraduate Degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., Indigenous studies, diversity and equity, etc.)
- Courses related to Indigenous peoples/studies
- Graduate degree or equivalent professional designation in a relevant area of study is preferred
- Thesis based area of study preferred
- OCAP Certification and/or cultural competency and safety training preferred
Experience:
- 2 years’ experience working in the area of Indigenous research within a post-secondary environment
- 1 year of experience supporting grant proposals
- Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) with lived experience
- Strong connections to communities in close proximity to Western/London, ON is preferred
- Experience building relationships with and/or working with Indigenous communities and organizations in research preferred
- Proven experience writing successful proposals and working with major government research programs is preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of Indigenous communities including First Nations’ governance structures and processes, and of Indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives
- Knowledge of culturally responsive and appropriate research methods and relationship building practices that are mutually beneficial, respectful, and based in reciprocity
- Indigenous cultural competency with an ability to interact and collaborate respectfully with people from different cultures and backgrounds
- Familiarity and/or proficiency in Indigenous language(s) is an asset
- Ability to motivate diverse individuals to increase their awareness of and advance Indigenous research best practices
- Compelling and persuasive verbal and written communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
- Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proven ability to build both formal and informal professional relationships within, across, and external to organizational boundaries
- Ability to assess situations using sound judgement and navigate sensitive and sometimes difficult conversations that can be emotionally charged
- Proven ability to track performance measures and create summary reports to support decision-making
- Ability to work independently, handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
- Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders
- A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
- Ability to research new avenues of funding from federal granting agencies, industry and other funding sources
- Strong editing and proofreading abilities with attention to detail with emphasis on requirements for proposal development, reports and presentations
How to Apply
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.
Please Note:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.