Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, this position will be the first point of contact (in-person, telephone, mail, and e-mail) at Shq'apthut, a Gathering Place. The Shq'apthut Coordinator is responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of the Shq'apthut, A Gathering Place, ensuring it remains a safe, supportive, welcoming, and culturally rich space for students. This position is key to setting a welcoming, respectful, and culturally grounded tone within the space by modelling kindness, accountability, and community care.
Division
Provost and Vice-President Academic
Department
Office of Indigenous Education & Engagement
Campus
Nanaimo campus *Successful candidates must be able to attend in person on campus as required.
Location
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Appointment Type
temporary part-time
Workload
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Some evenings and weekends may be required. Six week seasonal break from July 1, 2026 to August 15, 2026.
Pay Level
CUPE 7: $30.19 per hour
Start:
Could start earlier, depending on availability.
Appointment Start Date
08-Sep-2026
Appointment End Date
30-Jun-2028
Additional Information
Appointment may end early or be extended.
Applicant Documents
CV/Resume, Cover Letter, Qualifications , Name and contact information of recent supervisors willing to provide a reference
Duties:
- Provide reception services: order supplies, photocopy, scan, file, design forms using various formats, promote events. This will also include helping students with reception services: for example, file conversions, printing.
- Supports the day-to-day operation of Shq'apthut by coordinating maintenance and cleaning requests, completing light cleaning and gardening duties, and helping to ensure the environment remains safe and functional for students and guests.
- Provide responsive, trauma-informed referrals for students involved in conflict, experiencing crisis or distress, ensuring timely connection to appropriate support.
- Coordinate and manage Elder's calendars including responding to incoming requests and invitations, ensuring provisions are made to escort Elders to engagements, where necessary.
- Manage Shq'apthut room bookings ensuring related policies and procedures are followed.
- Support Elders in their day-to-day work (example: technology questions, schedule and book their holiday time and make benefits claims, prepare materials, etc.)
- Build strong relationships with students, staff, faculty, and community partners to create a welcoming, culturally safe, and supportive environment within Shq'apthut.
- Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of events, including regular event assistance and occasional event hosting or facilitation.
- Works closely and collaboratively with Indigenous Access Coordinators to support student wellbeing, coordinate services, manage conduct and crisis situations, and ensure students are connected to appropriate supports in a timely manner.
Required Qualifications:
One-year certificate in Office Administration (Applied Business Technology), or equivalent, from an appropriately accredited institution. One to three years recent directly related experience working within a post-secondary setting or equivalent. An equivalent combination of education and experience, including traditional qualifications, may be considered for this role.
- Strong cultural competencies including an understanding of the diversity of Indigenous cultures with a personal commitment to incorporating Indigenous practices, local Indigenous protocols, traditions, and Knowledges.
- Understanding of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities and learners.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, and challenging environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively.
- Proficiency and demonstrated experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and other programs such as Canva, Eventbrite, etc.
- Proven superior intercultural communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to resolve conflict.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-service and support team.
For this position, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply and want to highlight that First Nations, Inuit, or Metis ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for excellence in the position. Preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Vancouver Island University programs, services, supports, and faculty areas.
- Understanding and experience working with regional Indigenous communities located on Vancouver Island and in the q'athet region with an awareness of local cultural protocol.
- Post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, education, social work, or a related field.
- Lived experience working and/or living in Indigenous communities.
This position requires a regular on-campus presence and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work. Occasional evening work may be required approximately once per month, weekend work will be required once per year.
This work involves remaining stationery at a computer using a mouse, keyboard, and telephone. Lifting boxes, moving furniture and picking up supplies for events are part of this work. Light tidying of the space and light gardening duties is required.
VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.
Note:
- Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
- All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
- Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.
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