PLAR Manager for Indigenous Learners and Communities in Kamloops, British Columbia at Thompson Rivers University

The PLAR Manager for Indigenous Learners and Communities (PMILC) will continue decolonizing and Indigenizing Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) by working collaboratively, holistically, and relationally with Elders, Knowledge Holders, Indigenous learners, Indigenous communities, and Indigenous educators.

The PMILC will increase learner success through inclusive excellence, aiming to reduce achievement gaps and honour the institution’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

This position will lead the decolonization and Indigenization of PLAR by advancing Indigenous PLAR pathways, positioning TRU as an action-oriented leader locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. The PMILC will also develop evaluation frameworks and report on outcomes that honour Indigenous knowledge and experiential learning, ensuring approaches are flexible, accessible, and community informed.

The PMILC will report directly to the PLAR Director and provide functional direction to the ‘PLAR Advisor for Indigenous Learners and Communities’ to ensure the development of high-quality, culturally responsive Indigenous PLAR services at TRU.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development of a wholistic belonging model to identify, reflect on, and articulate learners’ prior learning in ways that can be assessed for credit at TRU while implementing the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and Ways of Knowing.
• Lead the coordination and continuous improvement of the delivery of Indigenous PLAR pathways that will include engaging prior learning, identification, reflection, and documentation within Indigenous communities.
• Manage and establish frameworks on the impact of agency, cultural safety, self-worth, reduction of achievement gaps, and PLAR persistence rates with Indigenous PLAR initiatives, including learner access and success indicators.
• Develop and implement cultural inclusion for PLAR employees.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen safe and supportive relationships with Indigenous learners, Indigenous communities, and Indigenous organizations.
• Supervise, mentor, and support the Indigenous PLAR Advisor.
• In collaboration with the PLAR Advisor Manager, provide guidance and performance management that fosters a culturally safe, collaborative, and learner-centred approach to the overall Indigenous PLAR service delivery at TRU.

REPORTS TO
Director, PLAR

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications/Education/Experience

• Master's degree in an Indigenous Education-focused discipline and:
• Five years' experience working with Indigenous communities in a Human Service and Educational field.
• Three years of related experience in a post-secondary environment or similar educational environment, preferably with experience in learner support, educational program planning, advising or counselling, event planning, and/or public speaking.
• Three years of related experience in program management and/or community engagement.
• Experience with prior learning assessment.

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of Indigenous perspectives, community protocols, and culture.
• Lived knowledge and experience working and collaborating with Indigenous students and communities.
• Experience advocating for the value of Indigenous Knowledge and/or Indigenous languages and shifting institutional perspectives on how it is recognized/valued within an education system.
• Knowledge of the Secwépemc and/or the nations TRU extends into, such as the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples and/or other Indigenous Nations and Cultures.
• Knowledge and competency in the Secwépemc, St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples and/or other languages.
• Demonstrated experience fostering effective communication and developing relationships within and among Indigenous learners, communities, and leaders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of PLAR practices in British Columbia and Canada.
• Excellent at being authentic, respectful, and accountable to feedback from community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general Band education polices.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented, resourceful, innovative, flexible, accessible.
• Proven capacity to excel in an independent, highly confidential, ever-changing work environment.
• Exceptional listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must be a self-motivated individual with a passion for developing and facilitating PLAR capacity and culture at TRU and in the communities we serve.
  

NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website. External Candidates invited to interview will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview.