Student Engagement Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY 

Seabird Island is committed to supporting student success and fostering a thriving educational environment. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive space that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Student Engagement Coordinator to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance student engagement, persistence, and overall academic success.

Under the direction of the College Administrator, the Student Engagement Coordinator provides culturally informed support and resources to students to increase retention, persistence, and graduation rates. This role involves developing and implementing strategies that address barriers to student success, offering mentorship, and coordinating academic and social support programs. The Student Engagement Coordinator will also engage in community relations activities, building strong connections with students, families, and the broader community to support their educational journey.

This is a Part Time term contract with an end date of December 31st 2025, the possibility of extension.

Work that matters 

Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members. 

Seabird Island located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver.

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Benefits and perks 

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process. 

• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

• Conduct one-on-one meetings with students to identify their unique challenges and strengths, creating personalized action plans to support their academic and personal success.s
• Develop and oversee a peer mentorship program that fosters student-to-student support and community building.
• Initiate proactive outreach to students at risk of disengagement, providing targeted support to help them overcome obstacles.
• Coordinate and participate in student orientation programs, providing a smooth transition for new students entering the college.
• Assist in the development and use of an early alert system to identify students showing signs of academic or personal difficulty and intervene promptly to offer support.
•  Act as an advocate for students within the college, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect their educational experience.
• Collaborate with staff to monitor student attendance, ensuring timely interventions for those with irregular patterns.
• Establish connections with alumni to create mentorship opportunities and build a network of support for current students.
• Organize retention-focused events, such as student appreciation days, cultural celebrations, and academic recognition ceremonies.
• Work closely with families and community leaders to strengthen support systems for students, reinforcing the role of education in the broader community.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on retention strategies, student engagement, and culturally responsive practices.
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures that promote student retention and success, ensuring alignment with best practices and community values.
• Create and maintain a repository of tools, guides, and materials to support students in navigating their educational journey effectively.

Other Duties 

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

WHAT YOU BRING 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in student services, counseling, or related fields, preferably in a post-secondary or First Nations educational setting.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong ability to build rapport with students, staff, and community members, fostering a supportive and trusting environment.
• Experience designing and implementing student support programs, workshops, and initiatives.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of advocating for students’ needs within the institution and connecting them to appropriate resources.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to:  College Administrator 

How To Apply 

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to post-secondary education. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening

• Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.