Job Description

Autonomy Strategist

2.5-year Full Time term

Regina Campus

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) provides students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures, values and traditions. The University continues to uphold its mission of enhancing the quality of life and preserving, protecting, and interpreting First Nations people's history, language, culture, and artistic heritage. FNUniv is a unique learning place specializing in Indigenous knowledge and providing post-secondary education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students within a culturally supportive environment.

The First Nations University of Canada is a federated college of the University of Regina, and its academic programs are accredited through that institution.

Under the direction of the Director of Autonomy, the Autonomy Strategist will engage with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, other Elders, FNUniv leaders and communities to assist in developing a holistic multi-generational vision and strategic guiding document; one that embodies traditional Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing to support academic independence, realizing full university autonomy. This position will collaborate internally with various units to manage project plans and develop a comprehensive organizational framework and roadmap for autonomous academic systems.

Duties

• Participate in the research, planning, development, writing and implementation of a multi-generational (seven generations) vision document containing the creation story of FNUniv and a vision for an autonomous future.
• Develop an institution-wide strategic plan with goals and objectives to achieve autonomy.
• Plan and organize gatherings to seek input, report and communicate progress including public speaking and presentations with FNUniv Elders, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders, as needed.
• Collaborate with various units such as University Relations, Finance, Administration, Academic, Graduate Studies and Research, Library Services to develop an operational framework and roadmap including academic standards, accreditation and systems.
• Contribute to developing options papers for those areas that have various alternatives with the pros and cons, rationale, analysis and background information that can assist executive decision-making.
• Engage, share information and work with partners such as Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leaders, educational institutions, quality assurance boards, provincial, federal, and First Nations governments in the development and implementation of partnerships and agreements to advance autonomy.
• Participate in relevant internal and external committees and working groups.

Qualifications

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree. Preference given to applicants with a Master’s degree with a minimum of five (5) years’ related experience, preferably in a post-secondary environment. Familiarity and knowledge of First Nations cultural protocols and traditions is essential. Experience working with diverse groups of organizations and peoples, particularly Elders, Knowledge keepers, students, faculty, staff, alumni and First Nations communities and organizations. Proven understanding of university administrative structures, Indigenous governance systems and provincial and federal governments and corresponding jurisdictional issues. Comprehension of decolonizing education and Indigenous self-determination. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Salary Range: APT Grade 7 position ($77,294 – 104,137)

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online at www.fnuniv.ca.

Closing Date: September 29, 2026

We would like to thank you for your interest and all those who applied; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The First Nations University of Canada relies on section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give preference in employment for this position. Please indicate your status in your cover letter or resume.

Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed by email at humanresources@firstnationsuniversity.ca. We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.