Indigenous Field Of Study Coordinator

Description:

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Social Work offers professional and research-based degrees including the MSW Indigenous Field of Study (IFS). This hybrid full-time contract role supports the MSW IFS program by providing multi-functional administrative coordination throughout the graduate student lifecycle—from recruitment and field placements to graduation—across multiple campuses and partner sites.

The Coordinator must be self-motivated, sensitive, diplomatic, and skilled at working with diverse audiences including students, faculty, Indigenous communities, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Coordination:

• Manage program coordination for approximately 60 MSW IFS students annually

• Register students and monitor eligibility for program progression and graduation

• Provide academic advising on course sequencing, petitions, leaves, and graduation eligibility

• Coordinate funding opportunities including band funding, scholarships, and bursaries

• Plan and execute major events like the Wholistic Healing Conference, Orientation, and Convocation Reception

• Coordinate class schedules and part-time teaching logistics

• Order medicines for ceremonies and support Indigenous initiatives

• Manage content updates for the IFS website and Graduate Calendar sections

Financial Administration:

• Monitor operating budgets and forecast expenditures

• Manage purchase orders, expense claims, and reconcile university card expenditures

Field Education Administration:

• Plan and administer field placements in collaboration with advisors and community agencies

• Recruit and sustain placement opportunities through strategic partnerships and social media

• Advocate for students with placement agencies

• Deliver orientations, seminars, and training for field instructors

• Manage documentation, forms, and certificates related to field placements

• Submit course grades within deadlines

Admissions & Recruitment:

• Advise prospective and current applicants on admissions, program details, and financial assistance

• Assess transcripts and academic credentials, including international credentials

• Monitor applications, offers, acceptances, and waiting lists

• Develop recruitment initiatives, represent the faculty at events, and liaise with Indigenous communities

• Collaborate on promotional materials and coordinate recruitment mailings and interviews

Qualifications:

• University degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Marketing, Social Sciences, or related field

• MSW degree is an asset

• Minimum 3 years senior administrative experience, preferably in academia

• Experience working with Indigenous populations and knowledge of Indigenous cultures and traditions across North America

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, presentation, project management, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds with sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy

• Advanced computer skills (MS Office, webinars, databases, Zoom, etc.)

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues

• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle required for travel

• Flexibility to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends

Additional Details:

• Contract position ending June 19, 2026

• Normal hours 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday with flexibility required

• Eligible for Educational Equivalencies