Chair, Department of Indigenous Studies
Simon Fraser University

The Candidate Qualifications:  The Search Committee recognizes that no candidate for Chair, Department of Indigenous Studies is likely to meet all the following criteria in equal measure. Nevertheless, the following characteristics, experiences, and personal qualities are seen to be highly desirable:

Administrative Experience and Vision

• Proven ability to provide effective leadership, including resource management, and application of university policies and procedures. An understanding of collective agreements would be seen as an asset.

• Ability to articulate a vision of the opportunities and challenges ahead for Indigenous Studies with an understanding of post-secondary structures and systems.
• A creative thinker able to shape a vision and drive strategy forward.

Passion for the Mission of the University and Indigenous Studies

• Is passionate about the opportunity to serve in a leadership role for a top ranked research-intensive university with its vision as Canada’s Engaged University.
• Demonstrates a sincere interest and commitment to the breadth of programming in the department. The Chair will meaningfully advocate for the wide range of research and education taking place in the department.
• Commitment to supporting faculty, staff, and students in advancing academic excellence in research and teaching.
• Demonstrates experience with community engagement and fostering relationship.

Values Based Leader

• Consultative leader with experience in consensus decision making, with an awareness of the need for openness, change and team building. Accepts and provides mentorship and supports professional development.
• Demonstrates a respectful, positive, compassionate, inclusive, and engaging leadership style.
• Leads with integrity, transparency, empathy, and trustworthiness.

Indigenization and Reconciliation

• Motivated by Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation leadership, exemplified by active pursuit of the goals of Indigenization and reconciliation and continued advancement of the SFU Aboriginal Reconciliation Council (ARC) Calls to Action.
• Proven engagement with and connection to Indigenous communities.
• Brings experience in supporting Indigenous faculty, staff, and students in creating pathways to success through Indigenizing curriculum, policy, programming and facilitating career progression.
• Experience in addressing the social and systemic exclusions in all institutional systems, practices, and procedures.

Research Excellence and Academic Qualifications 

• The Chair will have a PhD or equivalent academic qualification in a discipline relevant to Indigenous Studies, along with an exemplary track record of teaching, research, and service sufficient for appointment as a tenured Associate or Full Professor at SFU.
• Demonstrates experience in facilitating and supporting research, scholarly production, and capacity to bridge Indigenous Studies and other disciplines. 
• A successful track record of advancing academic excellence in research, student support, and through recruitment, retention, promotion and tenure and mentorship.

Relationship and Trust Building

• Has high emotional intelligence, exhibits humility, and genuine engagement with others.
• Values cultural and transnational diversity amongst Indigenous Peoples.  
• Can motivate others and build trust through an open, respectful, and collegial approach. 
• Able to develop and maintain highly productive and trusting relationships across SFU with a broad range of people including colleagues, students, faculty, staff, Board members and donors.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with external constituents, including Indigenous communities, government, academic partners, and media.