ABOUT WESTERN

The Otekhnòtshera Ratirihwisaks Etho:onhwentsyáke (Otekh) is a new research lab at Visual Arts (Western University) that will facilitate key activities and long-term initiatives focused on advanced Indigenous arts and technology research; it functions in conjunction with Indigenous Studies, the Wampum Learning Lodge and Indigenous organizations in the region.
Abundant Intelligences is an ambitious, large-scale six-year research program exploring how to integrate Indigenous Knowledges and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. The research team currently consists of 48 co-investigators and collaborators at 13 universities/research institutes and 8 community-based organizations in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The Haudenosaunee POD is located in the ORE Lab at Western University and focuses on integrating Haudenosaunee knowledge and AI. The POD’s research activities are focused on the Lawson Site and community engagement in Six Nations of the Grand River. The POD is currently engaged in expanding community engagement in the region.

ABOUT US

For more information please visit our website www.uwo.ca/visarts

Responsibilities:

In consultation with the Department Manager and the Director of Administration; Financial management of operational and project budgets, grants, expense reports, and contracts for professional and research staff;

• 1st year 214,000 + 20,000
• 2nd year potentially ~390K
• Increase over years through to year 6 to ~500K operational budget
• Preparation and analysis of periodic financial statements, budget reviews and reconciliation of lab accounts
• Reviews & analyze expenses charged to lab accounts to ensure that University policies and Funding Source requirements are respected;
• Act as liaison and a resource person for internal and external stakeholders for dossiers
• Perform any other tasks related in support of the proper financial functioning of projects or as required but the POD/Lab Director
• assist in overseeing the general operations of the lab/Pod;
• assist in overseeing the strategic research direction of the lab/Pod, in consultation with the stakeholders;
• assist with the lab/Pod budget, and annual reports (to the director, and to Steering);
• assist with maintaining good relationships across the lab/Pod;
• help ensure the research program aligns with those of Otekh lab and the Abundant Intelligences networks, the Executive Council and the Steering Committee;
• organize lab/Pod meetings, and help create meeting agendas;
• note taking and record keeping (general) for reporting;
• Collate POD reporting to send to AbINT management team;
• Collate documentation of events, happenings and research activities from POD members and report to AbINT Steering; communications, including website and design;
• assist in promoting and organizing collaboration across the lab/Pod;
• organizing and managing CV for all members of the lab/Pod;
• research management (general);
• assist with annual review of research progress for both the lab/Pod;
• Assist with research-creation activities (media arts, and studio arts practices and production);
• Manage lab/Pod events planning and coordination;
• Coordinate in community events with Community Liaison;
• Manage and coordinate planning of local AbINT events in consultation with Concordia management team, Community Liaison(s), POD members and Western University;

Requirements:
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter. The CV should detail relevant professional experience, education, skills, and achievements, with emphasis on administrative coordination, financial management, or interdisciplinary collaboration. The cover letter should outline the applicant’s intent and interest in the role, demonstrating alignment with the position’s responsibilities and providing examples of relevant experience. Both documents should showcase strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Education:

Minimum Required:

• Undergraduate Degree in a related field; equivalent education and experience will be considered (e.g. five years in community)

Preferred:

• MFA preferred

Experience:

Minimum Required:

• 2 years of professional administrative experience working with Indigenous communities

Preferred:

• Candidates who self-identify through Western’s affirmation policy as First Nations preferred

Eligibility:

• Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond the sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in hiring designated Indigenous roles to safeguard against use of incorrect, incomplete or misleading information regarding claims of Indigenous identity. Preference will be given to candidates whose claim to Indigenous identity (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada; and Global Indigenous peoples) has been affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes.
• Indigenous community standing or extended (>five years in community) lived experience preferred

Appointed by the Otekh lab/AbINT POD Director; preference for local Indigenous community member; must be local and available for hybrid work at Otekh