University of Minnesota Looking for Indigenous Education Program Specialist (# 358644) Full Time

Job ID: 358644

About the Job

Position Overview 

The Indigenous
education program specialist is a content specialist within Indigenous education, particularly early childhood education, and applies
relevant subject matter knowledge with a focus on Indigenous scholarship, knowledge, and practices in child development and early childhood
education. Such knowledge and practices may include the ability to engage in identification of appropriate curricular content, instructional
design, needs analysis, use of communications technologies, education program delivery techniques, student motivation, and program
evaluation. The Indigenous education program specialist will work independently with guidance from the early childhood education program
lead, the director of the Institute of Child Development (ICD), and the associate dean for undergraduate education, diversity, and
international initiatives.

In collaboration with faculty and staff in ICD, this position is primarily designed to support the
implementation of an Ojibwe culture and language pathway in the individualized studies track of the B.S. in Early Childhood degree, offered
by the Institute of Child Development. The individualized studies track in the B.S. Early Childhood program allows students to select a
supporting program to supplement their early childhood content. The Indigenous education program specialist will aid students in developing
a supporting program in Ojibwe culture and language, or related domains. A goal assigned to this position is to develop various templates
that students can refer to when selecting university-wide courses for a supporting program.

A key responsibility of this position is
to actively support and advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will support
the Institute of Child Development’s commitment to anti-racism.

The position is a 50% time, 12-month position for a two-year period
in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life
balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of
students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Much of the responsibilities for this position can be achieved primarily remotely
from within Minnesota, with occasional meetings or gatherings on campus. 

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life
balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of
students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location.
Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer. 

Job Responsibilities

Program Development
(50%)

• Support the efforts of ICD faculty and staff to identify and include Indigenous scholarship, knowledge, and practices in core
  early childhood courses; collaborate with course developers and instructors, to the extent possible to achieve this goal.
• Support
  faculty and academic staff in designing and incorporating instructional materials and assessment resources.
• Work closely with
  faculty, staff, students, and community members to develop and deliver effective academic support programs and resources in the
  individualized studies track of the B.S. in Early Childhood.
• Coordinate with American Indian Studies to support access to
  introductory Ojibwe language courses for students with that need and interest.
• Coordinate with Tribal College and Tribal Nation
  leadership to ensure program suitability and supports to prevent duplication or interference with other ongoing programs and initiatives at
  the Tribal Colleges.

Early Childhood Liaison to Tribal Colleges and University Partners (50%)

• Develop supporting program
  templates for students to select from, by coordinating with various programs on campus that will provide options for coursework and
  scholarship.
• Coordinate with early childhood advising staff to address student inquiries and to develop a supporting program in
  Ojibwe language, Indigenous
• Language and Culture, and other domains relevant to the student’s interest.
• Engage with Tribal
  Colleges, CEHD Students Services, and University transfer admissions staff to support student access to the program.
• Build
  connections to aid in promoting the Ojibwe culture and language pathway in early childhood education to Indigenous and broader communities,
  increasing visibility, and attracting new students to the program.

Qualifications

Required
Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in education or related field with 3 or more years of related professional experience, or
  a masters degree with proven ability
  to perform the role.
• Experience in early childhood education settings.
• Strong
  communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple partners from diverse
  communities.
• Experience in Indigenous communities, Tribal Nations, or Tribal Colleges.
• Strong problem solving
  skills.
• Knowledge of Indigenous languages (Ojibwe preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in
  early childhood education or child development.
• Experience developing educational programs.
• Fluency in Ojibwe or other
  Indigenous languages (verbal and written).

About the Department

Department
Overview

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for
scholarship, teaching, and outreach
devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is
one of the oldest departments studying
children’s development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has
been to “give away” child psychology. This
philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting
interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the
College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).

College
Overview
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the fourth largest college at the University, contributes to a
just and sustainable
future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all
stages of the life span. We
know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That is why the CEHD community is
collectively dedicated to cultivating
an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students,
staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral
imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice,
discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the
University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We
prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University
also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical,
  dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer
  contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial
  counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro
  area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more
information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for
this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by
accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an
accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR
(8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in
enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and
retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in
its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status,
disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about
diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment
Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is
that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate,
graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most
vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with
world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service
organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well
as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019,
2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).