Associate Dean, Indigenous Health

Simon Fraser University’s School of Medicine
British Columbia

Description:
The School of Medicine at Simon Fraser University invites applications for an Associate Dean, Indigenous Health (ADIH). The associate dean appointment will be for a 3-year term, renewable, with an underlying faculty position. The underlying faculty position will be continuing and will be made at the appropriate rank and category, commensurate with experience. Alternative appointment arrangements (such as half-time) may also be considered to facilitate other commitments candidates may have.

The salary for the successful applicant will depend on the rank, category of appointment, and experience of the candidate, however, a reasonable estimate of the salary range is $220,000 – $270,000 (inclusive of an administrative stipend for the Associate Dean role and prorated depending on other commitments outside of academic work).

The Associate Dean Indigenous Health for the SFU School of Medicine (SM) provides critical leadership in conceptualizing and implementing the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing and being into all operational and academic aspects of the SFU SM. The ADIH reports to the Dean, SFU SM, and is a member of the senior executive team of the SFU SM.

Key Areas of Involvement:
The main objective for the ADIH is the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for embedding respectful and relevant Indigenous content, perspectives and practices into the culture of the SFU SM, and developing an approach to engaging and collaborating with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in ways that uphold and align with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). The strategy will inform and guide all aspects of the School of Medicine, including curriculum development, instructional approaches, faculty development, admissions, Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) student recruitment and support, infrastructure design, human resources, etc.

• The ADIH will build upon the foundations laid by the interim ADIH; one of the key deliverables will be the establishment of priorities and timelines for the role. Examples of key deliverables for the ADIH may include: 
• Liaising with SFU SM partners in the FNHA and the Fraser Health Authority to ensure collaboration on Indigenous initiatives and matters of the SFU SM. 
• Leading a collaborative process by which to establish a set of principles and values to guide the manner in which SFU SM engages with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples and/or honours and upholds Indigenous cultures, knowledges, processes and ways of working.
• Establishing the foundation of practices and policies needed to achieve the main objective(s). 
• Developing and maintaining meaningful relationships and systems for consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), communities and organizations including the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
• Building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with host Nations in the Fraser Region. 
• Convening the SFU SM Indigenous Network/Caucus that connects Indigenous participants in SFU SM committees and working groups to ensure a loud and strong Indigenous voice in the establishment and operation of the SFU SM.
• Leading the recruitment of and support for the SFU SM Elders and Knowledge Keepers Circle. 
• In collaboration with the SFU EDI lead, establishing protocols for ensuring that Indigenous and EDI principles, values and practices are viewed as separate, but interconnected, in the SFU SM.
• Leading the development of systems and processes to embed cultural safety and humility into SFU MS curriculum and operations. Establishing processes for collaboration with key SFU functions (such as HR, Finance, Registrar/Student Services, Marketing/Communications, etc.) and with SFU Indigenous leadership and SFU SM partners to promote best practices for the SFU SM. 
• Planning for and implementing hiring members of the support team needed to help carry the work forward in a good way with a priority on hiring Indigenous people.

Qualifications:

• Eligibility to hold a license to practice medicine in British Columbia preferred 
• M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) preferred
• Ph.D. in a field related to health care desired 
• Health care education and/or post-secondary education preferred
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultural identities and values is required 
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Full Job Description

Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following materials to Caroll Lai, Senior Advisor of Academic Affairs at ms_academic_affairs@sfu.ca:

• Curriculum vitae 
• Names and contact information of three referees
• Self-identification narrative of Indigenous lived experience 
• Letter of support from Indigenous community

* Complete a self-identification survey 

SFU encourages applications from all qualified candidates; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. 

Post Closing Date:
Applications received by September 30, 2024 will be given full consideration. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.