Director, Queen’s-Weeneebayko Education Program

Queen’s Health Sciences
Queen’s-Weeneebayko Education Program
Kingston, ON

Job Description:
The Queen’s-Weeneebayko Campus Initiative is a collaborative project led by the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), the Weeneebayko Foundation, and Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS). This initiative is dedicated to building education capacity in the Weeneebayko region, focusing on empowering and supporting Indigenous youth to pursue postsecondary education in health professions and establishing a regional health sciences campus guided by Indigenous ways of knowing, thinking, believing and doing.

Queen’s Health Sciences is accepting applications for the next Director, Queen’s-Weeneebayko Education Program. While we invite applications from all qualified candidates, preference will be given to Indigenous persons with clear and demonstrable ties to Indigenous community(ies). If you are passionate about transforming health education and working towards a just and equitable future for Indigenous communities, we encourage you to apply.

As the Director, you will provide visionary leadership for the Queen’s-Weeneebayko Education Program, while embracing and role-modeling anti-colonial, heart-led, collaborative approaches to leadership, that honour the unique and interconnected histories of Indigenous Peoples, settlers, arrivants and others who are on these lands. Reporting to the project’s Campus Council and the Dean of Queen’s Health Sciences, you will be responsible for community engagement, strategic planning and government relations, curriculum development, knowledge translation and program evaluation.

Your role will involve developing and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities and partnerships, emphasizing relational and consensus-based leadership. You will lead strategic planning efforts, and maintain the project workplan, ensuring that all activities align with the community-driven vision and goals of the project. Additionally, you will develop and implement policies that address the systemic impacts faced by Indigenous peoples, while modeling cultural humility and understanding.

As the chair of the project’s Executive Committee, you will guide its activities and support the work of its subcommittees. You will also supervise and support the project team, promoting a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning. Additionally, you will collaborate with external partners and government representatives to secure support and resources for the project.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
The successful candidate must be eligible to hold an academic faculty appointment in Queen’s Health Sciences (with a PhD or MD). You should have experience in health professions education and a strong commitment to decolonizing and Indigenizing education. Experience working in or with Indigenous communities is essential, along with a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and logistical dynamics of these settings. The role requires a willingness to travel to and work in northern and remote communities as needed.

How to Apply:
Interested applicants are encouraged to send all documents in their application packages electronically as PDFs to the Advisory Search Committee Chair, Dr. Sarah Funnell, Associate Dean, Indigenous Health, c/o Kristy Lodewyks, HR & Staffing Operations Manager (kristy.lodewyks@queensu.ca), including the following documents:

• a letter of interest summarizing relevant experience, connections to Indigenous community(ies), and indication of whether or not you have a valid legal work status in Canada
• a curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
• a letter of support from your Head of Department (internal applications only)
• the names and full contact information of three references

Review of applications and nominations will commence on October 20, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Kristy Lodewyks to request a detailed copy of the role description. 

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority, including any qualified individuals who have a valid legal work status in Canada. Please indicate in your application if you have a valid legal work status in Canada. In addition, the impact of certain circumstances that may legitimately affect a nominee’s record of research achievement will be given careful consideration when assessing the nominee’s research productivity. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions.  

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs.  If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Kristy Lodewyks, HR & Staffing Operations Manager.