Indigenous Entrepreneur in Residence

Career Centre Position Description Indigenous Entrepreneur in Residence Department/Faculty Melville School of Business Home Campus (Location) Surrey Main - Surrey, BC Employment Duration 11 months Apply Now Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures. As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact. We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action. Competition ID: 4569 Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled External Closing Date: Open Until Filled # of Openings: 1 *Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate Employment Type: Temporary Full Time Workplace Type: Hybrid Travel Frequency: Employee Group: Casual Employee Days of Work (BCGEU): Hours of Work (BCGEU): Hours per Week (BCGEU): POSITION NAME: Indigenous Entrepreneur in Residence DEPARTMENT/FACULTY: Melville School of Business EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Casual DATE REVISED: April 2026 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE This role reports to the Dean and Associate Dean, Melville School of Business. SUMMARY Melville School of Business invites applications from established or emerging Indigenous Entrepreneurs, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit for one position as Indigenous Entrepreneur in Residence. This residency will support the individual: by providing a platform to enhance leadership and mentorship skills, providing networking opportunities with university faculty, staff and students in addition to external partners, increasing their visibility and recognition within academic and business communities, and by providing access to university resources including professional expertise from within the Melville School of Business. The resident will be able to divide their time between their own projects and contributing to Melville School of Business. In their application, candidates are encouraged to detail how they envision engaging with the Melville School of Business (faculty, students, and staff) and the broader KPU community. For more information about Melville School of Business, please visit our website at: https://www.kpu.ca/melville The Indigenous Entrepreneur in Residence position will be for a period of one year beginning in April 2026. There will be some funding available for KPU-specific events and general support. Applications should include: A curriculum vitae. A cover letter or video that includes your statement of interest, a proposal for what projects you envision pursuing, a description of the type of events you would like to plan and how you see these contributing to the Melville School of Business and KPU Please include a statement clearly indicating your availability to be present on KPU campuses (primarily Surrey or Richmond) from April 2026 to end of February 2027. A letter of support or documentation regarding your connections to Indigenous community and/or an Indigenous organization, as well as lived experience. The names of two references. KPU is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Actions, Universities Canada Principles on Indigenous Education, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and to supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurs and their representation and visibility within KPU and its broader communities. This program will foster community engagement and will have a positive impact on both the entrepreneur and the KPU community through sharing, dialogue, and intercultural communication. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES This position is intended to be of mutual benefit to both the individual in the role and the Melville School of Business. What this looks like will be determined collaboratively depending on the individual’s goals and experience. Following are some ideas of what may be included: Melville Engagement: participate in Melville School of Business events, workshops, seminars, engage with departments and faculty, audit classes of interest or provide guest lectures in areas of experience. This may include involvement in a Student Pitch Competition and advising faculty on the inclusion of indigenous content in their courses. Community Engagement: Assist the Melville School of Business in building strong relationships with local Indigenous communities, organizations and leaders to promote collaboration and support entrepreneurial initiatives. Mentorship and Guidance: Consult with faculty and students. This can be a two-way mentorship, both providing and receiving advice on business planning, funding, and growth strategies. Meeting regularly with the Associate Dean and/or Dean of the Melville School of Business Providing a reflective report on their experience at the conclusion of the residency. QUALIFICATIONS Relevant community-based and/or professional experience rooted in Indigenous communities, knowledge and traditions. Track record of entrepreneurial experience, established or emerging. Enthusiasm for engaging with entrepreneurs of various levels of experience. Willingness to participate in events. Enthusiasm for consulting with faculty and students. Salary Information Anticipated hourly pay rate: $45 Total Rewards As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more! Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time. Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards. Note to Applicants Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca . Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check. We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Back Share Apply Now