Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion promotes principles of equity, diversity and Indigeneity to enhance UTSC’s learning, living and working environments for faculty, staff, students and visitors. The Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion provides advice and makes recommendations to the UTSC leadership team on matters of policy interpretation and practice concerning diversity, accessibility, equity and inclusion for students, staff, faculty and visitors. The incumbent reports jointly to the UTSC Vice-President and Principal and the Vice-President – Human Resources and Equity or designate (i.e. the Executive Director – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion).

Based on excellent knowledge of the protected grounds identified in the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Director works to educate and support members of the University of Toronto Scarborough community and University leaders as they integrate and embed equity, diversity and inclusion principles and practices across all three campuses. The Director also plays a key role in advancing UTSC’s commitments as laid out in relevant UTSC/UofT Plans, policies, guidelines, and reports, including Answering the Call – Wecheehetowin: Report of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The Director has responsibility for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion through development and implementation of training and outreach programs; assisting with interpretation of University policies and procedures, as well as relevant legislation; and providing advice and sharing information as necessary to support strong equity practices.

The incumbent will facilitate and oversee equity and inclusion supports, resources and professional development programs for students, faculty and staff, in accordance with University of Toronto Policy and Guidelines.

As a member of the University’s broadly constituted equity team, the Director works closely and collaboratively with the University of Toronto’s Tri-campus Equity Offices and partners with colleagues to develop training about equity, diversity and inclusivity which aligns with University principles and values, and coordinates and supports equity and inclusivity related professional development and educational initiatives for the UTSC and broader University community. The incumbent supports, and /or provides input into both internal and external training offerings, as requested. The Director represents UTSC on relevant committees inside and outside the UTSC community.

The Director leads a team of professionals/staff specializing in equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous initiatives, which works with the other U of T equity offices and student groups to ensure the successful development, implementation and evaluation of a number of signature equity and inclusion events at UTSC and at the University more broadly.

The incumbent also has responsibility for identifying and addressing systemic issues and gaps related to equity, diversity and inclusion; and for notifying, advising, and making research-informed recommendations to appropriate senior leaders, to ensure the effectiveness and enhancement of strategies and programs that advance inclusion.

The incumbent helps to cultivate and embed champions of equity, diversity and inclusion within the UTSC within the community, and provides them with the support, encouragement and expertise necessary to strengthen their commitment to core principles and to enhance their Indigenous cultural compentency.

The incumbent will support efforts from the University’s equity team and UTSC senior administration to recruit, retain, and support the success of a diverse community of students, faculty and staff.

Qualifications: 

(Minimum Qualifications)

EDUCATION: Graduate degree in a relevant area of study or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE: Several years of professional experience in, and understanding of, complex issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion as they relate to the student experience and the workplace. A thorough understanding of relevant policies, procedures, best practices, and legal and legislative frameworks is essential, including pertinent sections of the Ontario Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and relevant case law. Familiarity with relevant University policies and Guidelines such as the Human Resources Civility Guidelines and Guidelines for Complaints of Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, and the Code of Student Conduct. Proven experience as an organizational leader, particularly around initiatives that promote diversity, access, and inclusion. Demonstrated experience influencing positive change in the field of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity, preferably within a comparable organizational structure. Consistent exercise of good judgment and effective balancing of role expectations to achieve organizational objectives; familiarity with human resources principles and practices a definite asset. Experience designing and delivering educational programs is required. Experience working with students and an appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the University’s student body. Thorough understanding of the Experience working within a post-secondary context is strongly preferred. Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES: Highly proficient computer skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Internet research skills.

OTHER: Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation and mediation skills. Collaborative and team-oriented leadership style. Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment. Ability to make appropriate connections and build synergies. Must maintain a thorough understanding of issues related to accessibility, culture, disability, diversity, equity, faith, gender, Indigeneity, race, spirituality, their intersections, and protected grounds as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code. An open and creative approach to problem solving and a willingness to refer issues with a collaborative and problem-solving mindset. Ability to understand and enable diverse viewpoints and approaches to achieve University goals. An innovative and strategic thinker with a broad vision for the role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in achieving institutional excellence. Demonstrated experience and competence in developing and delivering targeted training sessions to diverse groups. Ability to engage with various stakeholders and members of the University community and build rapport with student groups. Ability to support and positively collaborate with those in the University community who are learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion issues and who may have different levels of knowledge and appreciation in respect to this work. Demonstrated superior judgement, tact and political acuity required to address sensitive topics and effectively manage relationships. Ability to work independently and within a team environment. Ability to operate at the strategic, policy and operational levels. Ability to handle stress and use self-care. Highly developed organizational and program development skills. Commitment and sensitivity to matters related to the student experience, educational opportunity and employment. Demonstrated analytical ability and ability to use initiative and good judgment in decision making.

Travel: None 

Notes: A copy of the full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.  

Employee Group: Professional / Managerial 

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 

Schedule: Full-time

Pay Scale Group and Hiring Rate: PM 6 -- Hiring Zone: $113,499 - $132,415 -- Broadband Salary Range: $113,499 - $189,164    

Job Field: Governance & Policy

Job Posting: Nov 5, 2019

Job Closing: Nov 20, 2019, 11:59:00 PM