Executive Director, Equity Office

ABOUT CONCORDIA

Concordia University is recognized as Canada’s top university under the age of 50 and one of the most international universities in the world. Ambitious, innovative, research- and community-engaged we are celebrated for our commitments to transformative learning, convergent thinking and public impact. Located on two campuses in the heart of cosmopolitan Montreal, we are a next generation university that draws on the skills of our faculty and staff, and the strengths of our local and global partnerships, to prepare our graduates to flourish in the world of tomorrow.

SCOPE

The University is launching an Equity Office that will play a lead role in ensuring a fair and safe environment for all members of Concordia’s community. Reporting to the Deputy Provost, with a dotted line reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources, the Executive Director of the Equity Office will provide strategic leadership for the Provost and Vice-President, Academic and other members of the senior administration on a wide range of issues critical to decision-making in all equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion matters. The incumbent will have the opportunity to build Concordia’s Equity Office, lead in the development and implementation of a university-wide strategy, and collaborate with members of the community to address a wide range of complex equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion matters and related areas that have an impact on the University community

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop a cohesive and comprehensive university-wide vision and effective strategies that foster a fair, safe, diverse and inclusive place to learn, work and live with access to opportunity, accommodation, support, resolution and conciliation in consultation with senior leaders and relevant offices.
  • Develop and maintain a university-wide action plan with which to lead a dedicated team of professionals committed to initiating, building and administering programs and initiatives that embed the values of equity, diversity and accessibility in collaboration with senior leaders and relevant offices.
  • Consult and work closely with other university units representing the interests of racialized and other communities on campus.
  • Ensure the Office is positioned to provide appropriate expertise, crisis response, confidential advice, facilitation of dynamic work relationships, management of contentious issues, education, referrals and any other support or guidance designed to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of students, faculty and staff ; ensure the Office maintains a client-oriented service approach.
  • Oversee the Office’s operations, this includes recruiting, supervising and mentoring staff; oversee their mandates and deliverables and prioritize their goals and objectives; establish ongoing performance and professional development expectations.
  • Direct efforts to develop and maintain efficient workflow processes, information systems, and organizational structures; review, recommend and implement changes to ensure maximum efficiency.
  • Oversee the Office’s financial planning and controls, make fiscally responsible operating decisions aligned with priorities and objectives; this includes allocation of resources, authorizing expenditures, setting budgeting control mechanism and projections.
  • Identify and manage equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion trends and best practices, identify barriers and provide solutions as necessary; design, implement, evaluate and update as necessary the Office’s programs and initiatives by using feedback mechanisms, data tracking, reporting and recommendations to ensure desired outcomes and optimal service to the community.
  • Oversee the preparation of annual and other reporting requirements as with all related matters including Bill 151, Bill 21, and employment equity, to and from internal and external stakeholders by working closely with data analysts in Human Resources, the Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis, and other relevant offices to collect and analyze data.
  • Champion greater awareness of all matters relating to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion by promoting a range of educational programming, training and workshops.
  • Convene, or participate in, committees and working groups as required, including the Standing Committee on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor Degree in a field relevant to the primary responsibilities, with a minimum of ten years of work-related experience, including leadership experience and experiences working with diverse communities ; master’s degree is an asset.
  • Demonstrated skills in a variety of consultation techniques, protocols and strategies.
  • Experience working in a university environment.
  • Very good knowledge (Level 5) spoken and written English and good knowledge (Level 4) of spoken and written French in order to provide and interpret detailed information and deal with complex situations in both English and French.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proven leadership abilities and the ability to work autonomously but with great care working in a team or collaborative environment.
  • Broad understanding and an inclusive approach to building consensus, solving problems, and relationship building.
  • Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills, sound judgment; ability to exercise the highest degree of independence, tact, sensitivity and discretion.
  • Ability to handle problems that are complex, sensitive and political in nature ;
  • Experience managing contentious issues with a high degree of sensitivity, confidentiality, and discretion.
  • Strong analytical, interpretive and research skills; a high degree of motivation, judgement and a commitment to teamwork.