Lead, Policy – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID)

at  Business Sherpa Group

Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences

• www.federationhss.ca

Published
February 11, 2024
Location
Greater Ottawa Metropolitan Area (Hybrid), Canada
Category
Strategy/Planning
Job Type
Full-time
Experience
Mid-Senior Level

DESCRIPTION

We have an immediate opening for a dedicated individual to join our team in the position of Lead, Policy – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID). The successful candidate will join a dynamic group of skilled individuals working together in a collegial, respectful and inclusive environment.
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences promotes research and teaching for the advancement of an inclusive, democratic and prosperous society. With a membership now comprising over 160 universities, colleges and scholarly associations, the Federation represents a diverse community of 91,000 researchers and graduate students across Canada.
The annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences is the convergence of over 70 scholarly associations, each holding their annual conference under one umbrella, and is Canada’s largest gathering of scholars. Typically held in late May and early June, Congress is organized by the Federation each year. For more information about the Federation, visit www.federationhss.ca.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Policy & Research, the Lead, Policy – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) is responsible for leading activities that advance the Federation’s EDID policies and strategic priorities. This includes monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the implementation of the “Igniting Change” recommendations and EDID Action Plan; advising and supporting the Standing Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization; and contributing to the management and development of programs and initiatives that advance organizational EDID objectives.
The Lead, Policy must have expertise in EDID as it pertains to research, education, policy or society more broadly, with a demonstrated ability to apply an accessibility and inclusion lens, and anti-racist, anti-oppression, decolonization and intersectional principles, frameworks and promising practices to their work.
The ideal candidate has strong program/project management and evaluation abilities, excellent analytical, research and communications skills, and advanced experience presenting reports and recommendations to a wide variety of audiences, including Executives, Board of Directors, and stakeholders.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree in the social sciences, humanities, or related field; or a bachelor’s degree and extensive related professional experience.
• Five or more years of related progressive experience in a policy, program or research-related role, with demonstrated knowledge and experience applying current Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) theories, principles and promising practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying an accessibility and inclusion lens and anti-racist, anti-oppressive, decolonization and intersectional frameworks, principles and promising practices in policies, programs or activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying principles and frameworks that value Indigenous knowledge, contribute to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and support the critical role of post secondary education, and the humanities and social sciences specifically, in the process of research, understanding and action towards reconciliation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience presenting to a wide variety of audiences including Executives, Board of Directors, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to perform qualitative and quantitative research-related tasks, including managing and/or processing sensitive data, with familiarity in emerging AI analytic tools considered an asset.
• Experience managing program/project management processes, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting, in accordance with organizational objectives.
• Experience in a post-secondary academic environment as well as a strong understanding of the importance of universities and the value of the humanities and social sciences.
• Lived experience with the impacts of colonization, racism and other forms of systemic oppression as well as experience working in community with equity-deserving groups.
• Advanced software skills including Word processing, spreadsheets, slide presentations, email, and scheduling.
• Additional certification/training in EDID would be an asset.
• Travel will be required for Congress event and other meetings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation, outcomes and impacts of the Federation’s Action Plan on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID).
• Manage and administer the EDID Initiatives Fund program to support Federation members in building their EDID capacity.
• Undertake research to serve and develop the Federation’s EDID policies and priorities.
• Lead the measurement, collection and analysis of EDID-related data of Federation programs.
• Draft recommendations and provide strategic advice for the Senior Leadership Team and the Board in Federation EDID priority areas.
• Support the Federation Board of Directors’ Standing Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID). Draft memos and briefing materials to inform recommendations to the Board on EDID-related strategies, priorities and policies. Plan and attend meetings, develop agendas in consultation with the chair, and serve as the primary staff contact for committee members.
• Coordinate the development of key programmatic initiatives that advance organizational EDID objectives, including the Indigenous Protocols Guidelines and other Congress-related programming.
• Undertake member, stakeholder and decision-maker engagement and relationship building as it relates to EDID issues and Federation EDID priority areas.
• Additional duties as required.

People Management / Federation Team:

• Assist in the development of team goals and objectives, track progress, produce status reports, contribute to program evaluation activities, and develop work plans to identify timelines and deliverables.
• Manage staff in a manner that promotes a healthy and effective working environment, including supporting the recruitment of new employees, regular feedback and coaching, professional development, annual performance evaluations in accordance with the Federation’s policies and collaborative work plans setting out activities, milestones, resource requirements and timelines for the accomplishment of goals, objectives and tasks.
• Participate in Senior Leadership Team meetings as required; contribute to Federation discussions on policy and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) and operationalizing of strategic priorities.