The Manager, People and Inclusivity is responsible for the development and implementation of the County's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategies, policies, programs and processes, ensuring alignment with corporate strategic objectives and the County's People & Culture Plan. This position drives EDI results by raising awareness, providing education and propelling meaningful change through continuous improvement. The incumbent ensures that EDI programs and initiatives are practical, effective and adhere to policies, best practices, legislation and collective agreements while challenging the County to grow, evolve, improve and eventually lead in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not listed in order of priority)Manages the development, maintenance and implementation of the County's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and related action plans.
1. Lead the development of an EDI strategy and related action plans that will challenge the County of Simcoe to grow, evolve, improve and eventually lead in inclusivity, with practical and effective programs that are embedded in core processes & day-to-day operations.
2. Lead ongoing process assessment from an internal workplace perspective of EDI status, identifying and making recommendations for the mitigation or removal of systemic barriers, gaps, & inequities such as those based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religious practices, and/or disability.
3. Collaborate with the Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor, Director, Human Resources and other key personnel to ensure programs and action plans are complimentary and aligned with corporate strategic objectives and the County's People & Culture Plan.
4. Develop and implement effective change management strategies to facilitate a cultural shift in the organization, building awareness and commitment to equity-related programs & objectives.
5. Provide input for strategic issues management, embedding EDI into discussions and decisions to help move the County closer to a fully inclusive culture.
6. Collaborate with HR leadership to create a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment, providing specialized expertise to ensure that EDI strategies and programs are embedded within core HR processes and day-to-day operations.
7. Ensure necessary data collection to assess and allow for regular reporting of measurable, outcome-based results for Action Plans. Provide analysis and evaluation of same to inform and support the ongoing progressive evolution of EDI Action Plans.
8. Establish and maintain a wide range of mutually beneficial external relationships, networks and partnerships. Manage and review environmental scans for EDI best practices and resources and take steps to integrate same into County operations.
Develops Internal Stakeholder Relationships
1. Enhance the buy-in, integration and sustainability of EDI by participating in relevant internal committees, working groups, or networks, providing an EDI perspective, and helping incorporate EDI principles into discussions, decisions, programs, projects & service delivery.
2. Collaborate with all levels of the organization and across departments to develop focused and impactful anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, procedures, programming and services, responsive to the needs of the organization and the community.
3. Develop resources and tools to assist departments in setting and achieving EDI related goals & benchmarks and developing methodologies for measuring related outcomes.
4. As County EDI work advances, establish and provide leadership and staff support for various related advisory committees and working groups that may be formed such as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, a Women's Advisory Committee, a Race Relations working group and a 2SLGBTQQIA+ working group.
5. Build and maintain relationships with the 16 member municipalities, providing EDI expertise and support as requested and as time and resources allow.
Communications Strategy and Delivery
1. Develop and implement effective communication strategies in conjunction with Corporate Communications, facilitating dynamic and engaging employee communications to strengthen linkages between operational work and corporate EDI objectives.
2. Develop or provide content for Corporate Communications including event-specific messaging, employee calendar of cultural and heritage celebrations, educational opportunities and resources, etc.
3. Provide support, tools and guidance for staff regarding their own EDI-related communications.
4. Ensure the Chief Administrative Officer, General Managers and County Council are apprised of emerging EDI issues and possible implications that relate to the interests of the Corporation.
5. Assist with formulation of County responses and messaging concerning current EDI related events which may impact employees' well-being, productivity or service delivery.
Education Strategy and Delivery
1. Work closely with stakeholders in the design, development, sourcing and/or facilitation and evaluation of training programs which will build capacity and understanding of EDI, especially with regard to anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, Islamophobia, homo-and transphobia, anti-Semitism, misogyny, ageism, ableism, power and privilege, intersectionality and anti-oppression.
2. Ensure programs incorporate or otherwise compliment and support the County's Mission, Vision & Values and Competency Framework, and that they follow current adult learning theories and principles in the identification of target audience, content, scope and pace, location and method of training, program evaluation and related metrics.
3. Promote all corporate training initiatives through a variety of methods to ensure uptake of the sessions are successful. Monitor participation and take steps to ensure compliance with County policy regarding EDI training.
Manage and Administer People and Inclusivity Department
1. Assess the need for and submit request(s) for staff to carry out the functions of the People and Inclusivity department as it grows to support the needs of the County, identifying desirable role and skill mix requirements and ensuring ongoing work quality and deliverability of results.
2. Direct and provide leadership for the activities and coaching of direct reports, providing work direction, setting priorities, assigning tasks/projects, determining methods and procedures to be used, resolving problems, ensuring results are achieved, and managing staff recruitment, performance, and skill development activities.
3. Provide leadership and supervision to staff in a manner that motivates, guides and directs employees to the realization of department goals and objectives. Maintain a work environment that promotes staff participation, teamwork, and positive labour relations.
4. Manage operating budget including the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets and long-term planning and budgeting. Present budgets and forecasts and explain budget recommendations ensuring support of Executive Management objectives, financial transparency, and accountability.
5. Ensure expenditures are within assigned authority and approved limits.
6. Identify and pursue opportunities for EDI related partnership and funding.
1. Prepare and present written reports as required.
2. Apply knowledge of current relevant legislation, regulations, collective agreements and HR policies in all day-to-day activities
3. Participate on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects as assigned.
4. Comply with provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
5. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
6. Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with departmental objectives.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIESHas knowledge of and demonstrated ability in our leadership competencies:
• Acts with the Customer in Mind
• Makes Sound Decisions
• Continuously Seeks to Improve Work Processes
• Plans and Directs Work
• Communicates with Impact
EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION• Bachelor's degree in Diversity and Inclusion, Sociology, Social Science, Business/Public Administration or relevant field of study.
• Masters' degree +/or additional certification in diversity, equity, inclusion and/or human rights such as the Canadian Certified Diversity & Inclusion Professional (CCDIP) is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, professional & community experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of community programs & partners and other programs related to issues of equity, diversity inclusion and/or human rights.
• Strong understanding of, and ability to interpret, legislation and guides such as Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Ontario's Human Rights Code, Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms, Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) international standard.
• Demonstrated understanding of the nature and impact of intersectionality, namely how race, gender identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, ability/disability, age, income and housing status, family status, etc. intersect with other diversity dimensions and identities.
• Very strong communication skills as demonstrated by clear knowledge of project and change management techniques/tools/software and stakeholder engagement and consultation. principles & techniques and group facilitation. Has the ability to advocate and influence change and to engage in matters that require sensitivity & empathy across diverse communities.
• Maintains ability to travel in a timely manner to all County work locations as required.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
Considerations:
• Passionate about connecting with and learning from diverse communities.
• Knowledge of Indigenous peoples as First Peoples, the impacts of colonization and anti-Indigenous racism, Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the goals and strategies of social movements including Black Lives Matter, water and land defenders, Trans Lives Matter, Me Too, Green Square Campaign, Idle No More.
• Knowledge and familiarity with strategies to address hate including anti-Black racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and discrimination against 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
EXPERIENCE• A minimum of six (6) years previous experience in researching, developing and managing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion and/or human rights programs and strategies, preferably in the public sector.
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience leading and developing staff.
• A minimum of three (3) years' project management experience (preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership and experience working collaboratively with diverse communities, groups and organizations with knowledge, experience and commitment to EDI.
• Experience handling sensitive, emotional, or political issues with tact and good judgement.
• Experience championing, leading and executing large-scale initiatives to drive organizational and transformative change.
• Brings work or lived experience through personal understanding of the social, political, cultural, spiritual, health and economic history, challenges and opportunities relevant to multiple equity-deserving, underrepresented and marginalized groups, along with the challenges that come with systemic racism, discrimination, and inequity as an Indigenous or racialized individual, low socio-economic status communities, persons with disabilities, and/or member of the 2SLGBTQ+, or another under-represented community.
EFFORT• Significant visual and mental effort required when evaluating data, developing training content, preparing spreadsheets, analyzing survey data, etc.
• Prolonged seated work while performing day to day tasks.
• Prolonged standing when conducting training or making presentations.
• May experience stress and mental fatigue from facilitating difficult, sensitive and emotionally charged conversations.
WORKING CONDITIONS• Combination of regular office environment and home office. May be required to travel to other County locations.
• Required to present to large and small groups in a variety of settings.
• May be required to work outside of normal working hours in order to meet critical deadlines.
Salary Grade
$111,821.00 - $136,063.00
Union
Non Union
The County of Simcoe thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, but please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act (2001) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.
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