Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Coordinator

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Coordinator

Full Time, Permanent

Town of Kentville is recruiting to fill the position of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Coordinator to join our fast paced and growing municipal government. This position offers an important and unique role of leading the town and community's leadership in championing and supporting efforts to improve access for everyone to buildings and properties, public transportation, information and communications, employment, education, access to all goods and services, as well as supporting community efforts to create a welcoming and positive place where each person can live their best life according to their own wants and goals within Kentville.

The role requires someone with outstanding listening skills, is compassionate and self-aware, has strong community cultural and historical knowledge, and feels comfortable talking and educating persons about the importance of strong diverse communities. Reporting to the Manager of Recreation Services, the successful candidate will work closely with strategic files and projects and plays an important role in the future growth and development of an accessible, culturally strong and diverse Town, being the community champion.

Specifically, this role provides meaningful and impactful recommendations to Department of Parks and Recreation, various committees, and Directors, and is directly involved with all initiatives related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within Kenville.

Kentville offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive compensation, pension plan, health and benefit plan, and regular training opportunities. The salary range for this position is $57,907 to $70,386.

Candidates for this position should possess a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment, hold a degree in sociology, psychology, social work, diversity and inclusion, indigenous studies, gender studies, public health, recreation, community development or similar degree OR equivalent education and lived experience, and have at least two years of experience in diversity related programs.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated with an excellent understanding of diversity and inclusion and has a passion for it every day, above average communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated research and presentation skills and is proficient in the use of technology.

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous, African Nova Scotian and other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on either your covering letter or resume.

Contingent on meeting the minimum education or equivalent experience, your application will be a high priority during the screening process.

We thank you for your interest and please note that only candidates selected to move forward through the interview process will be contacted. Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] or mail to Town of Kentville, 354 Main Street Kentville, Nova Scotia, B4N 1K6, "IDEA Coordinator Position". This competition will remain open until the position is filled.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Coordinator

FULL-TIME NON-UNION

SALARY CLASSIFICATION: 8

General Position Functions

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Coordinator shall be responsible supporting, championing, and advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives within the Town of Kentville by leading the coordination and implementation of the Town's Accessibility Plan and Equity and Belonging Plan, while also supporting community, staff, and council education, capacity-building, and community engagement. The position will work collaboratively with residents to support belonging and inclusion, and will play a key role in outreach and partnership development through programs and services.

Accountability

This position reports directly to the Manager, Recreation Services.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Supports the development, implementation and evaluation of Kentville's Accessibility and Equity and Belonging Plans.
• Supports the work of the IDEA Committee including meeting agenda and report preparation, documenting minutes, facilitating educational opportunities and training for members, preparing quarterly and annual reports with progress noted towards established goals, and undertakes to annually update Kentville's Accessibility and Equity and Belonging Plans.
• Continually brings awareness to accessibility issues related to built environment, education, employment, goods and services, information and communication and public transportation, developing plans and strategies with the IDEA Committee to prioritize Kentville's future access for all policies and budgets.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and analysis of the Community Development initiative called "Activate your Neighbourhood" in order to facilitate grassroots programs aimed at creating safe environments, driven by the values and principles of belonging and connection, dignified access, and purpose driven.
• Leads the development, facilitation, communication, marketing, educational awareness, and advocacy of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility programs supporting businesses and community groups, including support with grant funding and applications, accessibility standards and requirements, building assessments and audits, staff training, and ongoing community training and awareness.
• Researches, consults, writes, and continually evaluates Kentville policies with an IDEA lens.
• Develops, coordinates, and acts as Kentville's staff person responsible for the annual training and education of Town staff, council members, public committee members, IDEA Committee members and volunteers as well as business leaders and owners, and where time allows, community members and business employees, with a goal of increasing knowledge and awareness of the strength that diversity and access for all in a community brings.
• Facilitates and supports the development of partnerships with community leaders, public and private entities, not-for-profit organizations, other governments and local groups related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
• Works with Parks and Recreation Department staff and colleagues to offer and support outreach activities and contribute to the development of programs and services using a decentralized delivery model to strengthen local ownership and pride in facilities, programs, and services for all.
• Initiates and supports the strengthening, enhancing and developing of the history, heritage, and culture to bring awareness and education to residents, share stories of racism and achievements, while connecting and building stronger relationships and communities.
• Assists with the development of Kentville policies and processes with a goal of increased participation throughout Kentville to ensure equitable opportunities exist in different neighbourhoods/communities.
• Monitors community events, news, and commentary with a safe community for all lens, bringing awareness to issues, words, or actions that are deemed discriminatory, racist, or homophobic, providing support to Chairperson of IDEA Committee and Mayor to quickly and strongly denounce any forms of intolerance or hate.
• Prepares and submits grant applications to various government agencies and other grant providers to generate additional resources and assets that support the development of inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible community initiatives and services.
• Develops policies and protocols for celebrating and recognizing the voices and histories of equity-deserving community members, providing safe spaces for sharing and forming recommendations, conducting comprehensive research on local history, while providing opportunities for public promotion and display of such persons and communities.
• Responds to inquiries from the public and businesses in a timely manner requesting information about diversity and accessibility programs, services, events, and funding, to support community awareness in both traditional and non-traditional ways.
• Prepares detailed and comprehensive reports and presentations for the Director of Parks and Recreation and Council on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility topics and issues as requested.
• Participates as a member of the Parks and Recreation Department Team, attending meetings to provide IDEA updates, education, and coaching on inter-departmental issues, coordinates projects and initiatives and provides support to internal Town operational and administrative functions, as well as events and programs.
• Develop and lead the engagement strategy for Kentville's Recreation Plan.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Manager, Recreation Services.

Working Conditions

Normal working hours will be Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with occasional evening or weekend work required as mutually scheduled between employer and employee. Additionally, employee will be required to have access to a mode of transportation to travel to meetings and events. Office space and computer will be provided by the employer.

Qualifications and Expectations

• Candidates for this position should possess a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment, hold a degree in sociology, psychology, social work, diversity and inclusion, indigenous studies, gender studies, public health, recreation, community development, or similar degree OR equivalent education and lived experience, and have at least two years of experience in diversity related programs.
• The ideal candidate is highly motivated with an excellent understanding of diversity and inclusion and has a passion for it every day, above average communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated research and presentation skills and is proficient in the use of technology.
• Due to the nature of this position, the employee must have exceptional community knowledge and people skills, be able to understand, interpret and explain complex social and historical wrongs with an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility focus, as well as the ability to discuss and publicly present information to people of all education and interest levels, be adept at dealing with difficult people and be able to discuss the importance of diversity in simple terms tactfully and respectfully.