Director of Human Rights

Western University (Western) is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom the university recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Western University—a research-intensive institution and a founding-member of the  U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities —is recognized for pushing the boundaries of pedagogical and scholarly excellence. Founded in 1878, and ranked among the top 1% of higher educational institutions worldwide, Western expands its reach across every continent, preparing future leaders to succeed and serving as a hub for more than 500 international research collaborations.  Western is also known for having one of the most picturesque campuses in North America. For more information about Western University, visit http://www.uwo.ca/.

Through critical reflection and the expansion of justice-seeking initiatives, Western is poised to further strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout its campus. It is within this context that Western welcomes applications and nominations for the role of Director of Human Rights—a position that will help shape the future of the University and the community that it serves.

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President of Human Resources, The Director of Human Rights will serve as a strategic subject matter internal expert on issues involving human rights, with a primary focus on harassment and discrimination. The role will provide leadership to the Human Rights Office, with the aim of ensuring that Western is a safe and supportive environment for all members of the University community.  The role will lead the development and implementation of human rights strategies and initiatives to ensure the work of the Office aligns with and adheres to university policy, Western's Strategic Plan, and relevant legislation, and that highly efficient, client-focused and responsive services are delivered to the University community.  As a skilled advisor, you will advise clients and leaders on internal human rights, workplace harassment and violence complaints.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience in human rights and practice in employment and labour law; is skilled at facilitating resolutions to complex issues; and leading large projects involving multiple completing needs.  The candidate also has prior experience working in a culturally safe and responsive manner.  Key skills include: in-depth knowledge of human rights principles and practices including the Ontario Human Rights Code and other relevant legislation; in-depth knowledge of best practices for assessing, developing and implementing new processes and services related to human rights; knowledge of administrative law and principles of procedural fairness; commitment to understanding and applying trauma-based approaches for addressing harassment, discrimination and sexual violence; and the ability to apply equity, inclusion, anti-racist and decolonization principles to decision-making and policy and practice review.  A minimum of 3 years practicing employment law is preferred.  The ideal candidate has a JD or Bachelor of Law degree and is in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.  The role will be largely in-person with flexibility to work remote within commuting distance to London, Ontario.

Western University invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Western University is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to ensure an applicant list that is as diverse and as intersectional as possible. Interested candidates can send their resume to Jason Murray and Taq Kaur Bhandal by e-mailing tbhandal@bipocsearch.com

We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.  Western is committed to ensuring that each individual will have genuine, open and unhindered access to employment opportunities.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Taq Bhandal at tbhandal@bipocsearch.com

Learn more about diversity in the workplace from Western's Equity & Human Rights Services website.