Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor

About the Board

Building communities of faith, hope and service, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board provides Catholic education in Windsor and the surrounding County of Essex. As an organization publicly funded through the Ministry of Education for Ontario, the Board’s 2200 staff members provide service to over 20,000 students in 44 schools.  It is the Board’s objective to know each student, in order to better promote their intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being

About the Role

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board seeks a dynamic, strategic and collaborative leader to serve as its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor. The Advisor will provide system-wide leadership to cultivate and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture throughout the School Board. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Advisor will strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion across all levels of our system while upholding the distinctive nature of Catholic education and adherence to the Roman Catholic traditions.

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board is deeply committed to the dignity and equality of all persons. Reporting directly to the Executive Superintendents of Student Achievement/Human Resources and Superintendent of Student Achievement with Equity and Diversity, the Advisor will provide strategic leadership in implementing the Board Improvement Equity Plan. The Advisor will work with education stakeholders at both the system and school level to assist in developing strong partnerships in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Administrative team and school administration of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board to implement the Board Strategic Priorities as they relate to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

• Assist in the development and implementation of plans, policies and procedures related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights, including any employment and educational equity plan.  Responsible for supporting the development and delivery of programs for staff and students to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Provide guidance and training to Board staff to respond to concerns and ensure compliance with Board procedures and guidelines related to Human Rights, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.  Play a key role in conflict management and early resolution to maintain a culture respecting human rights and creating environments free from discrimination and harassment within all WECDSB work and learning environments. Incorporate the WECDSB Indigenous Action Plan and the WECDSB Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy as integral components of the Board Improvement and Equity Plan. Establish, develop and work collaboratively with community partnerships and networks that promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.  Collaborate with Human Resources staff to promote diversity in staff recruitment and retention, and leadership development programs. Assist staff in providing pastoral care approaches that promote the dignity of all. Support the delivery of individual and organizational needs assessments, including consideration of climate surveys, metrics and analytics in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Support schools in creating and sustaining safe, inclusive learning environments that value and honour diversity.

Qualifications

• Post-Secondary degree in a relevant field (Human Rights, Equity Studies, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Public Administration, Human Resources, Education) A required minimum of 5 years of experience working directly in the field of diversity and equity, preferably in an education setting. The position requires a dynamic individual who has an understanding of the complexity and multiple dimensions of implementing sector best practices, equal opportunity and equity within the educational system. Demonstrated deep understanding gained through both lived and professional experience of issues affecting marginalized groups in the education system. Excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent presentation skills and demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops and professional learning activities and events. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build consensus and trust through conflict resolution and relationship building processes.

To apply to this vital equity role in public education, submit your application to Phelps at careers@phelpsgroup.ca, specifying the job title in the subject line of your-mail. Application deadline: September 30^th, 2022.

PHELPS GROUP                  401 Bay Street, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M5H 2Y4
                                             Phone: 416 364 6229

The WECDSB adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices and is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our students. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities, people from gender diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities, as well as others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Accommodations for disabilities will be provided upon request to support participation in all aspects of the application process.