Director, Center for Student Equity and Inclusion

About Queen’s University

Queen’s University is Canada’s research-intensive university that offers a transformative student learning experience. Here, the professional experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in several areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering and construction, athletics and recreation, power generation, shared business services and many others.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people from equity-seeking groups such as women, racialized / visible minorities, Indigenous / Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people who identify with the LGBTQ + community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Come work with us!

Summary of the work

The Yellow House Center for Student Equity and Inclusion (the Center) is dedicated to improving the development and well-being of Queen’s equity-seeking community and supporting initiatives to recruit and to retain racialized and equity students at Queen’s. Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Student Life and Learning and working in close collaboration with the Assistant Vice-Rector (Academic Operations and Inclusion) and the Assistant Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion), the Director is responsible for all operational activities and directs development. dedicated programs, activities and services to support student communities seeking equity at the university.

The director will serve as a resource for students and student groups on all aspects of equity and inclusion to promote a welcoming environment for everyone at Queen’s. The director shows leadership in meeting the needs of equity-seeking groups and the supports that the university can offer. Responsibilities include the operational and personnel management of the Center as well as collaborations and consultations with University leaders to integrate equity research practices and principles of inclusion.

The director plays an important role in the University’s efforts to improve equity, diversity and inclusion, contributing to our vision of supporting and involving students by connecting them with university resources and by advocating to find solutions that bridge the barriers and gaps to student success.

Non-traditional hours, including evening and / or weekend commitments and certain trips are necessary.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive strategic approach to support the University’s goal of creating an inclusive and welcoming campus community for students. Plays a leading role in developing and coordinating university-wide strategies to remove systemic barriers to the inclusion of equity-seeking students and ensures that they align with the vision and priorities of the Office of Human Rights and Equity and the Student Affairs Division.
• Oversees the operation of the Center as a central campus resource for groups seeking equity. This includes leading and developing services, such as mentoring and advising students, and establishing special programs and events for equity-seeking and racialized groups.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures that ensure high quality, consistent and accessible services to a diverse student population.
• Network and collaborate with various staff, faculty, student organizations and departments within Student Affairs and across the University, to create inclusiveness, foster partnerships, promote programs and services, encourage students’ personal and academic success and foster inclusiveness in the wider learning environment
• Builds relationships with the executive members of student clubs located in the Center. Provides mentorship and support to these groups, facilitating a harmonious and welcoming environment.
• Lead outreach initiatives with external partners, including national, provincial and local networks, community and joint projects that strengthen equity and inclusion on campus, and support leaders of equity-seeking groups and racialized.
• Represent the Center on University-wide committees, such as the University Council against Racism and Equity (UCARE).
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging student needs in the area of ​​equity and inclusion, as well as best practices in structuring and delivering programs and services for equity-seeking and racialized students .
• Advocate for students who know of cases of inequity and exclusion inside or outside the classroom, making appropriate referrals to existing services and supports.

Financial Department:
• Develops, supervises and presents the Centre’s budget.
• Analyzes and monitors budgets and ensures compliance with budget control procedures.
• Identifies funding, revenue generation and sponsorship opportunities to fund new or existing programs.
• If necessary, develop and write funding proposals for several potential donors and sponsors; manages the funds received following successful proposals.

Management Responsibilities:
• Plans, prioritizes and manages the work of employees, providing strategic, tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates in staffing committees and makes effective recommendations regarding the selection of employees.
• Manages employee performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance, and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Evaluates staff training and development needs and ensures that employees receive the training necessary to improve and maintain successful performance.
• Investigate, address and resolve issues of labor relations with employees, including making decisions regarding disciplinary and termination matters.

Program Management:
• Oversees the development, organization, planning, delivery and evaluation of all applicable training and education programs and services offered to students.
• Oversees the development of marketing and communication plans for the Center and its programs and services, including the approval of appropriate promotional material for internal and external audiences.
• Oversees the development of resources connecting racialized and equity-seeking students to services and opportunities.
• Oversees the design and implementation of program evaluation and evaluation plans.
• Prepares annual reports (narrative and statistics) for internal and external audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

•   University degree in a field related to aspects of the position, such as education, social sciences or political studies. A graduate degree is preferred.
• Five to eight years of experience in implementing complex equity and inclusion education initiatives, including initiating, promoting and preparing funding proposals.
• Thorough first-hand knowledge of the racialized community and equity-seeking groups in Canada, including their histories, traditions, knowledge systems and contemporary issues.
• Proven experience leading a professional team with comprehensive human resources responsibilities, ideally in a unionized environment; experience in the development and management of a diverse and intercultural team.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, program development and evaluation.
• Demonstrated professional experience or academic work in student affairs, student development, education or a related field. Previous experience in a post-secondary institution is an asset.
• Must belong to a racialized or minority group in Canada.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the analytically complex dimensions of anti-oppression / equity theory, including attention to intersections of race, religion, indigeneity, disability, gender and sexual identities, socioeconomic status , international status, etc.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and determine the appropriate course of action to reach a resolution, using advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing results and strengthening the cooperation of various stakeholders. Capable of communicating sensitive and complex information to a wide range of audiences.
• Successful experience in managing complex programs and initiatives and ability to achieve strategic, financial and operational objectives.
• Good professional judgment and existing networks with various communities in search of equity and ability to foster strong community support for equity, inclusion and the fight against racism at Queen’s.
• Ability to work with a diverse student population engaged in the fight against oppression and decolonization.
• Resourcefulness, creativity and initiative regarding the design and execution of programs.
• Excellent project management and planning skills.

DECISION:

• Makes recommendations to the Assistant Dean, Student Life and Learning, and / or Assistant Vice-Principal (Academic Operations and Inclusion) and / or to the Assistant Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion) regarding issues that have arisen affect the experience of students from groups seeking equity.
• Determines when and how to consult with various stakeholders in order to develop strategic priorities, programs, initiatives and policies for the Center.
• Through analysis and observation, determines appropriate policies and procedures and decides how changes should be proposed and implemented, if necessary
• Determines when situations warrant consultation with the Assistant Dean, the Assistant Vice-Rector (Academic Operations and Inclusion) and / or the Deputy Director (Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion).
• Makes daily operational decisions and resolves administrative problems. Determines the allocation of work and resources to ensure the smooth delivery of services and programs and the efficient operation of the Center.
• determines the budget for the Centre’s programming, services and operations; monitors the budget and makes spending decisions.
• Determines when exceptions to policies and regulations are appropriate based on individual student circumstances and advocates on behalf of students for appropriate problem solving.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified persons. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and accepts applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University offers support in its recruitment process for candidates with disabilities, including accommodation measures that take into account the accessibility needs of a candidate. Applicants requiring  measures of  adaptation during the recruitment process are asked to contact the human resources  hradmin@queensu.ca  .