Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Advisor (Niagara Region)

Job Title:                    Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Advisor    
Union:                        Non Union
Job Opening Id:         31299    
# Required:                1
Business Unit:            Corporate Administration    
Division:                      Corporate Strategy & Administration
Location:                     Headquarters Campbell West    
Standard Hours:         35.00 / week
Full/Part Time:            Full-Time    
Regular/Temporary:    Regular
Salary Grade:              5    
Salary Range:             $71,000 - $83,530
Post Date:                   2022-02-16    
Close Date:                 2022-03-08
            
About Us
Niagara Region is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. In recruiting for our team and this position, we encourage applicants that identify as Indigenous, People of Colour, part of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, or persons with disabilities. We also encourage candidates to self-identify in their cover letters. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their application, it will be kept strictly confidential for the purposes of recruitment and statistics.

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 430,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries.  Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.

JOB SUMMARY
Job Summary
Salary Pending Review

Reporting to the Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous Relations, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Advisor is responsible for providing expert advice and corporate level support in the advancement of the Region’s strategic DEI priorities. This role will provide expertise in collaboration, strategic planning and implementation, guidance on policy development and integration of cultural safety, and staff training and development in support of the Region’s commitment and goals to advancing DEI initiatives and programs.

Education
  • A bachelor’s degree in Diversity and Inclusion, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Social Sciences, Business/Public Administration or relevant field of study
  • Master’s degree in Social Science, Humanities or a related field preferred
  • Additional courses or certification in diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or human rights is preferred
  • An equivalent combination of education, professional and community experience may be considered
Knowledge
  • Minimum of 4 years of related experience in strategy and policy development
  • Prior experience in building community collaborations and partnerships
  • Strong communication, relationship building and group facilitation skills
  • Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking, adaptability, political acumen and exceptional project management skills
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office
  • Experience engaging with Indigenous and other diverse communities is an asset
Responsibilities
  • Establishes and maintains meaningful relationships with communities and organizations in Niagara
(30% of time)
  • Collaborates with a range of partners both internal and external (other levels of government, local leaders, organizations and agencies) to network, build partnerships and gather information/insight on specific issues, issue resolution as well as to build and maintain strong working relationships
  • Collaborates with Corporate Communications to develop key messaging in response to government initiatives, funding, policy, and legislative changes that relate to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Maintains website and communication content for internal and external audiences
  • Supports processes to provide strategic direction for program planning and evaluation
(30% of time)
  • Assists in the development and implementation of the strategic plans relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to maximize opportunities with the local community, including short and long-term goals and measurable outcomes and achievements
  • Researches matters of importance to the diverse communities in Niagara and applies best practices and innovative approaches to reduce discrimination throughout the corporation
  • Prepares and coordinates reports and correspondence to Council, staff, and the public
  • Provides strategic advice and support to working groups and Council Advisory Committees
  • Policy and Advocacy Work that advances public policy, health, inclusion, and equity
(30% of time)
  • Actively monitors and provides advice on matters related to policy and platform developments from local organization, federal, provincial and other municipal governments related to reconciliation, diversity, equity and inclusion matters
  • Provides leadership, expertise and recommendations to develop, enhance and implement effective municipal policies, programs, services and/other initiatives that proactively address the needs of the diverse community
  • Ensures that Regional and departmental policies are culturally appropriate and integrate cultural norms, incorporating a DEI lens
Education and Training
(10% of time)
  • Facilitates DEI training and development opportunities in conjunction with the local community
  • Promotes integration and awareness internally through ongoing dialogue, activities, and coordination
  • Identifies programs and services that are offered by local educational institutes regarding diverse communities
  • Identifies potential areas for partnership between Regional programs and services and DEI related initiatives through local educational institutes
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required
Special Requirements

In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.

Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values. Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application to Job ID 31299 no later 11:59 p.m. on March 8th, 2022 by visiting our ‘Careers’ page at www.niagararegion.ca. We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.