Associate Director, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion Research

Position Overview

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusionis currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Associate Directorfor approximately 12 months.

Reporting to the Vice Provost and AVP Research, the Associate Director, EDI in Research contributes to institutional research-focused EDI initiatives including, but not limited to: UCalgary' institutional CRC EDI Action Plan, Dimensions EDI, the Plan for EDI in Research and Teaching Awards, the DORA Research Impact Assessment Working Group, and the Presidential Task Force on EDIA (PTF-EDIA) Working Group on EDI in Research. The Associate Director, EDI in Research, leads the Vice Provost and AVPR EDI's efforts to examine, advocate, and advance EDI matters in research, scholarship, and innovation at UCalgary by engaging with all levels of the VPRO, faculties and schools. and the wider University. The Associate Director, EDI in Research, works at a strategic level to promote EDI in research and scholarship across all institutional research-focused portfolios, takes a strategic role in change management processes, building trust-centered relationships, and provides advice to implement evidence-informed EDI practices and processes at individual, unit, and institutional levels.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Operational and Strategic Leadership

• Oversees operational progress in the implementation of CRC EDI Action Plan, Dimensions EDI program, and Plan for EDI in Research and Teaching Awards, and the development of related plans.
• Supports integration of EDI principles into large strategic research initiatives operating across the University, in support of administration and management of the research initiatives, adjudication of research funds and awards or scholarships, trainee recruitment and engagement.
• Proposes concrete actions to operationalize the shift from compliance-based approaches to EDI in funded research to integration of EDI within UCalgary model of research excellence.
• Models inclusive and strengths-based leadership practices with all direct reports, colleagues, and in engagements with all members of the UCalgary community.
• Supports the development and launch of an institutional EDI in research website.
• Develops vetted and approved institutional standards and protocols for collection of demographic self-identification data and attestation required for internal and external funding competitions and awards targeted toward specific equity-deserving groups.
• Leads development of a series of progressive EDI-focused workshops of EDI-focused tailored to the UCalgary research context.
• In consultation with the Vice Provost and AVPR EDI, administers the development of an awards program or stream to acknowledge excellence in the integration of EDI principles in research and innovation in the UCalgary research ecosystem.

Analysis and Reporting

• Ensures preparation of regular reporting and progress updates on major institutional commitments and initiatives for Vice Provost and AVPR EDI to enhance transparency in governance venues and with the broader UCalgary community.
• Tracks progress of action and implementation of strategic priorities for EDI in research, seeking guidance and solutions from the Vice Provost and AVPR EDI to address challenges in implementation.
• Managerial discretion for direct reports including but not limited to onboarding, coaching, mentoring, performance management, discipline, and termination.
• Defines roles and responsibilities of staff, based on understanding of individual skills and project requirements.
• Plans strategically for and defines the organizational structure of, the Unit/Department including the kinds of equipment used, the methods and techniques of work, the work assignments, duties and responsibilities of positions and the classifications and qualifications of positions.

Guidance, Education, and Training

• Develops and disseminates through appropriate mechanisms, tools and resources to enhance UCalgary EDI principles and approaches in all research and innovation-related activities.
• Uses consultative and co-constituted approaches to lead development of institutional templates, guidelines and resources that can be scaled and adapted for multi-purpose use at institutional, faculty, and administrative unit levels.
• Develops guidance material to support the use of a data-informed approach to EDI in research activities and initiatives.
• Applies a strategic approach to developing a structured repertoire of educational offerings (workshops, presentations, speaker series, etc.) that dovetail, when applicable, with broader EDI capacity building efforts for faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Graduate degree in a related field (e.g., political science, sociology, anthropology, etc.).
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in development and implementation of EDI actions and strategies; experience in the post-secondary sector an asset.
• 5+ years of significant related, progressive leadership experience in EDI-related work in an academic environment.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of EDI trends and issues in the post-secondary sector and federal research funding landscape is required.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing EDI-focused work, including strategic development and implementation in a complex and diverse environment.
• Ability to apply an intersectional approach, where possible, in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives is an asset.
• Dexterity in the use of interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and mediation skills to elicit diverse viewpoints and enable an open and creative approach to addressing challenging issues and problem solving.
• An innovative and strategic thinker with a broad vision for the role of diversity in achieving institutional excellence.
• Demonstrated experience and competence in developing and delivering targeted training sessions to diverse groups, ability to engage with various stakeholders and members of the research community and build rapport.
• Ability to use inclusive leadership and communication skills in interpersonal and group contexts to support capacity development, understanding, and support for embedding EDI in research excellence.
• Experience leading and supporting largescale change initiatives, mentoring and leading a team of professionals.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of university policies and procedures and an understanding of the University's organizational and governance structures is considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge and experience with EDI data collection and analysis, and report writing
• Ability to organize and lead effective workshops and information sessions.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, strong time management, organizational and interpersonal skills are required.
• Good working knowledge of University business systems including PeopleSoft as well as Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and SharePoint) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team within a large, complex, and dynamic organization.

Application Deadline: February 21, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 2 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.