Community, Inclusion & Belonging Specialist, Faculty of Science

Description

The Operational Administration Team in the Faculty of Science is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Community, Inclusion & Belonging Specialist.

The Community, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist reports to the Director of Student Experience with strong accountability to the other members of the Faculty of Science Leadership Team. The role is designed to lead initiatives that grow our culture of strength-through-diversity, putting relationships first, user-oriented processes, and supporting the wellbeing of all within the Faculty of Science.

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

• Gather data and further develop processes for supporting equity groups
• Develop and conduct environmental scan to identify barriers for equity groups and evaluate their access to both Faculty and institutional resources and development opportunities
• Research, write, and deliver strategic documentation and supporting policies, practices and actions
• Inform the need for new actions and track progress in sustaining a healthy and inclusive environment for equity-seeking groups
• Act as the main advocate and point person for fostering a culture of wellbeing in the Faculty of Science
• Lead the change management process in the strategic development, implementation and reporting of holistic equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing initiatives
• Act as a subject matter expert providing guidance and support to others
• Evaluate current services, practices and processes and proposes improvements to the senior leadership team
• Seek continuous engagement and learning on topics that promote an inclusive work environment
• Maintain a strong understanding of current literature and relevant provincial and federal legislation
• Liaise and collaborate with EDI and Wellness leads in other portfolios/units at the University of Calgary
• Identify opportunities for programs, events, and new collaborations
• Coordinate with Student/Staff Wellness Services, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the wider community on program and resource opportunities
• Develop, promote, implement, and assess education initiatives (programs, events, networks) aligned with evidence-based trends and developments
• Develop and deliver workshops for faculty and administrative staff to integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing principles in the workplace (such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and systemic inequities
• Analyze data and metrics to assess the effectiveness of initiatives
• Develop and utilize metrics for collecting information aligned with University policies
• Work closely with all departments to integrate initiatives across the Faculty
• Promote and communicate University and other supports for the integration of equity, diversity and inclusion in research design and practices
• Liaises with student groups as a main point of contact related to the portfolio
• Serve as the Faculty of Science representative on University committees related to the portfolio
• Engage key partners among the student body, academic and administrative staff, University, and community allies to explore, understand and address issues related to the portfolio
• Engage with external organizations to solicit input on initiatives
• Encourage regular and open conversations on equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing topics
• Develop awareness campaigns and assists with faculty activities and events in collaboration with the Communications team
   

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A master's degree preferably with a focus on human rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing (or a combination of education and experience)
• 5+ years' experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing
• Proven ability in implementing evidence-based approaches aligned with strategic goals
• Knowledge of EDI best practices, accessibility and human rights polices, and relevant federal/provincial legislation
• Demonstrated ability to include diverse perspectives and experiences, in order to build relationships and work effectively with diverse communities across a variety of settings
• Experience in designing and implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing programs
• Proven ability to facilitate difficult conversations and create safe spaces for dialogue on sensitive topics
• Experience in communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Proven ability of building relationships with diverse stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify gaps, inform decision-making, and measure the effectiveness
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and organizational skills
• Experience working in a post-secondary environment considered an asset.
   

Application Deadline:  January 20, 2025

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.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

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 ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

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.