Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Advisor, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Position Overview

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Advisor.

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) at the University of Calgary is seeking an Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Advisor to lead institutional efforts to combat racism and to advance racial equity and inclusion. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are integral to inclusive excellence, and they are foundational values, practices, and priorities at the UCalgary. EDI has foundational values and priorities are highlighted in many existing initiatives and strategic plans across campus units. Our Eyes High Strategy 2017-22, Growth through Focus, and ongoing efforts to embed equity, diversity and inclusion create an enabling environment to achieve inclusive excellence in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as administrative supports and services. EDI principles and practices inform our Academic and Research Plans and undergird efforts to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all. They strengthen the university vision and mission to be recognized as one of the top research universities in Canada, and this commitment informs our work locally, nationally, and globally.

The OEDI is the University of Calgary's hub for initiatives to advance next generation perspectives, policies, procedures, and strategic directions to embed institutional commitments to anti-racism, pluralism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all spheres of the university. The OEDI is committed to creating and enabling equitable pathways to, and success within, the UCalgary, particularly for under-represented groups, including Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S and women, as well as religious and cultural minorities. The work of the OEDI includes identifying and ameliorating representational inequities, structural and systemic barriers to diversity and inclusion, and conscious and unconscious exclusions and biases that may have an adverse effect on members of the campus community. Anti-racism and EDI work can be stressful, and often require supporting individuals experiencing emotional duress. This position operates on a regular work week schedule (Monday to Friday). The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to set priorities, act decisively and to exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues, using discretion and maintaining confidentiality in the execution of all duties.

Primary Purpose of the Position: (Key purpose, functions, roles):
Reporting to the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion), the primary purposes of the Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Advisor (AR-REA) is to lead systemic and cultural change and serve as a resource for the campus community in efforts to combat racism and advance racial equity for the campus community. The Anti-Racism Advisor will be an OEDI leader on anti-racism and racial equity advising, policy and program development, anti-racism strategic direction, and related initiatives within the OEDI. The Anti-Racism Advisor will have a comprehensive understanding of racialized groups, racism in all its forms, familiarity with strategies to embed anti-racism in the postsecondary sector; knowledge of best and promising practices in race literacy, and anti-racism education and workshops; ability to facilitate difficult conversations; and policy-relevant experience and skills to develop relevant anti-racism policies, procedures and practices. The individual will have knowledge of provincial and federal anti-racism legislation, policies, and procedures to combat racism and advance racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in institutions, particularly within the postsecondary sector. The Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Advisor will liaise with students, faculty, and staff, as well as departments, schools, associations, and the wider community in order to identify issues and collaborate to effect change in a timely manner.

The nature of work of the Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Advisor in the OEDI requires the handling of highly complex and confidential issues, and in some cases conflicts that require direct involvement and resolution, and where skills in conflict resolution and restorative justice are beneficial. The Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Advisor liaises with staff from within the Office of the Provost Team, Office of Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity, as well as units across campus, including EDI committees, the Writing Symbols Lodge, Women's Centre, Staff Wellness, and Human Resources. This position operates on a regular work week schedule (Monday to Friday). The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to set priorities, act decisively and to exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues, using discretion and maintaining confidentiality in the execution of duties.

Position Description

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

Process Development and Program Support (50%):

• Support the Vice Provost and Associate Vice President Research (EDI) in identifying racial equity gaps and developing policies, procedures, guidelines and strategic institutional directions to advance anti-racism and racial equity across all segments of the UCalgary campus community.
• Support anti-racism and racial equity initiatives across the Provost Team, the VP Research, campus units, as well as institutional EDI initiative including the Dimensions EDI pilot and efforts to embed diversity and inclusion in teaching and learning, and in the research ecosystem.
• Provide advice and support to senior leadership, associate deans and chairs, and administrative and managerial staff on best practices to combat racism and advance racial equity.
• Develop an anti-racism policy and procedure and collaborate with relevant units on campus to develop a policy and process for facilitating reporting on, and resolution of racism complaints.
• Develop and implement anti-racism and racial equity, diversity, and inclusion literacy and education initiatives, policies and procedures, and processes and frameworks to achieve and monitor racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and monitor progress.
• Support racial equity, diversity, and inclusive recruitment and retention practices in consultation with Human Resources.
• Maintain in-depth understanding of racial equity and inclusion, particularly as it relates to anti-racism in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and community engagement.
• Develop anti-racism and anti-oppressive literacy and education content for the OEDI webpages and other communication materials.

Leadership (15%)

• Support the Vice Provost and Associate Vice President (EDI) in leading and implementing organizational change to support adoption of promising anti-racism and racial equity policies, procedures, practices and strategies.
• Lead and implement organizational change to support adoption of best practices and program requirements in anti-racism and racial equity.
• Represent the OEDI team to relevant stakeholders including other units in the Provost Office, the Office of the Vice-President (Research), faculties and various EDI, anti-racism and related committees, and external stakeholders.
• Act as a senior resource across the campus community on anti-racism, racial equity and provide ongoing coaching and mentorship

Guidance and Training (15%):

• Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate anti-racism and racial equity policies, procedures and processes across various levels of administration, including senior leadership.
• Initiate and lead the development of guidance and training resources on such topics as structural and systemic racism, conscious and unconscious racial bias, intersectionality, and strategies to support racial equity and inclusion.
• Develop, plan and facilitate workshops and training related to anti-racism and racial equity.

Analysis and Reporting (15%):

• Support the development and implementation of processes related to disaggregated racialized/visible minority or race-based data in the context of EDI data gathering and processes to advance Equitable Pathways at UCalgary.
• Develop and conduct racial equity environmental scans to identify barriers for racialized groups, and religious and cultural minorities, and evaluate their access/barriers to institutional opportunities and resources.
• 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 racialized minorities.
• Lead the broader development of anti-racism and racial equity practices and resources applicable across the campus community.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications / Requirements:

The ideal candidate for the position must have an advanced degree and policy-relevant experience in the area of anti-racism, anti-oppression, racial equity and human rights, including:

• A minimum of a master's degree in a related field.
• A minimum of 5-years of experience developing and facilitating anti-racism and racial equity initiatives and project management, preferably in the postsecondary sector.
• Experience in research and knowledge mobilization in the areas of anti-racism, race equity policy, research and analysis; strategic policy development and planning; program development.
• Demonstrated track record of working respectfully and effectively with diverse racialized groups and communities, and religious and cultural minorities.
• Demonstrated commitment, proactive efforts, and positive outcomes in advancing anti-racism and racial equity initiatives, policies, practices and strategies.
• Knowledge of barriers and biases faced by racialized minorities and/or religious and cultural minorities, and promising anti-racism, anti-oppression, and racial equity approaches to ameliorating racial inequities.
• Experience in anti-racism, anti-oppression, and racial equity programs and strategies for post-secondary initiatives.
• Experience in developing process and monitoring frameworks, and proficient in evaluation methods to measure effectiveness of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and racial equity approaches.
• Experience in organizational change management and communication planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively to deliver anti-racism, anti-oppressive, and racial equity initiatives.
• Excellent presentation and workshop development and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently, planning and prioritizing own work, in a team setting.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deliver anti-racism and racial equity priorities and build relationships in a variety of settings, units, and for diverse demographics.
• Expectation to be willing to learn about and implement university and relevant external policies and processes.

Application Deadline: January 30, 2022

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 part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase III.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.