Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Please note this role will work in a hybrid environment. The successful candidate must be located near a Canadian Blood Services site and will be working a mixture of on-site and off-site work based on the parameters for our operations to meet the needs of our donors, our staff and our communities. Currently, employees are expected to have an in-person presence for at least 40% of their work time. This requirement may vary depending upon circumstances.

Job category: Supervisory and management
Job posting ID: 6948

​Employment status: Regular full-time
 

Classification: PTS/MGT/IT B
Salary/Rate of pay: $127,250 to $143,538

Application deadline: 2025-03-19 
Application requirements:

• Your up-to-date resume.
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Do you currently work for Canadian Blood Services? All employees must apply via the internal career page.

 Together, we can make all the difference in the lives of others.

Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and caring organization committed to saving and improving lives. Thousands of patients depend on us every day for reliable access to safe blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues. 

If you are looking for a rewarding experience with a values and mission-driven team, join Canada’s Lifeline and make a meaningful difference.

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

About the role
Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Regular full-time Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and inclusion to join our dynamic Inclusion, Sustainability and Engagement team.

The Inclusion Sustainability and Engagement team works to ensure Canadian Blood Services is a leader in inclusion, sustainability and engagement, best positioning us to be prepared for the ever changing present and future. It stewards natural intersections between our social impact and our purpose — identifying and removing barriers to inclusion and belonging within Canada’s Lifeline.

Reporting to the Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Associate Director (AD) is a subject matter expert on diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and plays a lead role in the development and implementation of initiatives that advance the Corporate, Sustainability, and Reconciliation strategies, within a defined area of accountability. The AD provides DEI-related advice and guidance to leaders and/or partners to integrate and apply DEI principles within their teams, the organization as a whole, or in the context of public or partner relationships and interactions. 
 

The Associate Director is tasked with designing, planning, and overseeing the implementation of programs and initiatives intended to create a more inclusive, equitable and diverse culture. They will support the Director, DEI, in working collaboratively to create processes and advance initiatives to identify and remove systemic barriers within the organization, its programs and operations; and to influence change in supplier, partner and/or collaborator organizations.

Formula for success

• Working closely with the Director of DEI, you will plan and integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation initiatives within your areas of accountability, encompassing strategic plan development and integrated planning while leading the creation of activities and initiatives that advance both sustainability and reconciliation strategies.
• You will be responsible for the direct leadership and development of the DEI team, including providing feedback, managing timelines, ensuring adherence to DEI and reconciliation principles, and guiding the work of DEI managers as well as recruiting your team and for fostering team competency through engagement and development strategies.
• You will proactively gather data and do research to understand the needs of equity-deserving groups, collaborate with stakeholders to integrate DEI and reconciliation principles into programs and operations, provide guidance and support to influence cultural change through participation in working groups, and monitor and assess risks to recommend improvements in DEI progress within their area of responsibility.
• You will foster inclusive environments by overseeing the development of Employee Resource Groups, crafting communication strategies for DEI initiatives, building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders to promote understanding and inclusion, and collaborating with internal and external partners to address barriers and increase representation of diverse communities within the organization's donor and patient base.
• You will focus on developing data-driven methods to analyze the experiences of equity-deserving groups within the organization, tracking progress through established metrics, reporting on results, and recommending improvements. Additionally, the role requires you to collaborate with various stakeholders to dismantle barriers and embed DEI and reconciliation practices into core operational and employment processes.
• You will embody the organization's values through ethical conduct and respectful collaboration, serving as a role model and mentor to promote excellence in DEI. You are also responsible for fostering a collegial, inclusive environment that benefits staff, donors, volunteers, and the wider community, reinforcing the organization's mission.

Desired education and skills

• Completion of a university degree in a related subject (for example social science, sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, women’s studies, Indigenous studies, social work, human resources management) is required, an advanced degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive, related experience, including policy development, strategy definition, and experience leading large-scale change within the DEI field.
• A deep understanding of anti-oppressive practices, anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and addressing organizational systemic inequities.  
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a hybrid model and in a multi-faceted organization. 
• Knowledge and experience of working in a large, complex, and corporate organization is an asset. 
• Experience in developing DEI competencies across different organizational levels 
• Demonstrated understanding of the elements and dynamics of organizational change. Experience leading or participating in significant organizational change. 
• Excellent critical-thinking skills, and ability to engage in high-level, and high-stake conversations. 
• Ability to draft briefing notes that summarize complex problems and provide recommended options and other materials for senior leadership 
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide influential consultative expertise to internal and external stakeholders and senior leaders.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

What we offer you

• 4 weeks' vacation
• Annual performance award up to 10%
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources

What you can expect

• This role will work in a hybrid environment with requirements to be onsite at Canadian Blood Services location 40% of the time/2 days of the week.
• You may be required to travel up to 20% for this role, and as required. 

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada’s population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.  

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply by providing your up-to-date resume. This could be your first step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview or those invited to participate in an assessment will be contacted. Emails are sent directly from our system, to ensure you receive them please add donotreply@blood.ca and system@successfactors.com to your safe senders list. 

Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.

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