Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager

About the role

Canadian Blood Services is looking for a regular full-time Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager to join our dynamic Inclusion, Sustainability and Engagement (ISE) division. 

The Inclusion Sustainability and Engagement division 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. 

Canadian Blood Services’ diversity, equity, and inclusion function is responsible for delivering and operationalizing a sustainable DEI strategy and roadmap for the organization. The DEI team works closely with senior leaders, employees, and stakeholders to advance DEI with intentionality across the organization and within the broader health care landscape.

In this role, you will be a subject matter expert on tactical aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that plays a lead role in the guidance and execution of the initiatives outlined in the DEI strategy as well as provide advisory expertise to the business and leaders who are leading DEI change or grappling with a DEI challenge. You will be tasked with contributing to the design, planning, and implementation of programs and initiatives intended to create a more inclusive, equitable and diverse culture at Canadian Blood Services. You will support the Associate Director, DEI, and other members of the DEI team, and the broader Inclusion, Sustainability, and Engagement division in working collaboratively with all components of Canadian Blood Services to create processes and advance initiatives to identify and remove systemic barriers within the organization, its programs, and operations. 

Formula for success

• Leveraging your ability to plan, design and project manage complex strategies, programs, and initiatives, you will plan the execution of the DEI initiatives in partnership with the Associate Director, DEI, and Director, DEI; may provide input to planning and strategy development. 
• Drawing on your knowledge and expertise, you will implement and uphold the ERG structure to align with DEI priorities and organizational goals. 
• Focusing on your proven ability to provide structure and leadership, you will collaborate and partner with ERGs to deliver DEI events, activities, programs, and initiatives. 
• Utilizing your effective communication skills, you will respond to sensitive and complex issues that arise in the ERGs, and provide advice, guidance, direction, and consultation to ERG chairs. 
• You will be required to implement and uphold the ERG structure to align with DEI priorities and organizational goals.
• You will be responsible for leading the planning and implementation of the annual ERG symposium and/or DEI conference, promote and socialize the ERGs to new and current employees through collaboration with other divisions.
• Using your excellent interpersonal skills, you will lead listening and feedback sessions to learn first-hand information from employees about DEI current state.  
• Concentrating on your ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, you will identify, develop, and maintain relationships with external equity-deserving external stakeholders, groups, and communities. Participate in working groups, and community initiatives and events that enhance the understanding, alignment, and advancement of DEI best practices. 
• You will be responsible for advising leaders and business partner communities on how to build an inclusive culture and how to repair relationships during and post DEI challenges. 
• Leveraging your excellent facilitation skills, you will design, develop, and deliver DEI education and learning resources that will equip employees and leaders with the knowledge, tools, and skills to advance an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive culture. 
• You will build an environment of collegiality, respect, and inclusiveness, in which staff, donors, and volunteers, and the broader community jointly participate in and benefit from our exposure to our unique mission. 
• Performs other related duties as required. 

Desired education and skills

• A university degree in a related subject (for example social science, public health, sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, equality studies, women’s studies, Indigenous studies, social work, human resources management, commerce) is required.
• Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) designation or any DEI certification, an asset.
• A minimum of seven + years of related experience including advancing employee resource groups (ERGs), developing ERG action plans and strategy, consulting, planning, implementing, and maintaining DEI-related programs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, design and project manage complex strategies, programs and initiatives.
• Experience advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives within a complex organization.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to identify recommendations and opportunities from data.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite with in-depth knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online collaboration tools (MS teams, yammer, etc.).
• Lived experience as an Indigenous person or member of an equity-deserving group is preferred. The equity-deserving groups include, but are not limited to racialized persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and persons living with visible and/or invisible disabilities.
• Intermediate level knowledge of anti-oppression, equity, diversity, anti-racism, accessibility/Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusion frameworks.
• Ability to draft briefing notes that summarize complex problems and provide recommended options and other materials for senior leadership.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will 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 quarterly for this role, and as required.