ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program

  • With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.

• Employer of Choice

  • Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.

• Benefits and Wellness

  • Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.

• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce

  • We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Manager, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Indigenous Relations (IDEA-IR), this position is responsible for leading policy, planning and program implementation that advances the Region’s IDEA-IR mandate. Responsibilities include coordinating the identification and removal of barriers within policies, programs, services and facilities, guiding organizational change, and supporting the development, implementation and monitoring of the Region’s IDEA Plans. The role is also responsible for

Leading the Region’s DEI plans and initiatives, including actions tied to the Inclusion Charter for York Region, enterprise DEI assessments, employee inclusion initiatives, and oversight of DEI governance bodies such as the Diversity and Inclusion Staff Committee (DISC) and Communities of Belonging.

The role provides policy direction, facilitates corporate and community engagement, and leads initiatives and partnerships that advance the Region’s vision of a welcoming, inclusive and accessible community. This includes providing thought leadership, supporting culture change and enabling the implementation of the Inclusion Charter for York Region.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

•    Leads the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of Region-wide IDEA plans aligned to organizational priorities. 

•    Provides policy analysis, options and recommendations to management and senior leadership. 

•    Develops and maintains tools, frameworks, standards and resources that embed IDEA principles across programs and services. 

•    Serves as the corporate subject matter expert for the assigned program.

•    Leads the development and implementation of DEI plans and activities aligned with corporate priorities, legislation and commitments under the Inclusion Charter for York Region.

•    Guides multi stakeholder project activities to collect data, insights and leading practices that inform DEI actions.

•    Leads the work of the Diversity and Inclusion Staff Committee (DISC) and related advisory groups across all departments and York Regional Police, including membership, meetings and strategic planning.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

•    Successful completion of a University Degree in Social Science, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

•    Minimum three (3) years program development and project management experience working with community groups including one (1) year of direct supervisory experience.

•    Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing and implementing policies, programs and initiatives related to inclusion

•    Demonstrated knowledge of industry practices, relevant Standards, Acts and Regulations. 

•    Ability to interpret a variety of legislation, analyze issues and make timely decisions in accordance with appropriate legislation and the needs of the organisation

•    Ability to demonstrate the Region's leadership and core competencies.

•    Staff supervisory skills including knowledge of collective agreement administration and interpretation, labour relations principles and practices and relevant employment legislation. 

•    Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external partners while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.

•    Strong communication, influencing and presentation skills with a strong customer focus.