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Purpose:
The Division of Equity, People and Culture is committed to the Anishinaabe teaching of Mino Bimaaddiziwin, the Good Life, across all facets of York University. Our goal is to help nurture an environment where we all have a stronger sense of connection, inclusion, and wellbeing. This is our shared responsibility. We aim to invest in our people and to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all.
York University's Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion (CHREI) promotes and builds a respectful, equitable, diverse and inclusive university community. We strive to be a leader in providing accessible, impartial, non-adversarial, and confidential programs and services that uphold human rights, facilitate equitable access to opportunities, and champion diversity and inclusion.
The Senior Advisor role plays a strategic and hands-on role in shaping a healthy workplace culture through restorative, trauma-informed, and equity-based practices. The position provides expert consultation, mediation, facilitation, and education to address workplace challenges, build trust, and enhance collaboration across the University. The Senior Advisor navigates complex, high-stakes conflicts that may involve systemic issues and policy considerations, requiring exceptional judgment, discretion, and resilience. The role also addresses cases of harassment and discrimination under York's Workplace Harassment Prevention, and Sexual Violence policies, among others. Working collaboratively across all levels, the Senior Advisor leads learning and engagement initiatives that embed Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEDI) principles with workplace restoration and organizational wellbeing. They partner with academic, administrative, and student leaders to design programs, events, and communications that advance understanding of DEDI, human rights, and restorative practices.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Human Rights, Social Work, Organizational Development, Law, or a relevant field.
Certification or formal training in mediation, facilitation, restorative justice or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (training in trauma-informed practices and Change Management is considered an asset).
Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Q.Med, C.Med,) are an asset.
Experience:
5 years of relevant, progressive experience in roles focused on the following:
Experience in human rights, equity and inclusion, and organizational development and unionized environments preferred
Experience in alternative dispute resolution including mediation, facilitating dialogue, and group interventions that promote trust, accountability, and inclusion among diverse stakeholders
Experience in resolving complex disputes and systemic issues involving senior stakeholders
Experience designing and delivering educational programs and workshops on conflict, human rights, equity and inclusion
Experience with working collaboratively with senior leadership HR, Labour Relations, and union representatives to navigate conflict and support equitable outcomes
Experience conducting or contributing to data analysis, evaluation, or assessment related to organizational learning, culture, or program effectiveness is an asset
Experience in the public sector, preferably in a post-secondary institution is an asset
Knowledge:
Deep understanding of restorative and relational approaches to conflict resolution, workplace restoration, and culture transformation.
Strong knowledge of organizational culture, group dynamics, and systems of change in complex, unionized environments.
Comprehensive understanding of DEDI frameworks, concepts, intersectionality and current issues, preferably informed by lived experience.
Familiarity with trauma-informed, psychologically safe, and wellness-focused workplace practices.
Understanding of organizational development, adult learning principles, and change management methodologies.
Awareness of systemic barriers and power dynamics that influence relationships, leadership, and participation in diverse organizations.
Skills:
Demonstrated ability to apply restorative, trauma-informed, and equity-based approaches to address workplace conflict and improve team culture.
Strong facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills with the capacity to lead diverse groups through sensitive discussions.
Ability to see beyond individual personalities to identify the structural and cultural drivers of conflict.
Ability to educate, coach, and advise leaders and employees on inclusion, respect, and conflict engagement.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including diplomacy, active listening, and cultural humility.
Ability to manage sensitive and emotionally charged interactions with discretion and professionalism.
Effective project management skills and the ability to implement initiatives successfully.
Ability to design and implement programs that embed equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to guide evidence-based decisions.
Additional Notes:
Diverse, complex, fast paced, frequently shifting environment requiring flexibility and sensitivity to multiple perspectives.
Exposure to emotionally charged situations related to DEDI topics.
Sometimes provides information/explanation that may not be well received by the recipients.
Occasional travel across campus(es) for meetings and events.
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*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.
York is committed to ensuring the way we work serves our diverse community and advances our commitment to Living Well Together, one of the Six Priorities for Action in the University Academic Plan. As part of this commitment, the University has implemented a Hybrid Work Policy.
The selected incumbent for this role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement which will be confirmed based on operational requirements.
We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.
York University employees must apply to jobs through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire. If you are a current York University employee and/or are using your rights under a collective agreement to view and/or apply to jobs, you MUST log into YU Hire to access the York University Employee Career Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.