Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator (0.5 FTE or 1.0 FTE possible)

Start date is flexible

We are searching for individuals to help us take our next steps in becoming good neighbours to our local Indigenous communities and good partners as an intentionally inclusive and diverse learning community. To support this work, we are seeking an Indigenous Liaison (0.5 FTE) and an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator (0.5 FTE).

Under the support of our Indigenous Advisor, we have made concrete progress that includes the development of a whole-staff cultural literacy course, the commissioning of culturally significant pieces, and the appointment of a school-wide Indigenous Scholar. With respect to EDI, our Advisory Committee of sixteen students, alumni, parents and staff partnered with an external consultant to survey our wider community and present recommendations that were recently ratified by our Board.

Knowing that flexibility is key, we are open to hiring separate individuals for each role or one person for both. If separate, we will do our best to match an applicant’s skills and experience to other needs at the school should that applicant desire full time work. If combined, you need only submit one application expressing your intent. We know that few applicants will hold all of the qualities listed in the posting, so please do not be daunted in your decision to apply.

Our journey in these areas has been rewarding and meaningful to date. We are excited about what lies ahead.

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 day and boarding school with a global reputation for academic excellence.

One of our core values at St. Michaels University School is respect. With this in mind, we acknowledge that our school rests in the heart of Straits Salish territory, a living culture with its own rites, ceremonies, and unfolding history. We honour the Esquimalt, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples – whose homelands we share and whom we recognize as our neighbours.

Our students from over 30 countries all over the world have opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, service and outdoor education, and are inspired by an extraordinary staff committed to character growth and preparing students for what lies ahead in life. The school’s Mission shapes these endeavours: Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for life. At St. Michaels University School, we seek to employ and empower individuals who wish to forge impactful relationships and careers that place our students at the centre. We firmly believe that expanding our diversity while adjusting our practice will lead to becoming the community we envision – a place where staff and students share a sense that they fully belong.

The Position:

Reporting to a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of recommendations made by our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (EDIAC) and approved by the Board. The EDI Coordinator is accountable for overseeing the coordination of collaborative processes central to the success of this work, being well supported with access and resources to fulfill this mandate. This role is not solely responsible for making final decisions, but rather for establishing processes that lead to those decisions being made at the level required.

While this role may have particular expertise in a specific area of EDI, they will need to possess a general knowledge of all aspects of EDI. In helping the school to progress, the EDI Coordinator would be an agent of change where appropriate, while still holding the ethos and strengths of the school at heart. 

The successful candidate will have the following skills, background and interest:

Related, formal education and/or training (certificate/undergraduate/graduate degree).
Proven ability to initiate, nurture, and navigate cross-cultural relationships both at an interpersonal and institutional level.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to EDI and the requisite skillfulness to support Students, faculty and staff in this area.
Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of individuals as well as with external partners in the community.
Experience working in or with Junior Kindergarten – Grade 12 educational institutions.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, negotiation and mediation skills.
Ability to maintain poise and professionalism in a variety of situations.
High level of attention to detail as well as the capacity to be a proactive and analytical problem solver.
Organized with the ability to work under deadlines with conflicting demands from various departments.
Ability to be tactful, demonstrate excellent judgment, and work as a positive and collaborative team member.
Enthusiastic, energetic, and a self-starter with the ability to work independently.
Ability to conduct research, and prepare and present workshops and reports.
Ability to create, analyze and edit a wide variety of documents.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Google suite.
A combination of academic and/or non-academic qualifications and experience will be considered.
Responsibilities include:

Works with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to act on recommendations of the EDIAC committee including establishment of plans and timelines.
impacting the decision-making at all levels within the School
Point person for all EDI related issues for students and staff.
Reports on progress of recommendations.
Reviews, amends, and/or develops new policies and procedures to position the school to reflect best practices related to EDI.
Fosters a broader sense of belonging through review of key communal and educational aspects of the school.
Reviews and recommends ways to adapt facilities and infrastructure to create a more inclusive environment for all people.
Supports the implementation and delivery of EDI-related themes into the School’s Professional Development Planning
Supports the recruitment process by reviewing and recommending amendments to the recruitment and hiring process.
Other duties as required. 
Criminal Record Check:

Must pass and maintain a clear Solicitor General criminal record check for the purpose of working with children.

Application Details and Other Considerations:

Please list additional experience working within a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 environment.

As experiences and qualifications look different for everyone, we encourage you to apply if the description of this position is of interest to you.

To review our Indigenous Liaison vacancy, please follow this link: https://careers.risepeople.com/SMUS/en/6726_indigenous-liaison

Please respond with a cover letter and resume in a single document by 2pm Thursday, April 6, 2023.