PEOPLE SERVICES CONSULTANT (Diversity & Inclusion)

Job ID: 55232
Job Category: Human Resources
Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Finance & Business Services
Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen Street West & multiple locations
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary (12 months)
Salary: $87,800 - $116,745
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: Non-Union
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 02-Jul-2025 to 16-Jul-2025

The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of division-wide equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives that align with the City of Toronto’s strategic priorities while addressing the unique needs of the division. This role will oversee a unit focused on advancing key priorities such as Truth, Justice and Reconciliation, confronting anti-Black racism, supporting divisional DEI initiatives, and promoting equitable and inclusive practices for both staff and clients. The candidate will also serve as a key liaison with People & Equity, supporting the integration of new workforce equity initiatives and adapting corporate frameworks to meet divisional goals.

Job Responsibilities:

• Leads, coordinates, and supports divisional DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives, work groups, and strategic projects to ensure effective teamwork, communication, and high standards of quality.
• Provides expert guidance on the application of corporate and divisional policies related to DEI initiatives, procedures, collective agreements, and relevant legislation to ensure consistency, compliance, and timely implementation across all levels of staff.
• Identifies emerging DEI related needs and trends within the division, and recommends, develops, and implements responsive programs, policies, and strategies.
• Implements and monitors the divisional DEI strategic workplan, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and divisional goals.
• Provides strategic direction and analysis on DEI issues, advising on short- and long-term planning, and supports the development of inclusive policies, frameworks, and consultative tools.
• Develops and delivers inclusive communication strategies, staff development programs, training, and information sessions to support DEI and broader divisional priorities.
• Works in collaboration with People & Equity, Compensation and/or Employee & Labour Relations as necessary on strategic plans and initiatives.
• Leads or supports the planning and delivery of anti-racism initiatives, staff engagement activities, and educational events to promote equity, inclusion, and a culture of belonging.
• Ensures divisional policies, programs, services, and staff engagement efforts are designed and delivered through a DEI lens.
• Creates and fosters an environment of inclusion and belonging when engaging with both staff and the diverse communities served by MLS.
• Represents the division on DEI-related matters, and prepares comprehensive reports, work plans, presentations, briefing notes, and other key communications.

   Key Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline (e.g., Human Resources, Equity Studies, Organizational Development) or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably within a large, complex, and unionized organization.
2. Lived experience as a member of an Indigenous and/or Black community and demonstrated understanding of the systemic barriers impacting these communities.
3. Considerable experience developing, implementing, and evaluating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategies, programs, and initiatives in a diverse organizational setting.
4. Considerable experience in communicating and cultivating relationships and advancing dialogue with equity deserving groups/stakeholder groups such as local communities, organizations, civic institutions, and the public.
5. Considerable experience providing strategic advice and consultation to senior leadership on DEI matters, including policy development, organizational change management, and program design.
6. Experience in project management, managing complex assignments from inception through to implementation with minimal direction while balancing political, community and other stakeholder interests, and resolving conflicts.
7. Experience preparing comprehensive reports, presentations, and management correspondence, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
8. Knowledge of employment-related legislation and policies, including the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety Act, and collective agreements.
9. Knowledge of reconciliation, anti-Black racism, equity and inclusion, and issues impacting equity-deserving communities (i.e., 2SLGBTQ+ people, People living with a disability, Racialized People, Newcomers, Undocumented Residents, etc.) in Toronto.
10. Ability to lead, design or facilitate training, employee engagement sessions, or community consultations.
11. Proven consultation, advisory, and negotiation skills, with the ability to assess organizational needs and develop and implement effective strategies within a unionized environment.
12. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters involving both management and unionized employees.
13. Highly developed writing, critical thinking, judgment, and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead workgroups, present to diverse audiences, and foster consensus.
14. Strong organizational and research skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver both short- and long-term projects from concept to completion.
15. Fundamental knowledge of organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, employment equity, and change management principles and practices.
16. Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and to addressing systemic barriers impacting equity-deserving groups.
17. Understanding of how inequities disadvantage and create barriers for equity-deserving/equity-seeking groups, and the ability to integrate this understanding into day-to-day work.
18. Ability to foster a sense of inclusion and belonging through all aspects of service delivery and internal collaboration.
19. Lived experience as a member of an Indigenous, Black, or other equity-deserving group is considered an asset.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.