Reporting to the Director of Equity & Anti-Racism, the Anti-Racism Specialist is a member of the Equity & Anti-Racism Unit, responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring anti-racism initiatives. The Specialist provides campus members support and guidance on navigating University procedures. The Specialist manages initiatives in line with the institutional anti-racism plan; builds strong partnerships with students, staff and faculty; researches best practices to support the developing and implementing initiatives including learning and development to meet the needs of campus community members. The Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day activities with respect to program delivery in the Equity & Anti-Racism Unit.

Strategic Development of Anti-Racism Initiatives

• Manages projects, information and logistics of project deliverables
• Supports the Director of Equity & Anti-Racism and the Associate Directors of Equity & Anti-Racism with the planning, implementation, delivery and monitoring of anti-racism related initiatives
• Plans and implements assigned initiatives, prepares communications
• Organizes meetings, prepares minutes and documents progress and challenges
• Updates the Director of Equity & Anti-Racism and the Associate Directors of Equity & Anti-Racism on initiatives and prepares reports to track progress
• Maintains detailed documentation according to program requirements
• Evaluates initiatives and prepares reports to track progress
• Prepares necessary resources and tools, based on relevant legislation and best practices, to support the successful implementation of anti-racism initiatives

Engagement and Outreach

• Consults, advises, and guides campus members on anti-racism and escalates sensitive issues to the Director of Equity & Anti-Racism as needed
• Liaises with departments and groups in the university community on anti-racism related topics
• Builds relationships with student groups, staff and faculty, facilitates input on key anti-racism initiatives
• Sits on campus committees where appropriate

Anti-Racism Response and Support

• Supports the response to individual disclosures of racism related concerns from staff and faculty by providing support and referrals based on individual needs
• Utilizes anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches to support campus stakeholders who often present in distress
• Maintains an understanding of the legal and reporting requirements in order to provide accurate advice, support and resources
• Advocates on behalf of racialized campus members where appropriate
• Collaborates with internal support units and external organizations to meet needs of racialized members of the campus community
• Remains current with pertinent ethical requirements and research relevant to responding to intersectional racism related y concerns
• Engages in case management when required, particularly with cases presenting with more complex needs
• Provides secondary support to the Associate Directors (Program & Policy and Racism Reporting) when needed

Research and Analysis

• Works with the Directors to identify racism issues and conducts related research (e.g. literature reviews, needs assessments, data collection and analysis)
• Prepares research reports on anti-racism matters
• Prepares communication materials pertaining to strategic priorities
• Consults with students, staff and faculty to prepare educational resource materials

• University degree or equivalent education and experience. Lived expertise and institutional/systemic knowledge of anti-racism and critical race theory required
• Demonstrated experience successfully implementing anti-racism initiatives; project management experience; demonstrated understanding of human rights, intersectional anti-racism issues and anti- oppressive frameworks, and demonstrated ability to apply them to an institutional setting; ability to interpret and communicate human rights and anti-racism concepts; proven ability to align work
• priorities and realize strategic goals. Knowledge and expertise in Black feminist theory/thought
• Demonstrated knowledge the concepts of anti-racism, critical race theory, transformative justice, equity, human rights, de-colonization and anti-oppressive frameworks. Working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Anti-Racism Act, and other relevant legislation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral for the preparation of reports and making presentations
• Excellent facilitation skills to lead groups to productive outcomes
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work on confidential and sensitive matters with tact and discretion
• Ability to manage challenging conversations with stakeholders
• Ability to work well independently or in a team setting, with diverse individuals

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.