Schedule
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours per week, evenings and weekends as needed. Minimum 3 days in office and 2 days virtual.
Education Level
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study. Master's degree an asset.
Career Level
Requires 3-5 years of relevant experience
Anticipated Start Date
July 1, 2026
Employment Type
2 year contract
Student Affairs fosters a university experience that seeks to develop the whole student and is comprised of services and programs which support academic, career and personal success, and overall health and well-being. The division is comprised of Athletics & Recreation, Black Student Services Office, The Forge (startup incubator), Housing, Indigenous Student Services, Registrar’s Office (including Student Records, Exams & Scheduling, Recruitment, Admissions, Student Financial Aid & Scholarships), Student Accessibility Services, Student Success Centre (including First Year Transition, Career Services, International Student Services, Academic Skills), Student support & Case Management Office, Student Wellness Centre).
The Department of Athletics & Recreation serves our McMaster University and greater Hamilton communities, offering programs and services, facilities and expertise to support the cultivation of the human potential and wellness in each of us - and we aim to be the best at what we do. We recognize the value in offering active invitations, not just open doors, and are committed to leading and learning alongside our community members to build a strong and inclusive community over time. Our continued evolution into a high performing, collaborative and results-driven work environment is inspired by the drive and determination of our staff, students and student-athletes.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (Student Affairs) and Senior HR Strategic Partner, the EDI Specialist will be based 3 days a week in the Athletics and Recreation department and spend the remaining days each week supporting Student Affairs EDI initiatives. The specialist is responsible for supporting the development and execution of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism programs and initiatives within the department of Athletics & Recreation and across Student Affairs more broadly . The EDI Specialist fulfills their duties in a manner that reflects the diverse experiences and interests of equity-deserving groups (EDGs) and acknowledges and honours Indigenous wisdom, self-determination and ways of knowing. The EDI Specialist fulfills the roles of advisor, navigator, facilitator, project manager and collaborator, working closely with Athletics & Recreation, Student Affairs and University partners to create and sustain a culture and experience of inclusive excellence.
Provide subject matter expertise and advice in the development , analysis and review of programming to embed best practices related to equity , inclusion and anti-racism into training , operations , programs, services , and initiatives.
Provide skilled project management services in designing, planning, implementing and evaluating EDI and anti-racism initiatives
Provide advice on best practice in engaging student-athletes/students who identify as members of an equity-deserving group, in support of building a safe and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated.
Act as EDI liaison for the Equity Deserving Student-Athletes ' councils and provide insight and direction to EDI and anti-racism strategies and best practices.
Promote awareness of, and relevant participation in initiatives of the Equity & Inclusion Office and Student Affairs and establish effective collaboration with these offices to both inform and learn from initiatives implemented within the department.
Maintain statistics on the number and reach of events, campaigns, programs and activities.
Lead and coordinate the planning, creation and dissemination of communications (e.g . newsletter, faculty and staff portals) designed to build, sustain and strengthen individual and collective capacity for inclusive excellence , including researching and writing key content .
Work in collaboration with the Associate Athletics Director to develop strategies to support the recruitment and participation among equity deserving groups of student-athletes.
Work in collaboration with the Associate Director , Recreation & Healthy Living to develop outreach strategies to ensure participation among equity-deserving groups in camps , clubs , and extra-curricular programming.
The EDI Specialist is also a first line resource for support and information to students who identify as members of an equity-deserving group, ensuring safe spaces and processes to identify, to consult and refer to appropriate intake offices or leadership within the department.
Work in collaboration with the Advancement Officer to build and strengthen BIPOC alumni networks
Liaise with campus faculty, staff and student groups that serve historically underrepresented and marginalized communities
Qualifications
Bachelor ' s degree in a related field (e.g., Critical Race Studies, Adult Education, Sociology, etc . ); Master ' s degree an asset .
At least three to five years experience working in a related field with demonstrated experience delivering educational programming to a diversity of audiences , preferably in a University setting.
Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
A strong analysis and understanding of EDI and anti-racism and the experience of equity-deserving groups.
Ability to apply intersectional anti-oppressive approaches and practices in an educational context .
Experience working and collaborating with a diversity of peoples and communities , and with equity-deserving groups .
Lived experience as a member of an equity - deserving group.
Strong project management skills which demonstrate ability to set priorities and organize work to ensure projects meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, and ability to establish effective working relationships.
Ability to receive disclosures regarding discrimination and/or racism and its traumatic impacts and follow up in accordance with existing policies
Demonstrated professionalism , ethic of care, tact, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Proven ability to build relationships, to contribute to respectful team environments, to work collaboratively with students , faculty , staff , administrators and community partners .
Strong oral and written presentation skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas to a diversity of peoples and facilitate discussions in contexts of emotional intensity.
Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently.
Capacity to develop and use a range of marketing and promotional tools, including social media.
Ability to provide inclusive and culturally relevant support, advice and referral to student-athletes.
Proficiency in MS Office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software applications , as well as internet research .
