Human Rights Advisor

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

OCAD University, Canada's largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.

It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.

Reporting to the Director, Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives and functionally reporting to the Senior Human Rights Advisor, the Human Rights Advisor works on a variety of projects and initiatives to support the education, outreach, and human rights mandate of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI). The Advisor ensures the effective and efficient coordination of related and ongoing activities within the human rights and equity portfolio, many of which are sensitive and confidential in nature. The Advisor is responsible for providing support and guidance on effectively addressing and resolving complex human rights matters by facilitating the early resolution of concerns and complaints, meeting OCAD University's (OCAD U) obligations in the resolution of complaints, and identifying and addressing the systemic issues that gave rise to complaints and concerns. The Advisor also provides administrative support to the human rights and equity portfolio of ODESI and its related functions.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Research, analyze, and advise on human rights and equity matters under the Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy (RWLEP) and Ontario Human Rights Code (Code)
• Advise on and support campus-wide, community-based equity-focused initiatives
• Assist in the development and delivery of training modules, workshops and educational materials for students, staff, faculty, and leadership, as required
• Work closely with the Senior Human Rights Advisor to prepare strategic plans and reports, as required
• Respond to human rights and equity inquiries from all members of the OCAD U community by providing subject matter expertise in the areas of harassment and discrimination and interpreting and applying the RWLEP and the Code
• Support the Office of Diversity, Equity and Sustainability Initiatives as well as the Senior Human Rights Advisor in managing human rights concerns and complaints under the RWLEP by:
• Providing support and guidance to all students, staff, faculty, and leadership on the various options for addressing and resolving matters
• Making the appropriate internal referrals where the matter is outside the scope of the RWLEP, facilitating the early resolution of concerns and complaints
• Ensuring that OCAD U meets its obligations in the resolution of complaints
• Identifying and addressing the systemic issues that gave rise to complaints and concerns
• Maintain administrative systems and processes for tracking human rights concerns and complaints as required by the RWLEP and related legislative bodies
• Provide administrative support to the ODESI Office as well as the Senior Human Rights Advisor; including drafting confidential correspondence and, in all activities, contributing to the successful operation of ODESI

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in equity studies, human rights, law or a related area of study, with a minimum of five (5) years of experience advising/resolving complex human rights matters
• Demonstrated deep subject matter expertise in human rights and critical equity theory, law and policy, and addressing exclusionary practices and structures, and in doing so, building meaningful inclusion and representation of members from systemically, structurally and historically marginalized communities
• Deep subject matter expertise in decolonization, anti-racism, inclusive design, and organizational change
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
• Strong research and analytical skills including the ability to interpret the Code and related legislation policies, procedures and regulations, and to collect, organize, and analyse complex information
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills; proven ability to deal with sensitive and complex situations with discretion, maintaining strictest confidence of information and materials
• Ability to exercise good judgment, build consensus, and provide clear and direct advice and mentorship to staff
• Broad understanding and ability to think strategically to formulate short- and long-term strategies in support of the goals and objectives of the human rights and equity portfolio
• Strong project planning and management skills; ability to meet short/long term deadlines and work effectively under pressure of high-volume work; ability to evaluate, modify and implement solutions to a range of issues and situations
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, participate collaboratively and operate as a highly organized and fully accountable team member
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Mode of Work: Hybrid Model.2 days/week on campus

Compensation: Hiring Range - $36.77 to $42.16 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range - $36.77 to $48.33 per hour.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until October 20, 2026.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) . The review of applications will begin December 12th, 2025 and will continue until the position has been filled.

• Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution's core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U's Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.