Human Rights Specialist

Human Rights Specialist - Gender Based Violence

Tracking Code: req1764

Faculty/Department: Office of the General Counsel

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Non-Union Hiring Zone: Job Level 10 - $89,100 - $111,100

Posting Date: October 10, 2025

Closing Date: October 31, :00 pm EST)

Job Summary: The Specialist primarily ensures compliance in the administration and coordination of legislative requirements related to student sexual violence, workplace sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination. The Specialist will develop strategies around sexual/gender-based violence response and education on campus and will work with students, staff and faculty to provide support and information related to the university's dispute resolution framework, facilitate access to health and safety and accommodation measures where necessary and appropriate, make referrals to appropriate resources and will intervene directly when necessary and appropriate to resolve human rights cases (e.g., mediate and investigate cases). The Sexual/Gender-based Violence Response and Education Advisor is responsible for the creation, implementation, and assessment of sexual/gender-based violence educational programs for the entire University community.

Responsibilities/accountabilities:

Program Development and Assessment

• Facilitates the ongoing research, development, facilitation and assessment of programming designed to prevent sexual/gender based violence on campus and provide education to the community regarding sexual/gender-based violence, workplace sexual harassment, non-consensual behaviour and intimate partner violence, and systemic barriers and violence-related risks faced by members of the LGBTQ2S communities
• Leads the development of a multi-year sexual violence education curriculum for multiple audiences on campus (Students, Faculty, Staff, Teaching Assistants etc.), respecting cultural, social and institutional context and practices in collaboration with the Advisory Committee on Student Sexual Violence Prevention and Support and Human Resources
• Researches best practices in sexual violence education and utilize this information in the strategic planning, development, scheduling and facilitation of all projects and initiatives for the campus (e.g., training seminars, communications activities, student orientation activities, information sessions, etc.)
• Utilizes universal instructional design and adult learning principles, online platforms and appropriate technologies to ensure accessible programming standards are maintained
• Evaluates and reports (internal and external) on initiatives to determine whether efforts are meeting institutional needs and generating the desired outcomes to make evidence based decisions on future programming
• Keeps abreast of current developments and emerging trends through active research and participation in conferences/seminars/etc.

Responsibility: Intervention and Support
- Serves as a confidential resource for students, staff and faculty on matters relating to sexual/gender-based violence and discrimination.
- Collaborates closely with on-campus departments and community stakeholders to implement and maintain university-wide procedures that ensure a consistently respectful, fair and supportive survivor-centered response to disclosures and reports of sexual/gender-based violence.
- Supports University Members who have experienced sexual/gender-based violence by providing appropriate intervention, advice and referral and supporting the student decision making process
- Provides case management assistance for students who have survived an incident of Sexual Violence. This includes, but is not limited to, liaising with other university staff and faculty to facilitate student's connection to multiple supports, providing information and supporting the coordination of transitions through dispute resolution processes and community resources
- Leads the response to allegations of discrimination, harassment and gender- based violence, including conducting investigations and voluntary resolution activities such as mediations.

Resource Development

• Liaises with Student Life and Human Resources as appropriate, to develop resources to support students, staff and faculty, both in print and online, to ensure university policies, procedures and publications meet the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation
• Maintains the Ontario Tech Sexual Violence Prevention and Support website
• Assesses campus needs, research best practices and develop appropriate resources to meet those needs
• Periodically reviews the University's Student Sexual Violence Policy and Procedure and work with the Student Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Advisory Committee to implement enhancements when appropriate or necessary
• Develops materials and information to ensure that university members are informed of the range of services and resources available to support individuals who have experienced sexual/gender-based violence

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation as they relate to sexual/gender-based violence and discrimination
• The ability to interpret, analyze and apply relevant legislation, case law and collective agreements in dispute resolution processes and in the development and application of training materials and other resources
• Strong emotional intelligence, self-awareness, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills and the ability to address sensitive and confidential matters with tact, discretion and in a constructive and respectful manner
• Demonstrated leadership in delivering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives within complex institutional settings
• Expertise in policy, program, and strategy development
• Experience in group dynamics and in leading, planning and facilitating groups
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences through clear, accessible, and persuasive messaging
• Strong operational planning skills, with the ability to execute long-term vision through practical and measurable actions
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Initiative, organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Strong judgement, flexibility and adaptability

Required Education:

• Completion of a university program consisting of four academic years
• Education, Student Development, Law, Public Policy, Women's Studies, Sexual Diversity Studies, Human Rights, EDI, Communications or Social Work

• A combination of education and experience may be considered for this role

• Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience:

• Over 3 years and including 5 years
• Develops, delivers and assesses sexual/gender-based violence programming
• Provides direct support, advisement and/or dispute resolution services to individuals affected by sexual/gender-based violence and harassment and discrimination
• Trauma-Informed Response, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Project Management Training would be considered assets

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university's Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 1/5/2026