Equity Diversity

About Olds College of Agriculture and Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College has been offering quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our regular programming, continued education, and online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

At Olds College we value our people and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. Olds College provides quality education in an environment that is designed to promote academic excellence and student success. There are many reasons to join Olds College and build a meaningful career in a community that is innovative, diverse and welcoming. Everything we do at Olds College is done to advance all aspects of the agriculture and agri-food community. All of our programs and actions align to our social purpose, “Transforming agriculture for a better world”. Our mission is to ensure Alberta's agriculture community has the talent, knowledge, and thought leadership to lead globally.

The Opportunity - Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager, Full-time, Permanent

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Program Manager will support Olds College’s commitment to be an inclusive, respectful and healthy place to work and learn. Olds College envisions a working and learning environment in which all students, faculty and staff participate fully and meaningfully in campus life without being subjected to discrimination, bias or microaggressions. This position plays an essential role in building and enabling a diverse and highly engaged workforce and inclusive working culture through the oversight and project management of key equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Program Manager is responsible to analyze, design and deliver organization-wide programs and events in support of EDI initiatives as well as providing insights and recommendations related to trends, gaps, and measured outcomes.

Key Job Functions

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Program Manager develops and implements campus-wide initiatives that encourage diversity, promote equity, foster inclusion, support indigenization and champion psychological safety to improve the employee and student experience at Olds College. In doing so, the incumbent will work closely and collaboratively with the Chief People and Culture Officer and other members of the People and Culture team as well as with internal and external stakeholders.

The EDI Program Manager applies an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lens to existing and new programs, services, policies and procedures with the goal of integrating diversity and inclusion into daily work and practices to create an environment that fosters appreciation, mutual respect and engagement among and between members of the College community with special attention to the needs of people from historically marginalized communities.

The Program Manager acts as a subject matter expert and internal advisor to leadership on all equity, diversity and inclusion related matters.

Building and maintaining constructive relationships is a significant expectation for this role and the incumbent will work closely with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and Sub-Committees. The incumbent will ensure effective communication, collaboration and liaison with internal and external parties in collaboration with the CPCO.

The EDI Program Manager, will carry out their responsibilities with a high degree of independence, integrity and professionalism. In addition, they are expected to support a culture of lifelong learning, continuous personal and professional development, leadership enhancement and excellence in human resource practices. The incumbent will also model attitudes and behaviours consistent with the College vision, mission, values, and leadership philosophy.

The emphasis and priorities related to the areas of responsibility may vary from time to time and will be determined through discussion and consultation with the Chief People and Culture Officer based on College and Department goals and priorities.

Please see the attached job description for a full list of Key Job Functions. 

Manage EDI Initiatives and Execution of Projects

Develop detailed project maps for all short- and mid-term initiatives including events, activities, training plans, timelines, resources, and measurements. 

Collaborate cross-functionally within the People and Culture Department and across other areas of the business to effectively implement strategies. 

Continuously communicate deadlines, requirements, and progress to key stakeholders. 

Develop processes, documentation, and communications in support of ongoing projects. 

Employee Relations

Under the direction of the Chief People and Culture Officer, works with leadership to assist in the development of EDI plans that align with the priorities of the institution. This may include conducting needs assessments and gap analyses to align the programs and services with EDI principles
Work with the People and Culture Business Partners to provide interpretative and consultative services to managers and employees regarding human resources and EDI requirements, policies and procedures, collective agreements, terms of employment and applicable legislation.
Assist with research and provide background information and recommendations pertaining to employee and labour relations for EDI topics.

EDI Committees and Activities

Facilitate and support execution of events, workshops and programs in support of EDI.

Coordinate and collaborate with the EDI Committee, employee resource groups (ERG) and student resource groups (SRG), People and Culture, Marketing and Communications and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and coordinated planning.

Support for People and Culture and College Initiatives

Play an integral role in the design and implementation of diversity and inclusion related HR programs and processes. 

Apply a diversity and inclusion lens to existing and new programs, services, policies and procedures, with the goal of integrating diversity and inclusion into the operations of the organization. 

Develop and implement processes, resources and tools that will support a culturally safe working and learning environment.

Communications

Provide thoughtful input and often develop communications targeted for employees. 

Implement recurring Diversity & Inclusion processes and identify and recommend process improvements. 

Collect, analyze and report on EDI related data. Identify issues and make suggestions as appropriate. 

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business/Management, Social Sciences, Cultural Studies or a related field are preferred

A minimum of 5 years of related experience including project management in inclusion, diversity, equity or accessibility 

A Certificate in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, ongoing coursework towards an EDI credential and/or CCIP designation is an asset

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Experience working in a unionized environment and/or post-secondary institute would be considered assets

Demonstrate strong communication skills: Confident and articulate in facilitating presentations and training to effectively develop the skills of others. Skilled in active listening, and adept in engaging and persuading audiences. Flexibility in communication style, format, and content when presented with unanticipated information, give and receive constructive feedback and deliver difficult information, utilize highly developed writing abilities

Champion and lead change utilizing a proactive and collaborative approach

Strong project management and organizational skills

Demonstrate sound judgment and decision making abilities

Experience in and sound management of budget and policy development

Ability to conduct research, analyze and interpret information and data

Demonstrate ability to effectively build and utilize a network of people and resources internal and external to Olds College to support professional growth and development and increase capacity to accomplish work objectives

Ability to develop recommendations for and achieve results through others over whom there is no formal authority

Deal with sensitive situations/issues that require high standards of integrity (and test commitment to truth, purpose, trust and confidentiality)

Conflict resolution skills are essential

Must be proficient in using basic computer programs and applications on a regular basis (including: word processing, graphics, spreadsheet applications, and HRIS systems related to HR and finance)

Knowledge of practices, policies, processes and evaluation tools in EDI

Knowledge of applicable Human Resource legislation, policies and practices. i.e. Public Service Employee Relations Act, Alberta Employment Standards Code, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Human Rights Legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Conditions of Employment

Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.

Must actively promote respect in the workplace and health & safety policies.

The statements herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)

Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits

Health/Personal Spending Account

Generous Vacation Leave

Paid Holiday Closure

‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave

Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waiver

Please apply by August 23, 2024

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.