Senior Manager, Research Equity

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Term: 2 years

The internal posting deadline for this position is September 24, 2026, at 11:59PM.

This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity.

This position is contingent on funding ​

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Senior Manager, Research Equity is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing strategies to meet the equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) goals of the Vice President, Research & International. This includes oversight of the EDI requirements of external research sponsors, including lead responsibility for implementation and ongoing monitoring of the Canada Research Chairs’ Equity Action Plan (EAP).  The incumbent will also work closely with the Chair of the Research Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (REDI) Council to plan, implement and monitor initiatives arising from the Council. 

Reporting to the Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity the incumbent will provide leadership on EDI initiatives, and work with the REDI Council, Office of Research staff, faculty, and other offices/departments including the Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion office, to lead, articulate and effect change in research-related equity through policies, programs and practice. The incumbent is responsible for all EDI initiatives and activities as they relate to the research community.

Key Accountabilities

Lead the strategic direction of the Research Equity portfolio

• Provide leadership and direction in strategic planning activities to advance the research-related EDI goals, working closely with the Vice-President, Research and International, the Chair, Research Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Council, the Associate Vice President, Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion and Director, Equity Office

• Develop strategies and support actions to ensure that proactive employment practices are aimed at attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including increasing the representation of women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and other equity seeking groups

• Drive the strategic direction based on a high-level of understanding of best practices in equity issues and opportunities

• Provide expert counsel to senior administrators, faculty and staff on EDI as it relates to research

• Identify new and significant opportunities for leadership, including educating the research community and pursuing potential new collaborations

• Evaluate current policies, practices and programs and external sponsor EDI requirements to ensure Waterloo meets best practice

Responsible for the planning, implementation, delivery and monitoring of equity-related initiatives across the research enterprise

• Assess, recommend and develop new strategies, initiatives, events and programs to identify and remove systemic barriers to underrepresented groups, promote a culture of equity, and build engagement within the research community

• Responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting annually on the CRC Equity Action Plan, including the design, delivery and analysis of mandated surveys

• Employ Project Management approaches to ensure that equity strategies, events and initiatives are effectively and efficiently managed, including monitoring of information, logistics and progress, and reporting on project deliverables  

• Develop a set of metrics to track, and analyze EDI data related to the research enterprise including nominations for prestigious awards

• Work with the Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion Office to align research equity activities with initiatives of the broader university

• Work with researchers and Office of Research staff to ensure grant applications feature EDI best practices exceeding sponsor requirements and EDI considerations are applied to the research enterprise

• Maintain a strong understanding of the current literature and the legal and legislative frameworks related to EDI, and conducts related research (e.g. literature reviews, needs assessments, data collection and analysis)

Leads the implementation of engagement and outreach strategies for advancing EDI across the research enterprise

• Collaborate and build partnerships with departments across campus to develop joint EDI initiatives as appropriate

• Engage with external organizations to contribute to internationally recognized best practice

• Acts as a key resource to represent research related interests on relevant committees including the Research Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council

• Act as an expert resource to ensure EDI research related issues are disseminated across campus

• Build strong relationships with students, staff and faculty to solicit input on key equity initiatives

Leads, manages, motivates and coaches staff

• Hire, manage and deploy staff to productively meet EDI goals and objectives

• Coach, train and develop employee(s) to assure growth and development

• Conduct Annual Performance Plans with direct report(s), and ensure adherence to Annual Performance Planning and Review process within the department

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree required or equivalent education and experience in related field

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years experience in project management and proven ability to align work priorities and realize strategic goals

• Minimum of 5 years EDI experience; demonstrated understanding of human rights and equity issues; and ability to interpret and communicate human rights and equity concepts

• Minimum of 3 years staff management experience including a track record of performance management with direct reports.

• Experience effecting organizational change, including policy, procedural, practical and behavioural change within the framework of equity

• Experience working with members of a senior leadership team on organization-wide committees and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders

• Experience in collating and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information in order to draft reports, provide briefing materials and recommendations to a range of audiences including senior leadership

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of the concepts of equity, human rights, inclusion, and diversity. Working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and other relevant legislation

• The intellectual acumen and approach that will facilitate credibility and foster trust and strong, productive working relationships

• The professional confidence and communication skills to effectively engage community members on what can often be contentious or delicate issues

• A strong understanding of systemic issues and analysis of the legal and legislative frameworks related to equity and human rights

• A high level of interpersonal skills and the capacity to listen effectively and sensitively to a broad range of diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty and staff members

• The ability to conduct research of superior quality on improving equity at research intensive universities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral for the preparation of reports and making presentations

• Good 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 independently or in a team setting, with diverse individuals

• Strong staff management skills

Equity Statement

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 coordinated 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.