Manager, Human Rights - Toronto District School Board

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Human Rights System Lead, the Manager, Human Rights, is responsible for managing the daily operations of designated areas within the Human Rights Office (HRO). This includes overseeing human rights case management including complaint investigations and advancing human rights organizational change. The Manager will also provide support in developing, and implementing policies, and providing training to promote human rights and compliance across the TDSB.

Summary of Duties

• Manage the daily operations of the Human Rights Office, including developing and implementing operational plans, overseeing case management, supporting change initiatives, and development and delivery of training and educational programs to build capacity of administrators and business managers to address human rights issues and complaints.
• Manage the impartial resolution of human rights and Code-based workplace harassment concerns and complaints
• Provide strategic advice to the Human Rights System Lead and the Board to support strategic planning, allocation, and delivery of human rights services that promote and advance human rights
• Advise Senior Officials and other stakeholders on matters related to the Human Rights Policy, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and related legislation and best practices.
• Manage cases including complex investigations of human rights and Code-based workplace harassment complaints, ensuring confidentiality, sensitivity, and informed by best practices.
• Lead the development of investigation reports, manage external investigators, and timely case resolution
• Advise on the review and development of human rights and workplace harassment prevention-related policies, procedures, and complaint handling processes and practices, ensuring alignment with legal standards and industry best practices.
• Support the design and delivery of educational programs to enhance understanding of human rights policies, accommodations, and related practices.
• Provide leadership and supervision to Human Rights staff, including planning, professional learning, coaching, training, and performance reviews.
• Promote early intervention and dispute resolution through information sessions, facilitation, and mediation, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.
• Provide impartial interpretation, advice and recommended action/strategies to Senior Officials, Principals, Managers, Supervisors, and the Board in matters related to human rights, Code-based workplace harassment, religious accommodation and other related matters.
• Act as a liaison between the Board and external legal or consulting firms, and engage unions, federations, and associations in resolving complaints.
• Analyze human rights and workplace harassment trends through research and data analysis, developing effective strategies to address systemic human rights; establish service standards and inform decision-making to optimize operations.
• Prepare and present reports, briefing notes, and recommendations to the Human Rights System Lead, senior leaders, Principals, managers, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and participate in relevant meetings.
• Manage the budget, overseeing expenditure review, financial planning, and vendor contracts.
• Manage the implementation and monitoring of the Human Rights Policy and related procedures and support the development of resources, guides and communication strategies.
• Provide confidential, strategic advice on human rights issues, including Duty to Accommodate inquiries, and promote compliance with applicable laws and Board policies.
• Provide leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field (e.g., Human Rights, , Human Resources, Labour Relations) with seven years of progressively responsible related experience in a human rights/legal environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification or additional formal training in human rights, mediation, dispute resolution, restorative processes, and facilitation.
• In-depth understanding and experience applying human rights and workplace harassment prevention legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, Education Act, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Occupational Health, and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working to proactively manage, monitor, evaluate and advance organizational human rights initiatives.
• Significant experience with the development of policies, procedures, and practices to advance human rights and equity.
• Proven ability to conduct research and data analysis to identify human rights issues, assess compliance, and develop effective intervention or remediation strategies.
• Extensive experience managing human rights and equity issues, resolving human rights and Code-based workplace harassment complaints, and handling complex investigations.
• Highly developed facilitation and mediation skills, with a track record of successfully navigating sensitive and contentious issues.
• Experience handling highly sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment, sensitivity, and discretion.
• Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting marginalized groups and working with diverse communities in an anti-oppressive/anti-racist, culturally relevant and responsive manner.
• Proven ability to design and facilitate training, educational and capacity building programs and initiatives.
• Ability to assimilate, analyse, interpret, and communicate complex legal information.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of related TDSB policies, procedures etc (e.g., Human Rights Policy and Procedures, non-Code Workplace Harassment Policy and Procedures, Guidelines and Procedures for the Accommodation of Religious, Practices and Observances, Collective Agreements, TDSB policies and administrative procedures, etc).
• Proven managerial experience with strong leadership, coaching and team building skills.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook databases, presentation packages, Adobe suite, case management software, HR/Payroll systems, internet; and
• Experience managing budgets and tracking expenditures.

Special Requirements

• Provision of own vehicle for Board business; and
• Requires regular travel across the TDSB.