Black Student Graduation Coach (Excellence Coach) - Temporary Position

York Catholic District School Board; Aurora; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in York Region seeks a Temporary Black Student Graduation Coach to promote equity and improve the academic achievement of Black students. Responsibilities include collaborating with staff to identify barriers, creating supportive environments, and facilitating access to resources. A university degree in a related field and experience in anti-oppression practices are required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of professional experience in a related field.
• Experience in anti-oppression and anti-black racism pedagogies.
• Ability to identify individual and systemic barriers.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with school staff to identify and support Black students.
• Create a welcoming environment for Black students.
• Facilitate access to academic and career resources.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Advocacy

Cultural competence

Ability to speak French

Education

University degree in Human Rights or related field

Job description

Temporary Black Student Graduation Coach (Excellence Coach)

Exempt Level 5 ($39.72 - $51.09 per hour)

35 hours per week

Position Summary

Under the direction of the school principal, the Black Student Graduation Coach (BSGC) will promote equity and human rights to foster change across the education system. The BSGC will support systemic changes and help remove barriers within classrooms and school communities so as to have a positive impact on student success, post‑secondary pathways, and overall well‑being. The BSGC will work in collaboration with the Inclusive and Inviting Superintendent and Area School Superintendent(s), and other members of the senior administrative team to provide comprehensive, culturally responsive support to the system so as to promote the well‑being and academic achievement and enhance post‑secondary pathways for Black Students. This work will inform future activities to further promote the excellence of Black Students in publicly‑funded Catholic education in York Region.

Duties

• Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, families, system staff and community resources to identify systemic barriers and recommend meaningful solutions to support engagement, well‑being and academic achievement of Black students.
• Build a welcoming environment in the school for all Black students, including building a sense of belonging and security for participating students through relationship building and providing customized, personalized support.
• Create opportunities and access to resources that connect to their cultural heritage and identities and facilitate opportunities for them to identify personal interests, strengths, needs and aspirations.
• Facilitate access to academic support and career planning.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree or post‑secondary education with a focus on Human Rights, Public Administration, K‑12 education, Social Work, or related discipline.
• Proven professional experience, minimum of 1 year in a related field as determined by the Board.
• Comprehensive first‑hand experience in anti‑oppression and anti‑black racism pedagogies within publicly‑funded education, including managing complex human rights, equity issues and promoting equitable and inclusionary practices within a unionized environment organization that delivers education or related services to clients.
• Life experience deeply rooted in local Black communities.
• Ability to identify individual and systemic barriers and intervention points.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization including external partners.
• Ability to be an advocate for students.
• Strong verbal, written, dispute resolution, facilitation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to speak French and/or other languages considered an asset.

Interested applicants may apply until the close of business on November 19, 2025.

Commitment to Equity

YCDSB is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering equity and promoting an inclusive workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We are dedicated to building an environment that supports and values the inherent worth of every person in the workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, Indigenous Peoples, Black individuals, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, women, historically underrepresented groups, and people with visible and non‑visible disabilities, all of whom bring a wide range of perspectives, lived experiences, and ideas that enhance our learning and working environment.

Accessibility

The Board is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), if you require code‑protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact prior to the posting closing date so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

Diversity and Inclusion

Aligned with the YCDSB’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce, we encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the communities we serve, including but not limited to those who identify as members of equity‑seeking groups protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Sharing this information is voluntary, and any details provided will be kept confidential.

Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC)

As a condition of employment with the York Catholic District School Board, successful candidates will be required to submit an Enhanced Police Information Check (E‑PIC) through Sterling Backcheck prior to commencing employment with the Board (valid if issued within the last 12 months).

Mission Statement

With Jesus Christ as our model, we provide all students with a Catholic education rooted in equity, well‑being and learning.

Vision Statement

A recognized leader in Catholic education committed to inclusion, excellence and innovation that develops socially responsible global citizens.

Catholic Education Centre

320 Bloomington Road West, Aurora, Ontario L4G 0M1 - [phone]

John De Faveri
Director of Education, Foundation Chair and Secretary of the Board