Director of Equity and Community Supports

University of King's College; Halifax; On-site; CAD 97,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of King's College seeks a Director of Equity and Community Supports to enhance its commitment to equity, Indigenization, and community engagement. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership, overseeing a dedicated team, and embedding equity principles into the university's culture and academic mission.

Benefits

Comprehensive group benefits package

Membership in the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in senior roles advancing equity and inclusion.
• Experience in project management and team leadership.
• Deep understanding of equity, anti-racism, and intersectionality.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of an institution-wide EDIA+ strategy.
• Supervise community support team and manage key institutional policies.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to integrate EDIA+ principles.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Community Engagement

Interpersonal Skills

Conflict Resolution

Education

Master’s degree in relevant area

Job description

We know that job descriptions alone rarely reflect the complexity or nuance of a role—especially one as deeply relational and layered as this. That’s why we’ve taken the time to listen first. Through conversations and feedback from students, staff, and faculty, it’s clear that this position holds immense potential to deepen the university’s commitment to equity, community and care.

We’re looking for someone who brings lived experience, strategic systems thinking and a grounded presence. Someone who understands what it means to navigate predominantly white institutions, to lead with both courage and compassion, and to be a connector across silos.

There is meaningful work already happening at King’s—in community supports, in partnership development, and in the efforts of students, staff and faculty who have been showing up for years. This role is about bringing coherence to that work, creating structure where there’s been fragmentation, and helping shape a shared vision that aligns people and priorities.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Mi’kmaq, Indigenous, African Nova Scotian or from other racialized communities. This work is deeply informed by lived experience—and those who have had to navigate exclusion, bias or systemic barriers often bring essential perspective, clarity and purpose to equity leadership. We honour that knowledge and welcome candidates who carry it.

We also recognize that those who take on this kind of work need to be supported—not just expected to hold space for others. King’s is committed to working with the successful candidate to ensure they are resourced, encouraged and connected—not left to do the work in isolation.

About King’s

Established in 1789 and located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), the University of King’s College is Canada’s oldest chartered university. King’s is a small, vibrant and intentionally curious academic community with a long-standing partnership with Dalhousie University.

King’s is nationally known for its commitment to humanities, including the Foundation Year Program, its programs in journalism and creative writing and interdisciplinary studies. The university is committed to advancing equity, reconciliation and accessibility across campus through partnerships, policies and practices that reflect both local and global communities.

This Moment, This Position

This is an important and evolving moment for King’s. The university is reflecting on its history, listening more deeply to its community, and exploring how it can embed equity, inclusion and Indigenization more meaningfully into its academic and cultural life.

There are real opportunities for progress, supported by growing partnerships, engaged students and renewed institutional commitments. At the same time, like many universities, King’s is navigating internal silos, capacity limitations and the need to build more sustainable and coordinated structures of support.

The Director of Equity and Community Supports will play a central role in this work. Not just by managing a portfolio—but by helping shape the way equity is understood and practiced across campus. This role calls for someone who can think strategically, act relationally and bring alignment to community support functions, policy development and institutional learning.

You’ll lead a small and dedicated team—including the Accessibility Officer, Sexual Health & Safety Officer, Indigenous Student Support and Outreach Coordinator and Student Support Advisor—and work in close collaboration with the President, Vice-President (Academic), Chief Enrolment and Student Life Officer, Dean of Students and senior leadership.

This is a space where your lived experience matters. Where your clarity, presence and leadership will contribute to how equity and Indigenization are practiced—not just as commitments, but as everyday realities at King’s.

What You Get To Do

As Director of Equity and Community Supports, you will help move King’s from intention to alignment—shaping how equity, inclusion, Indigenization, accessibility and anti-racism (EDIA+) are embedded into both the day-to-day and long-term vision of the university.

In this role, you will :

• Lead the implementation of an institution-wide EDIA+ strategy , grounded in community insight and aligned with King’s academic mission, student experience and institutional goals
• Supervise and support the community support team , including the Accessibility Officer, Sexual Health & Safety Officer, Indigenous Student Support and Outreach Coordinator and Student Support Advisor—bringing clarity, cohesion and sustainability to their work
• Establish consistent structures for communication and alignment across the community support portfolio, creating a shared sense of direction and mutual support
• Review and update key institutional policies , such as the “yellow book,” Code of Conduct, and Equity Policy, with attention to accessibility, trauma-informed practice and procedural fairness
• Create and oversee the operation and optimal functioning of complaint processes , ensuring clarity, accessibility and fairness for all community members
• Be a visible, trusted and grounded presence across campus —attending events, building faculty relationships, showing up in moments of celebration and concern
• Support the advancement of Indigenization as a distinct but connected priority—building relationships, supporting culturally relevant programming and creating space for Indigenous knowledge systems within the university
• Collaborate with academic leadership , including the VP Academic, academic programs and faculty members, to help integrate EDIA+ principles into curriculum development and program planning
• Work with HR and hiring managers to support equitable and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and professional development practices
• Develop and deliver (or coordinate) EDIA-focused learning opportunities , including training for faculty, staff and student leaders
• Coordinate with student government, support staff and frontline teams to strengthen consistency, clarity and shared values in service to students
• Represent King’s in institutional and community partnerships , including relationships with Mi’kmaq (through the King’s Mawaknutma’tnej Circle) and African Nova Scotian organizations, (including the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia and the PREP Academy), Scarborough Charter processes and other sector-wide initiatives
• Support the development of tracking tools and metrics to assess and communicate the impact of EDIA+ work in meaningful, transparent ways
• Contribute to institutional planning as a member of the senior leadership team , ensuring EDIA+ values are reflected in strategic decisions, policies and cultural direction

What You Bring

We recognize that no single candidate will embody every qualification, and we welcome those who bring a mix of lived experience, strategic thinking and values-driven leadership.

Here’s what will help someone thrive in this role :

• A master’s degree in a relevant area of study is preferred; however, we also welcome candidates who bring a strong combination of formal education and deep, relevant experience—particularly in areas such as human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion. Significant experience in project management, staff leadership and / or community engagement will also be considered
• A deep understanding of equity, anti-racism, Indigenization, accessibility and intersectionality—and how identity, power and oppression shape institutional life
• At least 5 years in senior or progressive roles advancing equity, human services or inclusion—ideally with experience in team leadership and change management
• A grounded, relational leadership style—visible, emotionally aware and steady in complexity, with clarity around your values, boundaries and leadership identity
• Experience working in or alongside post-secondary systems, and confidence engaging faculty, senior leadership and academic programs
• Experience leading and supporting change in institutions where equity work has been slow, fragmented or met with resistance
• Strong people and team leadership skills—including supporting staff doing emotionally demanding or frontline work
• Experience modernizing and developing policy, with attention to trauma-informed practices, accessibility and procedural fairness
• A track record of facilitating learning, training or dialogue around equity, inclusion and community wellbeing
• Excellent interpersonal, listening and conflict-resolution skills—especially when navigating diverse needs or competing priorities
• Ability to collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, and translate findings into clear recommendations, strategies or reports
• Awareness of equity-related legislation and local support systems—especially in a Nova Scotia context

What to Expect with P4G (King’s Recruitment Partner)

Placemaking 4G (P4G) is a Social Enterprise Community Interest Company (CIC) in Nova Scotia dedicated to human-centred recruiting and fostering inclusive workplaces. We connect purpose-driven organizations with talent that aligns with their mission, creating spaces where people feel valued and supported.

• We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
• If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
• Finalists will participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in person).
• P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.

We’re also committed to accommodating your access needs. This may include (but isn’t limited to) :

• Receiving questions or interview prompts in advance
• Offering extended time or breaks between interview sections
• Meeting via your preferred video or phone platform
• Using plain language or offering additional context
• Scheduling interviews around wellness needs, caregiving, or prayer times

If you require accommodations at any stage, we’ll work with you to meet your needs.

The Package

Salary : $97,758 to $107,798 (Based on education, skills and experience)

Benefits : A comprehensive group benefits package is offered including membership in the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP).

How to Apply

P4G is leading this search on behalf of King’s. We believe in relational hiring and a human-centered process. If you’re curious, even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to reach out.

Apply now by CLICKING HERE.

Applications are encouraged by June 23, 2025 , but will be accepted until the position is filled.

We recognize that equity work is often born from lived experience. If you come from a historically marginalized community, we see the additional weight this work can carry. We are committed to ensuring that the process honours that, and that the role is supported accordingly.