Senior Manager, Research Equity

University-of-Waterlo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 96,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo seeks a Senior Manager, Research Equity to lead the equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) initiatives within the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International.

You will work with the REDI Council, research staff, faculty and offices to implement policies and programs that remove systemic barriers and enhance representation across the research enterprise. This is a two-year term with potential for extension based on funding.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of project management and EDI experience.
• Experience working with senior leadership on governance and committees.
• Knowledge of equity, human rights, and inclusion concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction of the Research Equity portfolio.
• Develop strategies to advance research-related EDI goals.
• Provide expert counsel on EDI to senior administrators and faculty.
• Plan, implement, monitor CRC Equity Action Plan.
• Manage staff and deploy resources to meet EDI goals.
• Collaborate with departments to develop joint EDI initiatives.

Skills

EDI leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Policy development

Project management

Staff coaching

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.Learn more about our recruitment process.Job Requisition ID:2026-02743Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:Research and Program SupportEmployment Type:TemporaryDepartment:Office of the Vice-President, Research and International - Funding Agencies and Non-Profit Sponsors IHiring Range:$95,538.29 - $119,422.87Posting Information:This posting is for an existing vacancy.Term: 2 yearsThe 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 fundingJob Description:Primary PurposeThe 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 AccountabilitiesLead the strategic direction of the Research Equity portfolioProvide 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 OfficeDevelop 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 groupsDrive the strategic direction based on a high-level of understanding of best practices in equity issues and opportunitiesProvide expert counsel to senior administrators, faculty and staff on EDI as it relates to researchIdentify new and significant opportunities for leadership, including educating the research community and pursuing potential new collaborationsEvaluate current policies, practices and programs and external sponsor EDI requirements to ensure Waterloo meets best practiceResponsible for the planning, implementation, delivery and monitoring of equity-related initiatives across the research enterpriseAssess, 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 communityResponsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting annually on the CRC Equity Action Plan, including the design, delivery and analysis of mandated surveysEmploy 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 deliverablesDevelop a set of metrics to track, and analyze EDI data related to the research enterprise including nominations for prestigious awardsWork with the Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion Office to align research equity activities with initiatives of the broader universityWork 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 enterpriseMaintain 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 enterpriseCollaborate and build partnerships with departments across campus to develop joint EDI initiatives as appropriateEngage with external organizations to contribute to internationally recognized best practiceActs as a key resource to represent research related interests on relevant committees including the Research Equity, Diversity and Inclusion CouncilAct as an expert resource to ensure EDI research related issues are disseminated across campusBuild strong relationships with students, staff and faculty to solicit input on key equity initiativesLeads, manages, motivates and coaches staffHire, manage and deploy staff to productively meet EDI goals and objectivesCoach, train and develop employee(s) to assure growth and developmentConduct Annual Performance Plans with direct report(s), and ensure adherence to Annual Performance Planning and Review process within the departmentRequired QualificationsEducationMaster’s degree required or equivalent education and experience in related fieldExperienceMinimum of 5 years experience in project management and proven ability to align work priorities and realize strategic goalsMinimum of 5 years EDI experience; demonstrated understanding of human rights and equity issues; and ability to interpret and communicate human rights and equity conceptsMinimum 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 equityExperience working with members of a senior leadership team on organization-wide committees and collaboratively with multiple stakeholdersExperience 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 leadershipKnowledge/Skills/AbilitiesDemonstrated 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 legislationThe intellectual acumen and approach that will facilitate credibility and foster trust and strong, productive working relationshipsThe professional confidence and communication skills to effectively engage community members on what can often be contentious or delicate issuesA strong understanding of systemic issues and analysis of the legal and legislative frameworks related to equity and human rightsA 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 membersThe ability to conduct research of superior quality on improving equity at research intensive universitiesExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral for the preparation of reports and making presentationsGood facilitation skills to lead groups to productive outcomesExcellent organizational and project management skillsAbility to work on confidential and sensitive matters with tact and discretionAbility to manage challenging conversations with stakeholdersAbility to work independently or in a team setting, with diverse individualsStrong staff management skillsEquity StatementThe 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 [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.