Friends of Ruby
Director – Organizational Culture and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility (IDEA)
Location: Toronto (Hybrid)
We acknowledge that the land Friends of Ruby is on today has been the traditional territories of many sovereign nations and peoples, including the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We understand that Tkaronto (often referred to as Toronto) is subject to the Dish with One Spoon treaty and that we as people occupying this land are living within this treaty. We acknowledge that we all have our own unique journeys which brought us to this land, and we invite you to reflect on your own personal journey that brought you to this land. We acknowledge that those of us who are settlers are here on this land today as we continue to benefit from the injustices of our past. We recognize that Tkaronto continues to be home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful for the chance to live and work on this land. As an organization dedicated specifically to the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth we must also acknowledge all the Two-Spirit and Indigequeer folks who have come before us and paved the way for this kind of work, as well as those who continue to live and work on this land.
Friends of Ruby (FoR) is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29, through mental health services, social services, and housing. FoR offers a Youth Drop-In Centre, Youth Mental Health services, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, along with case management, and serves as a drop-in space offering hot meals, a sense of community, and comprehensive programming. The Home offers transitional and emergency housing, along with mental health and life-skills support to aid youth moving towards independent living.
FoR recognizes that a diverse workforce is critical to accomplishing their mission, aiming to cultivate an environment rich in varied perspectives and experiences. It is within this context that FoR invites nominations and applications for the role of Director – Organizational Culture and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility (IDEA), a position poised to have an indelible impact on the future of the organization.
In collaboration with the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and the FoR Leadership Team, the Director, Organizational Culture and IDEA will lead the development, management, implementation, and evaluation of best practices and strategic initiatives related to organizational culture and IDEA. This includes collaborating with various departments to explore opportunities for expanding, enhancing, or modifying operations, programs and services to integrate organizational values, approaches, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) principles to all our practices, addressing emerging issues for equity-deserving youth and staff. The Director will focus on managing workplans, budgets, funding opportunities, policy development, and organizational training for the function, while ensuring alignment with FoR’s mission, vision, and values. Additionally, they will drive internal communications and lead change processes in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational culture and IDEA initiatives across the organization.
Qualifications
Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to advancing reconciliation and IDEA in all its forms and must believe, intrinsically, in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibility. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the Friends of Ruby environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role: A) 5+ years of professional experience in organizational culture and/or human resources, with dedicated experience developing and implementing IDEA training, practices and/or programs; B) strong understanding of IDEA, intersectionality, ARAO concepts, trauma informed care and cultural safety (both formal and informal experience leading IDEA change is preferred), C) 3+ years of experience in a senior leadership role successfully managing change, multiple portfolios and/or projects and a diverse team and; D) Experience working within one or more of these fields: 2SLGBTQAI+, Youth, Mental Health, Housing is an asset.
How to Apply
Friends of Ruby recognizes that Black 2SLGBTQIA+ youth face racism in all aspects of their lives. As an organization they are committed to change this reality, standing in support with the Black Community to remove systemic barriers and prioritizing the well-being and mental health of their Black 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. They recognize that combating anti-Black racism is a lifelong, active process that requires ongoing commitment. Applicants from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, BIPOC communities, and other diverse backgrounds who meet the role’s qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.
Friends of Ruby is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to further diversify the candidate pool. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.
In accordance with the AODA Act, for applicants living with a disability accommodation will be provided throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Urmilla Mahabirsingh aware by emailing umahabirsingh@bipocsearch.com.
We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
