Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Company Overview

Who We Are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts work

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment     
• Paid operational shutdown in December, with flexibility of days being used at alternative times during the year
• Group Insurance Benefits
• Employer matched RRSP
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion develops and implements plans that builds an atmosphere of belonging and ensures that EDI concepts and practices are adopted and centered throughout the organization.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:
•    In collaboration with Human Resources, lead the development and implementation of a multi-year EDI strategy aimed at fostering an anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
•    Establish measurable goals and outcomes focused on supporting 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Black, People of Colour, and other marginalized communities, and translate this strategy into actionable annual plans.
Advisory Role:
•    Serve as a resource and coach for organizational leaders on EDI best practices, culture, and programs.
•    Advise on communication and audience engagement strategies, identifying cultural connections and outreach opportunities.
•    Advise the marketing, audience development and publicity teams on the communication and audience engagement plans as needed, specifically identifying cultural connections, potential markets and providing links to community leaders and influencers.
Programming and Facilitation:
•    Collaborate with programming teams to ensure respectful representation and prioritization of vulnerable communities.
•    Plan and facilitate EDI workshops, training sessions, and conflict resolution support.
•    Advise the Directors Office team on the support (i.e. consultants, training, etc.) needed to successfully achieve programming plans, including respectful representation, prioritizing of vulnerable persons.
•    Representation during pre-rehearsal orientation.
Accessibility:
•    Ensure compliance with AODA standards and promote initiatives that enhance accessibility for all audiences.
•    Partner with disability access organizations to improve attendance at accessible performances.
Community Engagement:
•    Support and organize affinity spaces to foster belonging among underrepresented staff and artists.
•    Document the outcomes of these groups and share insights with the organization.
•    Build partnerships with local and regional organizations to extend the culture of belonging.
•    Collaborate with the Education team, and schools partnership to support associated programming.
Communications:
•    Draft quarterly EDI reports for the Executive Director’s updates and prepare regular newsletters to raise awareness of EDI initiatives.
•    Maintain and update the organization's land acknowledgment and respond to EDI-related patron inquiries.
•    The EDI Director is responsible for content in patron facing materials from publications to website. 
HR and Recruitment:
•    Advise on inclusive recruitment practices and contribute to bias reduction in hiring processes.
•    Support the development of HR policies that reflect EDI commitments.
Measurement and Accountability:
•    Develop and track organization-wide EDI metrics, conducting analyses to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Fundraising:
•    Identify opportunities for EDI initiatives that can be incorporated into a case for support for incremental funding. Work with Festival colleagues in administration, advancement and marketing on preparing and reporting on funding submissions.
Organizational Support:
•    Establish and lead the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Committee to guide EDI implementation across the Festival.
Health & Safety Compliance:
•    Ensure adherence to health and safety protocols, supporting a safe workplace for all.
Other Duties:
•    Perform additional duties as assigned to support the organization's EDI goals.

Qualifications:
•    University undergraduate degree (four year program) or equivalent (i.e. BA, BSc, BComm, etc) in EDI, Psychology, Education, Humanities, Theatre, Social work or other related fields regarding collaborative work with individuals, communities or organizations.
•    8 to 10 years of related experience.
•    Previous experience(s) leading Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, with a specific focus on strategy development. 
•    Previous experience managing conflict resolutions within an organizational setting.
•    Recent experience (within 5 years) in leading the delivery of a suite of programs in people management and/or in EDI. 
•    Recent experience (within 5 years) in analyzing, managing, and providing strategic advice to a Senior Management Team. 
•    Recent experience (within 5 years) in collaborating and maintaining cooperative partnerships in the implementation of a program. 
•    Exceptional ability to actively listen and address the individual needs of a situation.
•    High level verbal and writing skills are highly preferred.
•    Experience in leading and managing major organizational change and transformation. 
•    Strong networks of educators, facilitators and consultants with experience in anti-racism and equity work. 
•    Lived experience as a self-identified member of an equity-seeking group is valued.
•    Compelling spokesperson adept at advising, counseling and assisting in solving human interaction issues.
•    Experience with in-depth assignments with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Behavioural Competencies:
•    Adaptability / Agility: seamlessly adjust to changes in environment or situation; readily learn alternative approaches and methods
•    Commercial awareness: understand how the business makes money, what customers want and what challenges there are in the industry
•    Leadership: successfully guide others to maximize their capabilities to achieve a collective goal; help them to succeed and thrive
•    Conflict Resolution: skillfully resolve disputes or disagreements in a fair and equitable manner.
•    Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions