Our Mission: To Improve the Lives of Animals.
Job Summary
The Manager, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is responsible for leading the development and implementation of Toronto Humane Society’s DEI strategy, programs, and initiatives. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this position plays a key leadership role in embedding equity and inclusion across the organization’s policies, practices, culture, and community impact. The Manager will work collaboratively across the organization to advance system-level equity, build inclusive practices, support reconciliation efforts, and contribute to meaningful, sustained culture change. This includes leading research-informed initiatives, embedding accountability into practice, and facilitating spaces for learning, unlearning, and collective growth. Please note this role does not have any direct supervisory responsibilities.
Job Duties
DEI Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of a multi-year DEI strategy aligned with organizational goals and values in collaboration with the Chief People Officer.
- Advise the senior leadership team and department heads on DEI matters and the integration of equity principles into strategic planning, operations, and governance.
- Serve as a visible and accessible DEI leader, fostering trust and accountability across the organization.
- Design and oversee DEI programs, initiatives, and resources, including internal workshops, community engagement initiatives, and heritage/monthly recognition activities.
- Lead the development of a DEI communication strategy to ensure transparency, awareness, and engagement across the organization.
- Develop and implement a framework for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on DEI metrics and progress.
- Support the development of a culture of continuous improvement through creating programs that are engaging, effective, and meet the goals of the organization.
- Conduct reviews and audits of organizational policies, practices, and systems to identify and address systemic barriers to inclusion.
- Collaborate with the People & Culture team to embed equity and accessibility principles into the full employee life cycle, including recruitment, performance, and retention practices.
- Act as the primary point of contact for staff and leaders on DEI-related concerns, providing guidance, resources, and coaching.
- Contribute to cross-departmental projects and support the People & Culture team on initiatives that align with the organization’s DEI and wellness objectives.
- Participate in and support organizational initiatives such as employee engagement, mental health, and inclusive workplace practices.
- Monitor and incorporate emerging DEI trends and research, particularly those relevant to the animal welfare, sheltering, and veterinary care sectors.
- Contribute to sectoral thought leadership by participating in DEI networks, sharing organizational learnings, and co-developing sector-specific resources.
- Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Equity Studies, Anti-Oppression, Social Justice, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in DEI, organizational development, human rights, or related fields, with demonstrated leadership responsibilities. Experience with not-for-profit organizations preferred.
- Or an equivalent combination of education, professional expertise, and lived experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
- Strong understanding of DEI frameworks and principles including anti-racism, anti-oppression, trauma-informed care, intersectionality, accessibility, and equity principles and their application within organizational settings.
- Proven experience developing and implementing a DEI plan that aligns with an organization’s strategic priorities and is grounded in research, current state analysis, and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to engage in constructive disruption — or “good trouble” — by challenging inequitable systems and practices with courage, integrity, and purpose.
- Proven ability to lead and manage change, with experience facilitating equity-focused projects and initiatives.
- Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills with the ability to foster dialogue across lines of difference.
- Skilled in developing and delivering training.
- Highly organized, self-directed, and resourceful; capable of managing multiple complex projects with competing priorities.
- High degree of emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and discretion in handling sensitive information and conversations.
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite and other collaboration tools; familiarity with survey software and data analysis is an asset.
- Opportunity to work remote occasionally, 2-3 days a week in office required.
- May be required to work long hours.
- Interaction with employees, management and the public.
- Working in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions.
- Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, temperature and noise extremes, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate people.
At Toronto Humane Society, we value diverse perspectives and recognize that a great candidate may not check every box. If you're passionate about animal welfare and believe you have the potential to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you may not meet every listed qualification. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are committed to providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Toronto Humane Society is committed to building and sustaining a diverse and equitable workplace where people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, respected, and welcome. We recognize that a diverse and empowered workforce helps us better serve our animals, clients, and community and contributes to Toronto Humane Society’s overall growth and success. Therefore, we strongly encourage qualified applications from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups within the animal welfare sector, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrant, 2S/LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
Accommodation Needs
Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.
Use of AI in Recruitment
To streamline our hiring process, we utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage and organize applications. While the ATS aids in efficiency, the core evaluation of candidates is carried out by our human resources team. This approach ensures a personalized review that allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant's unique skills and potential.
Next Steps
We thank all applicants for their interest in Toronto Humane Society, however due to the high number of applications we receive, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.
Report job
