Senior Manager, Research Equity

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Job Requisition ID:
2026-02743

Time Type:
Full time
Employee Group:
Staff
Job Category:
Research and Program Support
Employment Type:
Temporary
Department:
Office of the Vice-President, Research and International - Funding Agencies and Non-Profit Sponsors I
Hiring Range:
$95,538.29 - $119,422.87
Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Term: 2 years
The 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 funding ​

Job Description:
Primary Purpose

The 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 Accountabilities

 
Lead the strategic direction of the Research Equity portfolio
Provide 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 Office

Develop 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 groups

Drive the strategic direction based on a high-level of understanding of best practices in equity issues and opportunities

Provide expert counsel to senior administrators, faculty and staff on EDI as it relates to research

Identify new and significant opportunities for leadership, including educating the research community and pursuing potential new collaborations

Evaluate current policies, practices and programs and external sponsor EDI requirements to ensure Waterloo meets best practice

Responsible for the planning, implementation, delivery and monitoring of equity-related initiatives across the research enterprise
Assess, 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 community

Responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting annually on the CRC Equity Action Plan, including the design, delivery and analysis of mandated surveys

Employ 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 deliverables

Develop a set of metrics to track, and analyze EDI data related to the research enterprise including nominations for prestigious awards

Work with the Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion Office to align research equity activities with initiatives of the broader university

Work 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 enterprise

Maintain 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 enterprise
Collaborate and build partnerships with departments across campus to develop joint EDI initiatives as appropriate

Engage with external organizations to contribute to internationally recognized best practice

Acts as a key resource to represent research related interests on relevant committees including the Research Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council

Act as an expert resource to ensure EDI research related issues are disseminated across campus

Build strong relationships with students, staff and faculty to solicit input on key equity initiatives

Leads, manages, motivates and coaches staff
Hire, manage and deploy staff to productively meet EDI goals and objectives

Coach, train and develop employee(s) to assure growth and development

Conduct Annual Performance Plans with direct report(s), and ensure adherence to Annual Performance Planning and Review process within the department

Required Qualifications

 
Education
Master’s degree required or equivalent education and experience in related field

Experience
Minimum of 5 years experience in project management and proven ability to align work priorities and realize strategic goals

Minimum of 5 years EDI experience; demonstrated understanding of human rights and equity issues; and ability to interpret and communicate human rights and equity concepts

Minimum 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 equity

Experience working with members of a senior leadership team on organization-wide committees and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders

Experience 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 leadership

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Demonstrated 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 legislation

The intellectual acumen and approach that will facilitate credibility and foster trust and strong, productive working relationships

The professional confidence and communication skills to effectively engage community members on what can often be contentious or delicate issues

A strong understanding of systemic issues and analysis of the legal and legislative frameworks related to equity and human rights

A 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 members

The ability to conduct research of superior quality on improving equity at research intensive universities

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral for the preparation of reports and making presentations

Good facilitation skills to lead groups to productive outcomes

Excellent organizational and project management skills

Ability to work on confidential and sensitive matters with tact and discretion

Ability to manage challenging conversations with stakeholders

Ability to work independently or in a team setting, with diverse individuals

Strong staff management skills

Equity Statement

The 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  or View phone number on jobs-ca.com.