Program Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA)

Job Category: Leadership Hospital Location: Newmarket ON Job Type: Permanent, Full time Number of Positions: 1 Minimum - Maximum Hourly Rate: $57.51 - $68.36

Why Join Our Team?

• A people-first workplace environment that prioritizes belonging, wellness, and psychological safety.

• Hybrid, virtual, and in-person working environment (where applicable).

• Progressive health and dental benefit plans.

• HOOPP pension plan with employer and employee premium sharing.

• Enhanced wellness initiatives, including virtual fitness classes and on-site gym memberships.

If you are ready to embrace this exciting challenge and contribute to the success of Southlake Health, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dedicated team, making a difference in the lives of our employees and the community we serve!

Join us at Southlake Health, where belonging, respect, relationship focused care, and driving an inclusive people-first culture grounds us in everything we do

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, action oriented Diversity Equity Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Program Manager to champion inclusive workplace practices that create a positive, welcoming experience for staff and community, and lead the implementation of an integrated Employee Resource Group (ERG) and Equity Council program.

Reporting to the Director of People Culture and Experience (PCEx), the DEIA Program Manager will be a key position integrated within the broader PCEx leadership team to drive organizational effectiveness and well-being through strategic partnerships that will directly influence a culturally inclusive experience.

Why this role matters

• Be a visible champion advancing equity, cultural safety, and inclusion across the organization.
• Influence organizational culture by translating DEIA priorities into sustainable actions, practices, and systems-level change.
• Build and sustain ERGs and an Equity Council that amplify diverse voices, foster belonging, and inform organizational decision-making.

What you’ll be doing

• In collaboration with the Director, PCEx, lead the implementation and integration of organizational DEIA strategies that prioritize our people and influence a workplace culture of belonging.
• Co-design, launch, and oversee an integrated ERG and Equity Council program, including charters, governance, resourcing, training, and evaluation to ensure meaningful employee engagement and impact.
• Coordinate and support the DEIA Advisory Committee (agenda setting, tracking recommendations, monitoring progress, escalating risks).
• Advise leaders on equity, anti-racism, accessibility, and inclusive practices in order to embed sustainable culture and organizational change.
• Design, implement, and evaluate organization-wide DEIA, anti-racism, accessibility, and cultural safety education aligned with evidence-informed practices and organizational priorities.
• Provide guidance on inclusive language, representation, educational materials, and culturally competent practices.
• Advance equity-seeking community commitments including Anti-Black Racism and Indigenous health and reconciliation through partnerships, culturally supportive practices, staff education, and alignment with regional/provincial strategies.
• Collaborate with clinical, academic, and support leaders to embed culturally supportive practices into program planning, service design, and delivery.
• Sustain and grow partnerships with community representatives and external organizations. Work with corporate partners to integrate DEIA principles into workforce policies, procedures, and standards.
• Analyze and synthesize relevant metrics and program data to evaluate and communicate the impact of initiatives.
• Prepare reports and dashboards for leadership and interested groups, while proactively contributing insights for decision-making and program improvements.

What you’ll bring

• Successful completion of post-secondary education in a related field from an accredited educational institution, preferably in social justice, education, sociology, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5)+ years of related experience integrating DEIA initiatives and practices, preferably within a broader public sector or healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing ERG or council programs, and facilitating cross-sector collaboration preferred.
• Experience using qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate DEIA initiatives and inform continuous improvement strategies.
• Experience facilitating group discussions and courageous conversations, with demonstrated ability to navigate complex, sensitive, and potentially high-conflict situations in a constructive manner.
• Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and engage effectively with differing perspectives, particularly in the context of equity and inclusion work.
• Lived experience and demonstrated knowledge of Northern York Region and Southern Simcoe County communities strongly preferred.

Southlake Health is fully committed to a culture of belonging and an inclusive environment that encourages every team member to lead within their role, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission and goal to create a healthy workplace where our community can thrive.

Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position.

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants who may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify the Human Resources Department when contacted for an interview. The People, Culture and Experience team will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process, which will enable you to be assessed fairly and equitably.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We prioritize a people-first workplace culture which emphasizes equity and inclusion throughout our hiring process. To ensure fairness and transparency, all applications are reviewed and assessed by our dedicated team of recruiters and hiring managers, not by artificial intelligence (AI). We value the unique perspective each candidate brings to our organization.

Health & Safety Workplace Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all Southlake Health employees to work safely and promote health and safety in the workplace. Employees must adhere to the duties of workers, as stipulated in Section 28 of the OH&S Act, as well as all Southlake OH&S policies and procedures. Must be able to perform all necessary bona fide duties for the position, as outlined in the position guide. Must review and be capable of performing duties as outlined in the Job Demands Analysis for the position as a condition of offer. Proven ability to attend work regularly as per the Attendance Support Policy.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Southlake Health is fully dedicated to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices. We welcome candidates who identify with equity-seeking groups, including women, racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Any information provided will be kept confidential and used appropriately in our recruitment process.

Anti-Oppression/Anti-Racism at Southlake Health

Southlake Health is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of York Region and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and from those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your submission. We appreciate your interest in joining Southlake Health!