Director, Human Rights Office

Location: Ottawa, ON

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Posting Reason

Replacement of a regular position

Job Type

Employee

Job Family

Student and Campus Support

Faculty/Service - Department

Office of the Secretary General

Campus

Main Campus

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD)

2026/10/15

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD)

2026/10/26

Salary Grade

Non-Union Grade NM5

Salary Range

$161 546,00 - $201 932,00

Position purpose

Under the direction of the Secretary-General, acts as the University’s senior adviser, expert, and leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ensures that complaints are processed and that the University policy on student rights and responsible conduct is properly managed. Promotes and maintains a healthy and safe learning environment and an equitable and inclusive workplace. Leverages their expertise and leadership skills to ensure that the University meets its goals in these fields and responds appropriately to various issues.

Ensures that the University complies with all current federal and provincial legislation, designs new regulations and procedures, offers expert advice when conflicts arise, and adds to the training and continuing education of members of the University community.

In this role, your responsibilities will include

Provides strategic and operational guidance to senior management and University leaders to assist them in taking decisions on issues related to equity and inclusion, particularly in terms of preserving employment equity and preventing harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence, to ensure that the University is well-positioned on these issues.

Guides the strategic planning and development of activities related to equity, inclusion, and the prevention of harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence at the University (including regulations, procedures, and practices) in order to foster an inclusive organizational culture and environment that benefits the entire University community (professors, support staff, students, and visitors).

Provides advice and expertise to the entire University community (professors, students, support staff) in cases of complaints or conflict, analyzes complex situations, manages complaints, writes reports that comply with applicable laws, and issues recommendations to resolve complaints or conflicts, or proposes other resources.

Directs the review of current regulations to ensure that they comply with current legislation, and changes or elaborates regulations and procedures as required.

What you will bring

University education in law (LLL, LLB, or JD) in combination with a master’s degree or certification.

Over 10 years’ work experience in the field of human rights and/or labour law.

Certification or experience in mediation and other dispute resolution methods.

Over 10 years’ direct and intensive experience in conflict resolution, including active listening, mediation, and crisis intervention.

Appreciable experience (10 years’) in investigatory techniques and in investigating and processing highly confidential, complex complaints involving harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence (Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act), and in seeking positive outcomes.

Strong personnel management skills

Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

Knowledge of university environments

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills

Self-reliance, diplomacy and tact

Bilingualism

*This position may be eligible for a telework arrangement.

#LI-Hybrid

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at [email protected]. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.

Additional Locations: Main Campus