MANAGER, RESEARCH EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVE EX

At McMaster our purpose is the discovery, communication, and preservation of knowledge. Ranked as
one of the world’s top 75 universities, McMaster University is known for teaching and research excellence
and our research strength is one of our most prized assets. We’re home to some of the best minds and
laboratories in the country, with research income and output rivaling those of universities more than twice
our size. The University’s efforts to undertake world‐class research are led by the Vice‐President, Research
(VPR) who is responsible for developing and diversifying our research enterprise and for enhancing
McMaster’s reputation on the global stage. The Vice‐President, Research provides strategic leadership,
establishes institutional goals and priorities, and is responsible for aggressive pursuit of new partnerships,
nationally and internationally, designed to capitalize on McMaster's significant research strengths.
As outlined in the University’s Strategic Research Plan, these activities are informed by a set of core values,
including a commitment to ethics, equity and excellence in research. This commitment aligns with
McMaster’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy which includes among its goals the aim to
enhance inclusive excellence in research, and with the University’s Strategic Plan which aspires to embed
an inclusive approach in everything we do.
The Vice‐Present Research is supported in these efforts by the Associate Vice‐President Research, and
three Assistant Vice‐Presidents (Research Innovation and Partnerships; Research Administration; and
Research, Nuclear).

Job Summary:
Reporting jointly to the Assistant Vice‐President Research Administration and Associate Vice‐President
Research the Manager, Research Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (“Manager”) is responsible
for identifying, developing and implementing strategies to meet McMaster’s equity, diversity, and
inclusive excellence objectives as they pertain to research and commercialization, with particular
emphasis on the University’s Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action
Plan.
The Manager plays a critical role in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence in McMaster’s
research enterprise. Working in collaboration with the Equity & Inclusion Office, Faculty Deans and
administrators, and offices within the VPR envelope, the Manager provides specialized guidance to key
stakeholders across the University to support key EDI objectives associated with the CRC EDI Action
Plan, as well as to advance a broader range of strategic EDI priorities in relation to research and
commercialization activities. A key advisor and resource, the Manager delivers expert advice and
guidance to the research community (researchers and administrators), and develops and implements
strategic policies, practices and action plans to support and enable the pursuit of inclusive excellence in
research and commercialization.

Accountabilities:

Strategic Planning and Management
The Manager is an integral member of the VPR’s Management Team which meets regularly to assess the
management and operation of, and set strategic directions for, provision of support to the research
community. In this capacity, the MRED contributes to discussion of, and is a party to decisions
concerning, the full range of issues that come under the purview of the Office of the Vice‐President
Research. Additionally, the Manager:
ï‚· Leads the VPR’s efforts to promote principles of inclusive excellence in research and
commercialization by engaging with all levels of the University.
ï‚· Works in consultation and collaboration with the Associate Vice President Equity & Inclusion and
the Employment Equity Specialist.
ï‚· Provides input and expertise to senior administrators, faculty and staff on issues relating to EDI
as they pertain to research, and interprets the impact of relevant University policies and
procedures, including McMaster’s CRC EDI Action Plan;
ï‚· Assesses, recommends and develops strategies for promoting equity and diversity and
incorporating principles of inclusive excellence in research design, practice and
commercialization.
ï‚· Plans, implements, monitors, and reports on McMaster’s CRC EDI Action Plan.
ï‚· Develops and implements strategies to meet the CRC Program goals for the representation and
support of historically underrepresented groups among chairholders.
ï‚· Advises on approaches and reviews content to support the incorporation of EDI into grant
applications to reflect how research project aim to advance the University's EDI objectives.
ï‚· Prepares information and material for reports, presentations, meetings, requests, etc.
ï‚· Undertakes research and analysis for specific projects on behalf of the AVPR and prepares
papers or briefing notes based on this work.
ï‚· Develops and analyzes metrics for measuring progress toward desired outcomes and the
effectiveness of equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence initiatives.
ï‚· Manages all initiatives under the purview of the Manager, Research Equity, Diversity and
Inclusive Excellence function.

Support of the Research Community
ï‚· Serves as key resource person for administrators and researchers on matters related to inclusive
excellence in research.
ï‚· Communicates to the research community strategies for incorporating EDI and inclusive
excellence principles in research design and practice.
ï‚· Works closely and collaboratively with the research community, including Faculty administrators
and Deans, and the Offices of the Vice‐President, Research.
ï‚· Provides strategic advice and guidance to researchers and administrators regarding EDI
requirements of research funding programs.
ï‚· Drafts and edits components of research funding proposals that focus on EDI.
ï‚· Designs and develops tools, guidance documents, templates and processes to assist researchers
with the incorporation of inclusive excellence in their research activities and research grant
proposals.

ï‚· Interprets and communicates applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines to researchers,
Deans, Chairs and other University personnel.
ï‚· Provides advice to researchers regarding the interpretation and application of institutional and
funding agency EDI objectives and policies as they pertain to research.
ï‚· Responds to requests for information regarding the interpretation of policies, advice regarding
strategic approaches to the incorporation of inclusive excellence in research, and assistance
with development of sections of grant applications pertaining to EDI.
ï‚· Designs, develops, delivers and participates in workshops, meetings, and events related to EDI
and inclusive excellence in research.
ï‚· Co‐leads the University’s EDI Action Plan Research Capacity‐Building Implementation Team

Institutional Liaison
ï‚· Serves as a liaison between the University and external sponsors concerning sponsors' EDI
policies and regulations as they relate to the research enterprise.
ï‚· Consults with other universities to establish best practices pertaining to EDI in research.
ï‚· Stays abreast of emerging trends, nationally and internationally, in promoting inclusive
excellence in research.
ï‚· Represents the interests of the VPR and AVPR on committees and outreach initiatives.

Institutional Compliance
ï‚· Evaluates current policies, practices and programs and external sponsor EDI requirements to
ensure McMaster meets, and where possible exceeds, current best practices.
ï‚· Writes reports to sponsors on progress in achieving McMaster’s EDI objectives as they pertain to
research, including progress reports on the University’s CRC EDI Action Plan.
ï‚· Updates and tracks progress in achieving the objectives outlined in McMaster’s CRC EDI Action
Plan.
ï‚· Ensures that EDI sections of proposals and reports comply with University policies, protect the
University from legal liabilities, and conform to the criteria and guidelines of the relevant
program sponsoring agency.

Qualifications:

Education: Masters or PhD and/or equivalent work experience
Experience: Three to five years experience in a similar role, with a proven record of
leading and advancing EDI initiatives within a post‐secondary
environment or similar organization.
ï‚· 5 years experience managing and successfully executing numerous
priorities and multiple projects in a research environment.
 Work experience at one of the tri‐council funding agencies (i.e. CIHR,
NSERC or SSHRC) is an asset. 

Knowledge/Skills:

 ï‚· Demonstrated knowledge of EDI best practices and ability to
support/lead others in adapting to change
ï‚· Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, policies and concepts
pertaining to equity, human rights, inclusion and diversity
ï‚· Depth and breadth of knowledge of research funding programs
ï‚· Thinks strategically, articulates a clear vision and ensures alignment
with the University goals and objectives
ï‚· Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to
communicate to a wide variety of stakeholders
ï‚· Operates with tact, discretion and high level of emotional intelligence,
and sound judgement
ï‚· Demonstrated knowledge of research funding programs and sponsor
EDI requirements
ï‚· Demonstrated success in relationship management and project
management
ï‚· Utilizes a collaborative, consultative and inclusive approach with
colleagues and other community members
ï‚· Ability to make decisions with authority and confidence
ï‚· Excellent written and oral communication skills
ï‚· Ability to work under very challenging time constraints and conditions
due to multiple priorities and tasks

Dimensions:
Staff Supervised  none
Financial Accountability ï‚· none
External Impact and
Relationships
ï‚· Involvement with external parties, including funding agencies and other
institutions
Operational ï‚· Provides strategic direction and expert advice to senior leaders, faculty
and staff on matters pertaining to EDI within the context of research and
commercialization
Administrative ï‚· Designs, develops and delivers strategies and tools to facilitate
incorporation of principles of inclusive excellence in research and
commercialization
ï‚· Ensures compliance with sponsor and University policies, practices and
procedures as they relate to EDI within the context of research and
commercialization
Programs or Projects
Managed
ï‚· Responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting on
McMaster’s CRC EDI Action Plan.

Working Conditions:
Physical Effort:  Normal as per office work
Physical Environment:  Normal as per office work
Sensory Attention: ï‚· Significant attention to detail is required
Mental Stress: ï‚· Managing complex sensitive issues and relationships
 A significant portion of the work is time‐sensitive with competing
priorities.
ï‚· Must be able to pivot seamlessly between projects and adjust priorities.
ï‚· Must be able to lead others through the type of cultural change
necessitated by the incorporation of principles of inclusive excellence in
research and commercialization.

Leadership Capabilities:

Takes a Strategic Approach
â-ª   Promotes McMaster culture and values
â-ª   Understands global trends and impact
â-ª   Anticipates challenges, risks and outcomes
â-ª   Gathers key information and resources
â-ª   Enables strategic plans through role

Champions Change and Innovation
â-ª  Acts as a positive change agent
â-ª  Illustrates resilience and adaptability
â-ª  Is bold in championing innovations
â-ª  Identifies  and fosters opportunities for continuous improvement
â-ª  Seeks and utilizes feedback
Communicates and Collaborates
â-ª  Identifies opportunities to collaborate with others
â-ª  Generates trust and an inclusive environment
â-ª  Listens with insight and respect
â-ª  Leverages internal and community networks
â-ª  Provides meaningful recognition

Develops People
â-ª  Engages in personal, team and leader development
â-ª  Celebrates and promotes diversity
â-ª  Actions learning to enhance value of work
â-ª  Inspires others using a coach approach
â-ª  Provides balanced and timely feedback

Drives Results
â-ª  Advances the University strategy
â-ª  Delivers with integrity
â-ª  Balances priorities to achieve success
â-ª  Accepts responsibility and accountability for
results
â-ª  Takes prudent risks which enable innovation
â-ª  Operates with fiscal responsibility

Invests in Relationships
â-ª   Enhances the university brand, reputation and financial success
â-ª   Builds relationships using a service model approach
â-ª   Creates positive student, employee and partner experiences
â-ª   Participates actively in community engagement
â-ª   Demonstrates creativity in resolving issues