Executive Director, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)

• Leads the implementation and evaluation of Diabetes Canada’s multi-year IDEA Strategy.
• Aligns the strategy with DC’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, including the priority to support quality-of-life initiatives in Indigenous and high-prevalence communities.
• Co-develops and implements DC’s Reconciliation Action Plan with Indigenous partners and internal teams.
• Oversees IDEA governance, including revitalizing the IDEA Council and recommending additional mechanisms.
• Develops a framework for IDEA-related data collection, monitoring, and dashboard reporting.
• Advises on strategic risks and issues related to IDEA.

• Supports leaders in integrating IDEA into annual business plans, budgets, and performance goals.
• Leads the development of a cross-functional IDEA business plan and budget.
• Tracks and reports on IDEA-related resource allocation to ensure transparency.

• Provides leadership and oversight on how DC’s mission and programs reflect the IDEA Strategy and Principles.
• Supports the SVP, Mission, in selecting a high-prevalence community in which to pilot a targeted, collaborative engagement model, fostering long-term, collaborative, trust-based relationships.
• Alongside community partners and other DC business leaders, co-creates community engagement frameworks built on trust, accountability, consistency, clarity, and reciprocity.
• Manages, or supports the management of, relationships with:

• Indigenous community organizations and other community groups advocating for those disproportionally impacted by diabetes;
• Healthcare providers;
• Educational institutions;
• Government agencies focused on health equity, and
• Other external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to facilitate the integration of DC’s IDEA Principles and IDEA best practices into community-facing communications, education, outreach, and other engagement initiatives.

• Acts as DC’s internal IDEA advisor and subject matter expert.
• Supports leaders in delivering IDEA initiatives and aligning cross-functional efforts.
• Partners with People & Culture to embed IDEA into staff and volunteer recruitment, onboarding, talent development, and performance management and engagement processes and practices.
• Helps facilitate IDEA education and capacity-building programs.
• Reviews and updates organizational policies and tools to reflect IDEA principles.

• This role has no direct reports, but involves extensive coordination across internal teams and external partners.
• Success in this role depends on strong collaboration, consultation, and influence to drive IDEA initiatives organization-wide.

• A post-secondary degree in a relevant field (e.g., equity studies, public health, health administration, adult education, social work, human rights, or related discipline), or equivalent experience.
• Minimum seven years progressive experience leading IDEA and/or community engagement strategies in a non-profit, public health, mission-driven, or similar organization.
• A recognized ability to engage with Indigenous and racialized communities through a decolonial and anti-racist lens.
• Strong people leadership skills with at least three years of experience managing staff or cross-functional teams; proven success navigating matrixed environments and achieving results through collaboration and lateral influence.
• Demonstrated expertise in change management, strategic planning, and partnership development.
• A solid background in data collection, analysis, and impact evaluation related to IDEA initiatives, organizational outcomes, and/or health outcomes.
• Deep understanding of systemic inequities in healthcare and their impact on historically marginalized communities.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex, organization-wide initiatives with a collaborative, intersectional, and trauma-informed approach.
• Strong analytical, planning, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and with diverse stakeholders, including health professionals, community leaders, volunteers, and senior leaders.

• Knowledge of diabetes care and chronic disease management.
• Background in community organizing or health systems policy.
• Cultural competency in Indigenous community engagement.

• A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living with or at risk of diabetes.
• An entrepreneurial environment, working for a national organization where you feel valued, recognized, and rewarded.
• A high-performing, collaborative team environment and a commitment to building a healthy and engaged work culture.
• A flexible work agreement policy in place allows employees to work regularly remote and/or hybrid schedule.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive group benefits plan, includes health/dental, life insurance, disability coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and company-match Pension/RRSP.
• Most group benefits start on Day 1 when you join DC (health and dental coverage, life insurance and EFAP).
• Access to a mental wellness app offering guided mediation and self-guided learning on a wide range of topics.
• Generous paid time-off benefits include additional paid holidays beyond the recognized provincial statutory holidays, and an end-of-year holiday office closure.
• A work culture committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates differences and provides equal opportunities for all.

Diabetes Canada