Associate Director Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of over 30,000 professional performers working in English-language recorded media in Canada, including TV, film, radio, and digital media. ACTRA’s principal role is to negotiate, administer and enforce collective agreements to provide performers with equitable compensation as well as safe and reasonable working conditions.

ACTRA National is seeking a temporary part-time (4 days per week for one year maternity leave coverage) Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Position Scope:

Reporting to ACTRA’s Senior Director of Collective Bargaining, People and Operations, the Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (Associate Director, DEIB) will ensure continuity of proactive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which will support ACTRA’s strategic operations and ensure the long-term sustainability of DEIB efforts on behalf of our members. The Associate Director will be responsible for coordinating and guiding all efforts to foster, and further cultivate DEIB across the organization and industry at large and will develop and oversee programs and services designed to support ACTRA's diversity and inclusion objectives.

The incumbent has a background in the film and television industry, is a strong project manager, communicator, and strategic thinker with a proven track record of using metrics, data, and/or research to inform decision-making. In addition to building and maintaining dynamic relationships, internally and externally, they must have a deep and abiding commitment to collaboration and consultation when moving this important work forward. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of Canada’s entertainment industry and the unique ecosystem in which ACTRA members operate; has a genuine passion and care for the well-being of performers; and, has experience in labour relations and unionized environments. To be successful in the role, the Associate Director, DEIB must have the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects from start to finish; have strong written and interpersonal skills; and brings a strong reputation for being a compassionate, responsive, and highly empathic leader and colleague.

Responsibilities:

The Associate Director’s mandate is to manage the implementation of various in-progress and planned initiatives that align with ACTRA’s Strategic Plan and DEIB Operational Plan. enhance a culture of inclusion and ensure the long-term sustainability of ACTRA’s efforts on behalf of our members.

The Associate Director will assess potential barriers and develop strategies focused on supporting our diverse membership. The successful candidate will be a champion for DEIB and successfully build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. The Associate Director will be responsible for coordinating and guiding all efforts to define, understand, assess, foster, and cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position will oversee programs, services, and initiatives designed to enhance representation of members from under- represented population groups.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the Staff Liaison for the three National Standing Committees for Equity Deserving Groups (DEIB, Women’s Committee, Progress Pride)
• Work collaboratively with the branch leadership in support of their diversity and inclusion committees.
• Implement ACTRA’s strategic diversity plan by working proactively and collaboratively with internal stakeholders and industry partners to operationalize enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion for our members.
• Manage the implementation of programs and initiatives that further ACTRA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy and contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive opportunities for our members. This includes ACTRA’s ongoing advocacy efforts and initiatives regarding hair and makeup equity, as it pertains to Black, Indigenous, East Asian and People of Colour Performers.
• Manage the implementation of programs and training initiatives for members and staff to increase understanding of diversity and inclusion, increase cultural competency and understanding of unconscious bias, while developing transferable leadership skills including conflict resolution and bystander intervention.
• Liaise with DEIB related Film Festival and Community Sponsorships and Partnerships
• Represent the DEIB Department at regular meetings and events with internal and external stakeholders in collaboration with their Senior Director of Collective Bargaining, People & Operations.
• Champion ACTRA by participating in industry committees and coalitions and build community connections.
• Collaborate and serve as a proactive, creative resource throughout the Union for diversity related initiatives, activities, materials, advice, and counsel.
• Promote a work culture that is accepting, emphasizes teamwork, and has a respect for each other’s differences.
• Work with Human Resources to understand the organizational dynamics and actively work to cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion internally, across the organization.
• Work with the Public Affairs and Communications department to make recommendations as it pertains to lobbying government to effect positive change within the industry.
• Draft internal and external messaging and communications on diversity and inclusion on behalf of the President and National Executive Director.
• Raising awareness and understanding of the necessary components to engage in creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment at ACTRA.
• Review and ensure that all communication such as on our website, social media pages, job descriptions and internal documents utilize inclusive language and tone.
• Conduct an employment equity audit that includes employment systems review, staffing census, and the development of an Employment Equity Plan to address any identified issues.
• Measure, track, and analyze the effectiveness of DEIB strategies using key performance indicators and metrics.
• Maintain awareness of current issues and trends for all diversity and inclusion activities and prepare reports and recommendations to the Senior Director of Collective Bargaining, People & Operations and National Executive Director.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Education and Experience:

• Work experience in the TV, Film and Radio industry and/or experience working with members belonging to film and television unions.

• Several years of project management and/or technically relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated commitment and a proactive, strategic, approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to further personal development in this area.
• Lived experience that may contribute to your success in this role.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in relevant discipline (e.g., MSW, MA in Equity or human services degree; BA, BFA in Film Production).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding/experience within the Canadian Film, Television, and Entertainment Industry
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to demonstrate accountability for time, cost, and quality related to deliverables.
• Experience creating and managing project plans to support effective implementation of programs and initiatives.
• Experience coordinating events, managing logistics, identifying speakers, and developing agendas/materials.
• Excellent command of contemporary diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts, and knowledge of current best practices and trends in diversity, equity, and inclusion, including familiarity with key concepts (e.g., cultural competence, unconscious bias, anti-racism, anti-oppression, anti-colonialism, and anti-Black racism etc.).
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships and influence both internally and externally.
• Successful record of leadership and experience in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in research methodology, with an ability to understand, interpret and report on quantitative data.
• Good interpersonal skills and highly developed emotional intelligence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to respond to internal and external stakeholder inquiries, and to compose and prepare communications.
• Ability to link development, social action, and social planning with member work in the industry.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an internal resource and consultant, working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in a politically sensitive context often complicated by the presence of competing perspectives or interests.
• Ability to handle confidential information and materials with discretion.
• Experience investigating complaints and facilitating conflict resolution through counsel, coaching and mediation.
• Excellent communications skills and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated judgment, analysis, and decision-making skills in addition to versatility, and integrity.
• This is an in-office role.

Application Process:

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter by Wednesday April 17, 2024, to quoting ‘2024-11 ‘Associate Director, DEIB’ in the email subject line.

ACTRA is committed to employment and pay equity and we encourage applications from all equity deserving groups, including but not limited to, Indigenous and other racialized communities, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’) we provide the accommodations necessary to ensure full participation in our recruitment processes. If you require an accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources.

Thank you for your interest in joining us. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.