EDI Learning Specialist
Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 35
Salary Grade: 14
The base salary will be $67,680 - $96,590 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.
About Western
Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.
About Us
Through critical reflection and the expansion of justice-seeking initiatives meant to eradicate systemic and structural disadvantages faced by marginalized communities, this unit will develop and deliver programs and strategies to strengthen equity, diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging throughout the campus. Members of underrepresented or equity-seeking groups include, but may not be limited to, women, Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, black and persons of colour and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. In recognition that all individuals have multiple aspects of identity, an intersectional lens is used when assessing EDI efforts and/or developing policies/programs at the University.
Responsibilities
The EDI Learning Specialist manages the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of equity-focused educational programs, resources, and learning experiences that advance Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization, and Accessibility (EDIDA) principles. Working collaboratively with internal and external subject matter experts, the role develops evidence-based curriculum, instructional materials, and learning strategies that support inclusive, engaging, and accessible learning environments. The Learning Specialist will research and identify best practices in learning technologies and learner engagement, and support the design and re-design, development, and implementation of online and blended learning experiences. The role also co-leads the Western Black Leadership University Experience (B.L.U.E.), supporting program design, stakeholder engagement, participant development, employer partnerships, and evaluation activities that enhance student success and community engagement. The Specialist contributes to broader Office of EDI initiatives, educational events, and strategic priorities.
Qualifications
Education:
- Undergraduate Degree in Adult Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion or other related field
- Graduate Degree in education, Instructional Design, Educational technology or related field preferred
- Curriculum design certificate / diploma preferred
Experience:
- 3 years experience with eLearning applications in an eLearning or Instructional Design role
- Experience developing online training, courses and eLearning materials
- Experience applying universal design for learning principles in an online learning environment
- Experience developing learning materials or providing service for underrepresented or equity-deserving groups
- Experience facilitating training
- Experience working in community-based research preferred
- Training in facilitation, conflict resolution, or other skills for group process preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of student development theories and their application with skills in developing instructional resources and activities
- Knowledge of the educational literature, including online learning, instructional design (e.g. theories, models, best practices), and student learning
- Demonstrated knowledge of eLearning principles, strategies and tools and instructional design methods to deliver instructional programs and courses suited to an online learning environment (e.g. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks, learning/course management systems, Adobe projects, lecture capture, editing software) and their pedagogical appropriateness for teaching, learning and online course delivery
- Familiarity with the best practices in course design, development and evaluation
- Expertise in web and graphic design software and video production and photography, as well as social media channels relevant to student populations
- Ability to research, evaluate and advise on the viability of new technologies and innovations in eLearning
- Excellent planning and time management skills, with ability to multi-task, produce and coordinate projects within tight deadlines
- Ability to use tact and diplomacy with all sensitive issues and situations
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently and with a strong sense of accountability
- Leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide guidance and resolve issues when the Project Leader is unavailable
- Self-driven, independent critical thinker who is highly motivated and skilled at anticipating and resolving stakeholder relation issues
- Experience designing and developing strategies, programs, and action plans and leading and supporting staff training, with a focus on equity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-oppression, and human rights
- Ability to effectively present information and conduct training sessions and workshops
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.
Please Note:
This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
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