Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Full Time

Reconciliation requires us to learn more about our collective history, understand how that history continues to affect the present, and apply what we learn to our own language, conduct and actions. Our reconciliation plan (to download, click HERE) focuses on key goals, takes meaningful actions towards truth and reconciliation and is a response to the call to action to corporate Canada.

Fasken is a full-service law firm with approximately 950 lawyers and offices in Canada, the U.K. and South Africa. The Firm works with clients around the globe, offering expertise in legal issues affecting all types of industry, government and individual objectives. Founded in the mid-19th century, Fasken merged leading firms in 2000 to form what is now one of the largest firms in Canada with an international reach. Respected as a leading law firm by the international business community, Fasken is recognized in prestigious business and legal publications for its expertise. The Firm provides solutions in a range of areas of law, for almost every industry and sector.

Fasken aims to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in their Firm. Developing and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace is an intrinsic aspect of Fasken’s vision and values. Fasken is a founding signatory of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network’s (LFDIN) Statement of Principles, a group of Canadian law Firms committed to fostering equity and diversity. It is within this context that Fasken encourages nominations and applications for the role of Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CEDIO), a position that will have an enduring impact on the future of the organization.

The individual will be charged with supporting the re-imagining of the Firm’s EDI committees (firm-wide and regionally), developing and implementation of EDI programs, processes and communications, reviewing policies, programs and processes to remove barriers and systemic discrimination. He/she/they will also work on developing and advising on and participating in ongoing training and education programs. The CEDIO will work with the Chief People Officer and Firm Leadership to further integrate the EDI strategy into the firm-wide talent strategy.

This role will include driving the execution of initiatives to foster an inclusive environment and coordinating activities across the enterprise to deliver on their shared vision, mission and multi-year strategy. They will interact with a broad group of stakeholders to influence program design, implementation, and improvements from an EDI perspective.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all its forms and must believe, intrinsically, in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibility. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the Fasken environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role:

– 10 to 15 years of professional experience in leading and implementing EDI programs;

– strong organizational development and talent management skills (change management, team dynamics, leadership development, and coaching).

– a high level of cultural competence and cultural agility;

– excellent public speaking ability and strong written and presentation skills;

– strong business insight as well as understanding of key global trends and legal environment;

– demonstrated political and operational agility;

– a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the area(s) of human rights, equity, diversity, social justice, or social work;

– fluently bilingual in French and English is preferred and a definite asset; and

– a Master’s, MBA or JD would significantly enhance qualifications.

How to Apply
Fasken is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to ensure an applicant list that is as diverse as possible. All interested applicants can send their resume, in confidence, to Urmilla Mahabirsingh by e-mailing [email protected].

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), individuals requiring accommodation at any stage of the hiring process can notify Urmilla Mahabirsingh at the e-mail address above.

We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.