Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) one of the world's premier sports and entertainment companies, owns the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA D-League), TFC II (USL) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League. Its charitable arm, MLSE Foundation, focuses on funding initiatives to support youth through sport and recreational programs. In 2017 MLSE Foundation, with support of community and corporate partners, built MLSE LaunchPad, a 42,000-sq. ft. space dedicated to programming that support its four Pillars: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Ready For School and Ready For Work.

MLSE also owns and operates Scotiabank Arena, Canada’s premier sports & entertainment venue hosting more than 200 events each year, as well as two digital channels (Leafs Nation Network and NBA TV Canada), and has a partnership with Live Nation (the biggest concert promoter in the world). MLSE has also invested in and operates five of Toronto's sports facilities – Coca-Cola Coliseum, BMO Field, BMO Training Grounds at Downsview Park, home of Toronto FC's Academy and the First Team's practice facility, the Toronto Raptors’ training facility and the MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence, the practice facility for the Maple Leafs and Marlies.

MLSE’s common purpose is to unite and empower employees to deliver extraordinary moments to our fans and each other.

As an organization committed to breaking down the barriers of systemic racism, MLSE LaunchPad and MLSE Foundation are currently seeking an experienced thought leader to serve as the Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Reporting to the Executive Director of MLSE LaunchPad and MLSE Foundation, the role will be responsible for the development and implementation of equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies across the organization with an immediate focus on Black and Indigenous communities. 

The ideal candidate has demonstrated leadership capability and a track record of progress in advancing underrepresented and marginalized groups.   This role requires the ability to work cross-functionally in implementing complex programs and initiatives that foster inclusive practices, and align with the organizations’ mandate, values and overall business plan.   If you have an entrepreneurial growth mindset, this opportunity is for you!   As an identified thought-leader, you will possess strong leadership, negotiation and critical thinking skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and political savvy to navigate a matrixed organization. 

THE POSITION

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

• Leads the organization in pushing past the status-quo and standard practices through innovation.
• Lead the end to end design, development and implementation of an integrated DEI strategy, roadmap and implementation plan.
• Serves as subject matter expert and liaison to operations, programs, communications, fund development, research and evaluation, and strategic initiatives teams.
• Develops curriculum and training plans that build understanding of systemic racism, underrepresented and marginalized groups, and cultural competency, for staff across our organizations.
• Partners with colleagues to ensure that the organizational mission, vision, values are aligned with the overall commitment to EDI.
• Provides an informed point of view to guide and advise the Senior Leadership Team on equity, diversity, and inclusion in programs, policies, practices, culture and learnings.
• Aids in the development of organizational resource groups to create safe spaces for employees to develop strategies that foster change and support a culture of belonging.
• Uses industry metrics and data to develop advocacy initiatives that will reduce barriers for underrepresented and marginalized populations (i.e. Indigenous People, Women and Girls, LGBTQ2S+ community & Persons with Disabilities) both inside our organizations/programming, and shared externally for sector best practice.
• Reports back on EDI outcomes to identify the efficacy of the programs and initiatives to develop areas for increased focus and improvement.
• Build and maintain strategic external relationships to understand and develop best practices.
• Works in collaboration with the Research and Evaluation team and MLSE to oversee EDI data collection and the overall monitoring of initiative outcomes.
• Represents the organization on committees and taskforces in order to synchronize implementation efforts and promote collaboration.
• Manages all administrative aspects of the EDI and ABR strategy, including budgets, staffing, logistics and other related duties as necessary. 

Anti-Black Racism (ABR)

• Leads the end to end design, development and implementation of ABR strategy and initiatives to address systemic barriers within the sector and our community of practice.
• Conduct a thorough review of all business processes and policies to mitigate bias and incorporate best practices.
• Support the development of equitable practices in philanthropic fundraising and communications.
• Equip staff, volunteers, partners and Board of Directors to with the knowledge and tools to better reflect the experiences of the communities that we serve.
• Support the development of culturally relevant initiatives that enhances community members and staff engagement.
• Refresh, as appropriate, the Anti-Black Racism strategy and develop supporting Employee Resource Groups. 
• Prioritizes advocacy opportunities to share best practices and learnings to transform the sport and philanthropic sectors.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners to align ABR priorities into program delivery and generates ideas, input and feedback on work being done.

• Deep understanding (5+ years) of and experiences in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices with the ability to take pedagogical and theoretical ideas into relevant and practical application.
• Understanding of and experience in positive youth development and philanthropic sector.
• Excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to operationalize concepts and transform ideas into action.  
• Excellent ability defining project scopes, writing proposals, budgets and work plans.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication capabilities in articulating clear messages and tackling complex issues tactfully.
• Excellent ability to interact with diverse communities and community organizations.  
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within changing priorities.
• Ability to self-manage; self-motivate and influence & manage teams across reporting lines.
• Adhere to all MLSE service standards and policies including Health & Safety.
• Work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health & Safety Act. 

Apply by:  November 3, 2020

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected]. Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.

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