Position Overview

As an effective leader with an ability to engage others, the Black Community Liaison Advisor works to develop and strengthen the City’s relationship with Black and racialized people, and representative organizations in our community.  Calling upon a deep understanding and knowledge of the experience of Black and racialized people in Canada, informed by lived experience, the Black Community Liaison Advisor recommends processes and initiatives and facilitates the City’s ability to align service delivery to the identified needs of Black and racialized people and communities.

In keeping with the City’s commitment to dismantle racism and oppression experienced by Black and Indigenous people, and other racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2+ communities, and women, the Black Community Liaison Advisor reports to the Director, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Unit, and works collaboratively with other members of the team to further develop systems, supports and accountabilities that will enable the Corporation to meet its strategic objectives.  The Black Community Liaison Advisor provides expertise and advice and assists senior leaders and managers to promote accountabilities for measurable outcomes and to foster attitudes in support of equity and inclusion in our workplace.

The Black Community Liaison Advisor has an in-depth knowledge of the history, institutions, policies, and culture that have shaped and impacted the lives and experiences of Black people in our community, and will support applying equity and anti-racism/anti-oppression lenses to policies, practices, programs and initiatives, after identifying systemic barriers and gaps related to equity and inclusion.  The Black Community Liaison Advisor works collaboratively within the community and across the organization to establish shared understanding and values to combat/interrupt inequity, discrimination, racism and oppression, specific to marginalized individuals and communities, including Black, Indigenous people and other racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2+ communities, and women.    

Areas of Focus

Relationship Building

• Works to build trust and strengthen the City's relationship with Black people and other racialized people, communities, and representative organizations, identifying enhanced opportunities for meaningful civic engagement.


• Employs leadership, consultation and collaboration skills to work with organizations,  community leaders, service providers, community agencies, City Council, City staff, and other community groups.


• Researches, develops and supports the implementation of a plan and approach to enable relationship building and cooperation between the City of London and organizations, agencies and other key community stakeholders that support the interests and concerns of Black people and other racialized people.


• Participates in events and activities of significance to Black people and other racialized people and representative agencies and organizations to enhance relationships and further build community connections.


 

Resource to the Corporation

• Partners with staff to develop policies to address current and emerging community issues and to build awareness within the Municipality of the unique relationship with and civic responsibility to Black people and other racialized people.


• Researches and develops supports to the City’s efforts to combat/interrupt racism and oppression experienced by Black and Indigenous people, and other racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2+ communities, and women; provides advice regarding anti-racism strategies and actions.


• Contributes to the application of the Equity Lenses to all existing and future policies, programs and services.


• Provides advice to People Services leaders regarding bias-free policies, programs, practices and contracts, including collective agreements, with the intent of removing barriers to opportunities for Black people, other racialized people and other equity seeking groups.


• Provides advice on the development, implementation and analysis of the Workforce Census and other data sources.


• Develops initiatives and programs to ensure that Corporate employees and leaders have the skills, training, and resources necessary to further develop and  enhance relationships with Black people and other racialized people by promoting respect and understanding of their unique experiences within the organization and the community. 


• As part of a team, monitors and advises on policy changes and research from national, provincial and local government sources. Identifies opportunities arising from intergovernmental policy changes and program announcements.


• Contributes to the development of a culture of safety within the City of London by modelling behaviours that reflect understanding of related policies and procedures.


• Provides strategic advice to internal working groups to help shape the work being done to identify and dismantle systemic racism and oppression within the City of London.


• Effectively and collaboratively facilitates meetings, presentations, consultations, and focus groups.


• Writes staff reports to Council and the Senior Management Team on issues and equity matters relating to Black people and other racialized people.


 

Qualifications and Lived Experience

• University degree in a relevant area of study or equivalent combination of education and related professional and community experience.


• Lived experience as a Black person who can acknowledge and speak to the social, political, cultural, spiritual, health and economic history, challenges, and opportunities relevant to diverse Black people and communities and the impact of systemic racism and oppression.


• Experience in leading, influencing and implementing strategic anti-Black racism initiatives, and programs for an organization in the public, private, or not for profit sector, including group process and meeting facilitation experience.


• Demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders such as persons with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and other racialized groups, the not-for-profit sector, social organizations, community groups, businesses, education, health care, and other community stakeholders.


• Experience in project management, policy analysis and program development, including proven research and program evaluation skills.


• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of various related legislation including the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Ontario Health and Safety Act, and the Employment Standards Act.


 

Additional Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to engage with and facilitate meaningful, trust-based relationships with diverse populations.


• Demonstrated expertise in the intersectionality of various forms of power, privilege and oppression in the workplace and society is a requirement.


• Demonstrated understanding of cultural values and norms of various communities, particularly Black and Indigenous communities and people, women, LGBTQ+ and marginalized religious communities. 


• Ability to be a trusted advisor in sensitive and/or emotionally charged situations.


• Ability to skilfully communicate complex issues clearly to a wide and varied audience including exceptional facilitation and negotiation skills.


• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the various social and economic issues that impact the lived experience of citizens. 


• Demonstrated problem-solving capacity related to the complexities of working with multiple stakeholders.


• Excellent communication and report writing skills.  Ability to develop and deliver reports and presentations on project status, milestones, achievements, risks and mitigation controls.


• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office suite of programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 


 

Compensation Range

$80,845 to $109,487

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.