Executive Director, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)

A world free of the effects of diabetes is our vision. That’s why we’re working together to improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes. We’re sharing knowledge and creating connections for individuals and the health-care professionals who care for them; advocating through public policy; and funding research to improve treatments and find a cure to end diabetes.

Join our dedicated, talented Diabetes Canada team and together, #LetsEndDiabetes!

Role Overview:

The Executive Director, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (ED, IDEA) leads the implementation and evolution of Diabetes Canada’s newly created cross-organizational IDEA Strategy, embedding IDEA principles into the organization’s culture, mission, leadership, and governance.

This role supports internal leaders with IDEA-related goals and strengthens external relationships, particularly with Indigenous communities and groups disproportionately affected by diabetes to build trust and credibility.

As part of the Mission Leadership Team, the ED, IDEA contributes to strategic planning and impact measurement across the mission enterprise. The position reports to the Senior Vice President, Mission.

Location: Diabetes Canada’s national office is located at 1000–170 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.

We offer a flexible hybrid work policy. This role may be performed remotely from anywhere in Canada, provided the candidate can collaborate effectively with a national, cross-functional team. Occasional in-office meetings and business travel may be required based on organizational needs and priorities.

This role includes, but not limited to:

Strategy and IDEA Governance

With support from the SVP, Mission, the ED, IDEA:

• Leads the implementation and evaluation of Diabetes Canada’s multi-year IDEA Strategy.
• Aligns the strategy with DC’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, including the priority to support quality-of-life initiatives in Indigenous and high-prevalence communities.
• Co-develops and implements DC’s Reconciliation Action Plan with Indigenous partners and internal teams.
• Oversees IDEA governance, including revitalizing the IDEA Council and recommending additional mechanisms.
• Develops a framework for IDEA-related data collection, monitoring, and dashboard reporting.
• Advises on strategic risks and issues related to IDEA.

Annual Business Planning and Budgeting

• Supports leaders in integrating IDEA into annual business plans, budgets, and performance goals.
• Leads the development of a cross-functional IDEA business plan and budget.
• Tracks and reports on IDEA-related resource allocation to ensure transparency.

Mission, Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Provides leadership and oversight on how DC’s mission and programs reflect the IDEA Strategy and Principles.
• Supports the SVP, Mission, in selecting a high-prevalence community in which to pilot a targeted, collaborative engagement model, fostering long-term, collaborative, trust-based relationships.
• Alongside community partners and other DC business leaders, co-creates community engagement frameworks built on trust, accountability, consistency, clarity, and reciprocity.
• Manages, or supports the management of, relationships with:
  • Indigenous community organizations and other community groups advocating for those disproportionally impacted by diabetes;
  • Healthcare providers;
  • Educational institutions;
  • Government agencies focused on health equity, and
  • Other external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to facilitate the integration of DC’s IDEA Principles and IDEA best practices into community-facing communications, education, outreach, and other engagement initiatives.

Internal IDEA Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise

• Acts as DC’s internal IDEA advisor and subject matter expert.
• Supports leaders in delivering IDEA initiatives and aligning cross-functional efforts.
• Partners with People & Culture to embed IDEA into staff and volunteer recruitment, onboarding, talent development, and performance management and engagement processes and practices.
• Helps facilitate IDEA education and capacity-building programs.
• Reviews and updates organizational policies and tools to reflect IDEA principles.

Team Leadership:

• This role has no direct reports, but involves extensive coordination across internal teams and external partners.
• Success in this role depends on strong collaboration, consultation, and influence to drive IDEA initiatives organization-wide.

The ideal candidate possesses:

• A post-secondary degree in a relevant field (e.g., equity studies, public health, health administration, adult education, social work, human rights, or related discipline), or equivalent experience.
• Minimum seven years progressive experience leading IDEA and/or community engagement strategies in a non-profit, public health, mission-driven, or similar organization.
• A recognized ability to engage with Indigenous and racialized communities through a decolonial and anti-racist lens.
• Strong people leadership skills with at least three years of experience managing staff or cross-functional teams; proven success navigating matrixed environments and achieving results through collaboration and lateral influence.
• Demonstrated expertise in change management, strategic planning, and partnership development.
• A solid background in data collection, analysis, and impact evaluation related to IDEA initiatives, organizational outcomes, and/or health outcomes.
• Deep understanding of systemic inequities in healthcare and their impact on historically marginalized communities.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex, organization-wide initiatives with a collaborative, intersectional, and trauma-informed approach.
• Strong analytical, planning, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and with diverse stakeholders, including health professionals, community leaders, volunteers, and senior leaders.

Additional Assets:

• Knowledge of diabetes care and chronic disease management.
• Background in community organizing or health systems policy.
• Cultural competency in Indigenous community engagement.

What Diabetes Canada Can Offer You:

• A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living with or at risk of diabetes.
• An entrepreneurial environment, working for a national organization where you feel valued, recognized, and rewarded.
• A high-performing, collaborative team environment and a commitment to building a healthy and engaged work culture.
• A flexible work agreement policy in place allows employees to work regularly remote and/or hybrid schedule.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive group benefits plan, includes health/dental, life insurance, disability coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and company-match Pension/RRSP.
• Most group benefits start on Day 1 when you join DC (health and dental coverage, life insurance and EFAP).
• Access to a mental wellness app offering guided mediation and self-guided learning on a wide range of topics.
• Generous paid time-off benefits include additional paid holidays beyond the recognized provincial statutory holidays, and an end-of-year holiday office closure.
• A work culture committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates differences and provides equal opportunities for all.

Our Core Values:

ACE-IT: Agility, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Taking Initiative

About the Application Process:

Go to the webpage: https://www.diabetes.ca/careers and click on “View Job Openings”. Click on the “Apply Now” button found at the top-left of this screen. You will be required to complete a brief questionnaire and submit your résumé and cover letter.

If you experience any issues with the application process, please contact us at: dchr@diabetes.ca

Diabetes Canada values diverse perspectives and the many ways people develop skills, including through lived experience, community involvement, and non-traditional career paths. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the strengths to succeed and contribute meaningfully to this role, we encourage you to apply.

We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you require accommodations, please advise us during the recruitment process.

Must be legally eligible to work in Canada and, where applicable, must have a valid work permit or study permit that allows the candidate to fulfill the requirements of the role.

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