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The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is seeking a director for the Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Prevention and Support Office to enhance CUPE’s efforts in creating safe and respectful union spaces for all members. Applications are invited for the position, with location to be determined, but a preference at National office in Ottawa.

This position is designated for someone who identifies as a woman or as non-binary, as a bona fide occupational requirement.

The director will work closely with other branches and regions, on prevention programs and initiatives. The director will be responsible for designing and opening the new Office to support members who have experienced sexual or gender-based harassment in CUPE union spaces and those in CUPE who support them.

GENERAL FUNCTION

The director will report to the National President and the National Secretary Treasurer and will work under the direction of the Managing Director, National Services Department, and the Managing Director, Human Resources. The director of the Sexual and Gender-based Harassment Prevention and Support Office (the Office) will be responsible for overseeing the development of all prevention and support initiatives provided by this new Office.

The director will prepare the annual budget submission, identify staffing roles, oversee the hiring of the staff as well as provide strategic leadership on a wide range of managerial and technical functions to meet the needs of the Office and CUPE.

The director will be responsible for ensuring that all staff use the most effective approaches, best practices, and techniques related to their field; developing and implementing national strategies on matters critical to CUPE and its members; coordinating the activities of the Office in the delivery of national programs, publications, campaigns and initiatives; and for maintaining professional standards in the provision of services across the union.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

  • Advise the National Officers on matters pertaining to the work of the National Union.
  • Lead, plan, supervise, administer, and co-ordinate the work and activities of the Office to advance the objectives of the National Union.
  • Direct, supervise, and motivate Office staff to carry out successfully and cooperatively the diverse tasks required by the National Union.
  • Provide leadership and direction to all assigned staff across the country to ensure a consistent national approach to their work.
  • Actively and cooperatively work with the Regional Directors to coordinate, support, and direct the work of the Office staff in the regions.
  • Supervise the ongoing development and maintenance of the databases, filing systems, information retrieval systems, reference materials, information and communications systems of the Office.
  • Prepare and present material to the public and other organizations, both inside and outside the labour movement, as requested.
  • Provide advice and assistance in the organization of policy conferences, workshops, and similar meetings in cooperation with the other National Branches and Departments.
  • Administer the Office’s budget and submit budgetary proposals to the Managing Director, National Services, for consideration by the National Officers.
  • Screen and interview applicants for positions in the Office and make recommendations on hiring and promoting.
  • Develop and maintain levels of professional standards for the Office staff and identify professional development needs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the National Officers or Managing Director.

​QUALIFICATIONS

  • A university degree in social services or a combination of related higher education and equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of mediation, conflict resolution, health and safety and workplace sexual harassment initiatives.
  • A current working knowledge of theory, practices, protocols, and response to victims/survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and other gender-based crimes.
  • Lived experience, good knowledge base, and cultural understanding and sensitivity in one or more of the five (5) equity deserving groups recognized by CUPE (women, Indigenous people, Black and racialized people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ people).
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, social justice, and cultural awareness/competence, preferably through experience working with diverse populations including communities, and an understanding of how gender-based violence, gender identity, and sexual orientation impact these communities differently.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the intersectional challenges impacting equity deserving groups in regards to gender-related concerns from a perspective that includes gender, race, sexual orientation, and other significant aspects of individual and cultural identities.
  • Established managerial, administrative, and leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate staff, provide guidance, and encourage and develop harmonious relations, coordination, and cooperation.
  • Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, and training.
  • Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of the Canadian labour movement and considerable practical experience in trade unions.
  • Ability to present information (orally and in writing) in a clear, effective and understandable manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to liaise and work in close cooperation with CUPE’s National Officers and/or designates.
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of economic and social issues, and thorough familiarization with CUPE policies and programs.
  • Ability to initiate, plan, supervise, and coordinate programs and projects, analyze complex problems, and make practical judgements and recommendations.
  • Strong strategic, time management, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak both official languages would be an asset.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As this is an excluded position; the successful candidate will not be part of any CUPE bargaining unit. The terms and conditions of employment, however, will mirror closely those set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and the Canadian Directors Union (CDU).

WEEKLY SALARY: $ 3,128.51.

Persons interested should send their application and a recent copy of their resume, if applicable, to my office at nstcandacerennick@cupe.ca, with a copy to the Human Resources Department at hr@cupe.ca, no later than January 3, 2024.

CUPE is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, accessible, and healthy workplace environment that is equitable and fair at all levels of its organization. We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population and communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of the five (5) designated equity groups: Women, Indigenous people, Black and Racialized people, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Upon request and at any stage of the recruitment and/or selection process, we will provide reasonable accommodations for those who have a temporary or a permanent disability. Please contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation if needed at hr@cupe.ca.