IDEA National Manager

Inclusive Design for Employment Access (IDEA) is a social innovation lab at McMaster University that focuses on the employment of persons with disabilities. It was recently funded for six years by the New Frontiers in Research Fund Transformation Stream, administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Co-led by Institute for Work & Health (IWH) Senior Scientist Dr. Emile Tompa and McMaster Associate Professor Dr. Rebecca Gewurtz, IDEA follows from our longstanding Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy (www.crwdp.ca), housed at IWH. The activities of the IDEA laboratory are focused on advancing knowledge and practice on how workplaces and related systems can be better designed to support full inclusion of persons with disabilities, including the social aspects of employment.

IDEA is currently seeking a qualified person to fill the position of National Manager.

About the position

Working under the supervision of the two leads of IDEA, the National Manager will play a key role in the management, running and support of all activities of the laboratory. The successful candidate will be experienced and skilled in the management of a knowledge-to-practice initiative. The position will be primarily remote, with approximately 25 per cent of time on-site in Hamilton and/or Toronto.

Core duties and responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects of the national office and serve as team lead for the operations.
  • Oversee timeline and yearly activity cycles of the initiative.
  • Organize operations meetings and related activities.
  • Oversee participant and partner commitments.
  • Oversee students and post-doctoral programs.
  • Liaise with participants, including partners, collaborators, researchers and media.
  • Oversee preparation of materials for various stakeholders.
  • Assist with maintenance of the website and support the social media program.
  • Manage terms of reference for funds allocation.
  • Oversee accounting and management of budgets and financial reporting.
  • Prepare reports to the funder.

Education and experience

  • A university degree, preferably at a graduate or post-graduate level
  • Bilingualism considered an asset (French and English)
  • A solid understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and work disability issues
  • Work experience managing a large complex initiative
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Sound working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel
  • Ability to manage competing demands of the laboratory, independently coordinating and prioritizing relevant projects, tasks and responsibilities
  • Effective organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
  • A strong interest in team-based project work
  • Ability to be flexible and switch tasks easily to address changing priorities
  • Ability to work with people from different backgrounds and with diverse goals
  • Ability to problem-solve on issues with multiple inputs and perspectives
  • Experience facilitating meetings, including note-taking and action items
  • Experience coordinating events

Salary range

This is a full-time position for one year, with a possibility of extension, and is based on a full-time salary range of $70,000-$80,000, plus benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position will be assessed after three months.

Working conditions

Much of this job can be done remotely. The job requires coming into the office as needed, approximately 25 per cent of the time, in Hamilton and/or Toronto. The physical environment of the office is an accessible modern building. There is no unusual physical effort involved in the duties. There are many periods of focused concentration at a computer terminal.

Application details

We strongly encourage candidates who identify as a person with a disability to apply. We are open to the possibility of job-sharing in cases where a candidate has strong skills in key areas of the position.

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resumé by email to Emile Tompa: etompa@iwh.on.ca

Applications will be accepted until May 20, 2022.

IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact Emile Tompa at etompa@iwh.on.ca or 416-927-2027 ext. 2113 to discuss their needs.

We thank all applicants, but only those considered for the position will be contacted.

Application deadline:

This opportunity is now closed.