About Us:
As one of the fastest growing cities in Alberta, the City of Airdrie is a recognized leader in building a vibrant and sustainable community through innovation.
At the City of Airdrie, incredible opportunities happen every day in a flexible work environment that is tailored to each department. Our inclusive culture and values create a workplace where we welcome aspiring, driven and creative individuals to help us accomplish our business and community goals. We are supportive of one another, and we have fun while we serve our community. We are passionate about improving the lives of our residents through care and respect; that is the foundation of our organization. At the City of Airdrie, we learn, grow and accomplish great things together. We’re proud to foster a workplace culture built on dedication, teamwork, and genuine care. Our commitment to creating a positive environment is reflected in our employee feedback from the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey, with 92.8% of employees saying they enjoy their work, and 92.6% feeling equipped with the resources they need to stay safe on the job.
If you have a passion for building a better community and are ready to join the excitement, we’d love to hear from you!
The Opportunity:
Reporting to the Team Leader of Human Resources, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist is a key driver of cultural transformation across the City, partnering with City departments, organizational leadership, and the community to embed inclusive practices into every facet of municipal operations. This role champions belonging, equity, accessibility, and diversity by ensuring policies and programs reflect the varied needs of staff and the community. Serving as both strategist and hands-on practitioner, the DEI Specialist implements inclusive practices, leads and executes programs, collaborates across departments, and works directly with internal teams and external agencies to educate, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
Responsibilities include:
- Execute on the approved Belonging, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity (BEAD) strategy and proactively re-strategize as needed to respond to emerging needs, feedback, and best practices
- Lead, develop, and collaborate with other City departments on external BEAD strategies and initiatives
- Collaborate with the Social Planning department on external BEAD strategies and initiatives
- Lead the BEAD working group and drive practical initiatives that enhance the city’s BEAD practices
- Promote belonging, equity, accessibility, and diversity both internally and externally
- Collaborate with the Indigenous Consultant to ensure BEAD strategies and action plans reflect Indigenous perspectives and priorities, especially those outlined in the City’s Indigenous Framework and Action Plan
- Review policies in collaboration with human resources and other internal stakeholders and help to review legislation, human rights, and inclusive employment practices
- Recommend and review accessibility enhancements to facilities, services, technology, and workplace environments
- Provide guidance and recommend training on inclusive language, cultural awareness, anti-racism, and accessibility
- Build relationships and act as a liaison with external organizations and key stakeholders
- Build relationships with equity-deserving groups that co-design initiatives to remove barriers to inclusion and align with City endorsed policies, plans, strategies, and frameworks
- Collaborate with the Government Relations and Grants department to submit grant applications to advance BEAD initiatives
- Establish and track clear performance measures for both internal and external BEAD initiatives. Report progress to the BEAD working group, the larger city, leadership, and council
- Provide guidance and support to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), encouraging active participation in promoting diversity and inclusion at the City
- Stay informed about industry best practices, trends and legal requirements related to BEAD
- Offer strategic and advisory support on complex equity-related matters and identifying when escalation is required
You Bring:
- Degree in Human Resources, Sociology, Psychology, Gender Studies, Social Work, Public Administration or a related field
- Other continuing education in DEI, Indigenous Relations, Accessibility, anti-racism, and inclusive practices is considered a strong asset
- Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) or working towards designation is considered an asset
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in managing complex topics related to DEI with an applied understanding of all associated concepts and initiatives in the workplace
- Demonstrated ability and experience in developing DEI related policies, strategies, and initiatives
- Understanding of reconciliation, and DEI issues with appreciation of the issues faced by equity-seeking communities
- Knowledge of the Alberta Human Rights Code, Alberta Employment Standards Act, and all other legislation and regulations applicable to municipalities
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint
- Experience and/or knowledge of Municipal Government considered an asset
- Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders in a tactful and professional manner, demonstrating a strong political acumen
- Ability to appropriately manage highly confidential information
- Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and form collaborative relationships
- Aptitude for collecting, maintaining, and analyzing data
- Ability to handle a variety of projects/tasks with competing priorities in a results-based environment
- Excellent ability to prepare and deliver presentations to groups and senior leaders
- High standard of thoroughness, accuracy, and attention to detail
We Offer:
Along with a competitive compensation program and City paid health and dental premiums, our employees also enjoy:
- Excellent health, dental, paramedical, and benefits plan
- First-in-class pension plan
- Career development and tuition reimbursement
- Employee discounts, annual adult Genesis Place pass, social events, and health & wellness initiatives
Continuous learning through training and development is encouraged as are flexible work arrangements, when possible. We recognize that our people work best when they feel engaged in their environment and are appreciated for their efforts and our overall benefits package reflects that.
Additional Information:
This is a full time 18-month term role with 37.5 hours per week. There is possibility of the term being extended based on operational needs; however, it is not guaranteed.
Please include a cover letter with your application.
Next Steps:
Candidates are invited to apply online. We only accept resumes and additional application documents through our online recruitment system. In-person applications, email or other online forms will not be considered.
If you require an accommodation during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact us at [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.
The City of Airdrie is committed to fostering a workplace culture where belonging, equity, accessibility, and diversity are deeply ingrained into all parts of the City, where employees feel they belong, are treated with respect, and where everyone can thrive and contribute to the City’s success.
Postings close at 10:00 PM MT (Mountain Time) on the closing date listed in the posting. We recommend applying as soon as possible as we are not able to accept late applications.
Please review the job competition carefully and be sure to attach any specifically requested documentation in the My Documents section of your application.
Interviewing and hiring may commence prior to the posted closing date.
Thank you for your interest in the City of Airdrie.
