Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager

July 16, 2024

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, has an opening for an experienced professional to join the Firm as an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager (EDI Manager) in the Legal Personnel/Human Resources department in the Toronto office.

Reporting to our Counsel, Diversity & Inclusion, the EDI Manager will support and help lead the Firm’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing programs, policies and practices that advance the Firm’s EDI strategy, goals and initiatives
• Leading the Firm’s EDI outreach initiatives, which include internship programs focused on providing students from under-represented backgrounds with opportunities to gain exposure to the legal profession
• Building relationships and helping to plan initiatives with affinity groups and internal networks
• Coordinating and engaging with the Firm’s Learning & Development team to provide EDI educational and training opportunities for internal Firm audiences
• Managing sponsorships and events with equity-deserving groups and professional associations as part of the Firm’s efforts to make an impact in our communities and promote brand awareness
• Assisting with the development of responses to client RFPs and other requests for information
• Other tasks as may be required by the Counsel, Diversity & Inclusion, Management, or Firm Leadership from time to time

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• JD law degree is preferred; however, candidates with experience in the EDI space at a professional services firm may also be considered
• Experience within a professional services organization and/or human resources department, including recruitment, is considered an asset

Skills/Abilities:

• Self-starter who is proactive, takes initiative and works well both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Energetic, self-motivated and results-oriented
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to multi-task with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrates reliability, flexibility and adaptability in meeting demands with a willingness to work extra hours when required
• Bilingualism is considered a strong asset but not required

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application, including your cover letter and résumé, directly to our application portal.

Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Who We Are

At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees by fostering an open and inclusive workplace culture. As a winner of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with the hiring, development and retention of top talent.

Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.

The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process, in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.