Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist

**About Guide Dogs Victoria**

Guide Dogs Victoria is a leader in breaking down barriers that enable our people to live life without limits.

Guide Dogs Victoria recognises and responds to the diverse needs and choices of our Clients. We specialise in providing high quality and safe services and supports to people living with low vision or blindness and other disabilities. We are one of Australia’s most trusted charity and an employer of choice in the disability and aged care sectors. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our employees and volunteers and the benefits this brings to our organisation. Our people enjoy an inclusive and culturally safe work environment free from all forms of discrimination. Guide Dogs Victoria is a place where talent is recognised and innovation is encouraged.

**Diversity and Inclusion Specialist**

Guide Dogs Victoria has a full time permanent opportunity for an experienced professional to join our People and Culture team as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist.

Reporting into the GM People and Culture, the role is responsible for providing expert advice and delivering initiatives that ensure Guide Dogs Victoria is an inclusive and diverse workplace. You will have a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion and you will be responsible for leading the development of frameworks and programs that ensure we are an inclusive and culturally safe workplace where everyone is able to be their true authentic self at work. Lived experience or experience caring for a person with lived experience is highly valued.

**In this role you will be responsible to**:

- Develop and deliver the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility strategy and framework for Guide Dogs Victoria, working closely with key stakeholders across the organisation.
- Design and implement initiatives across the following population groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTIQA+ and people with a disability with a focus on employees, volunteers, Clients and donors.
- Lead the development and delivery of Guide Dogs Victoria’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
- Develop and implement the Learning and development Journey Map for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for employees, volunteers and the Board, and facilitate training and awareness on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
- Engage our Leadership Teams to drive change, increase engagement and facilitate the delivery of commitments, priorities and outcomes.
- Develop, implement and review policies and procedures.
- Actively develop and participate in internal and external reference groups, steering committees, and consultative groups to enhance building partnerships and relationships with relevant communities.
- Advise on the latest emerging trends in diversity, equity and inclusion, so as to challenge the status quo and continue to build capability and awareness across Guide Dogs Victoria.
- Previous experience in a similar senior diversity, equity and inclusion role, in particular experience in developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, and creating and executing accessibility plans for workplaces.
- A passion for diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Strong understanding of co-design processes, and demonstrated experience in implementing co-design.
- Highly developed understanding of contemporary thinking in diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience developing policies or strategies.
- Knowledge of Diversity & Inclusion standards, legislation and regulatory authorities
- An ability to engage with all levels of the organisation, with solid influencing skills.
- Experience for caring for a person with lived experience or personal lived experience is
- highly valued.
- Capacity to work collaboratively and build partnerships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including volunteers
- High level understanding of the support and services provided by Guide Dogs Victoria;
- A strong client and customer focus and a commitment to person centred service practices;
- A commitment to live the values and behaviours of Guide Dogs Victoria; and
- A strong alignment with the vision of Guide Dogs Victoria in delivering independence to people who are blind or have low vision.

**Benefits that Guide Dogs Victoria offer**:

- A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $18,550;
- 6 weeks paid parental leave;
- Support towards your professional development including paid study leave, educational assistance and an external mentoring program;
- Wellbeing program which includes an annual wellbeing calendar, discounted health insurance, employee assistance program, skin checks and annual flu vaccinations; and
- Reward and Recognition program.

**Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion**

Guide Dogs Victori