Director (Human Rights)

Working under the direction of the Assistant Dean, JD Program and in consultation with the Associate Dean, Research, the incumbent has responsibilities in the areas of Planning and Policy Development, Advocacy, External Relations and Communications, Development, Administration, Project Management, and Human Resource Management.

The Director, International Human Rights Program (IHRP) provides clinical, educational, and administrative leadership and support to the IHRP. The incumbent is the primary contact and responsible for all matters related to the IHRP. Working closely with the Faculty, including the Assistant Dean and the Associate Dean, the Director develops priorities, strategies, and objectives for the IHRP. The Director oversees all of the IHRP’s advocacy initiatives, including the clinic, working groups, speaker series, Rights Review magazine, internships, and mentorship program. The incumbent works with the Faculty to select advocacy opportunities for the IHRP, supervises students working on advocacy, and develops and delivers clinical legal education programs at the Faculty. The Director organizes and runs seminars, programs, workshops and conferences; drafts position papers, reports, and pleadings; represents the IHRP to various stakeholder groups, including the legal profession, judiciary, policy makers, public interest advocates, private organizations, government, funders and law schools across Canada and internationally; and oversees all operations, including internal and external communications, finances, fundraising, public relations, and publications.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• LL.B. (J.D.) degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; LL.M or other graduate degree is an asset.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of five years’ related experience in a law firm, public organization, or government office, including experience relevant to international human rights advocacy and litigation.
• Extensive variety of experience in dealing with members of the legal profession and international human rights advocates both within and outside Canada.
• Strong familiarity with legal education, public interest advocacy, and international human rights law.
• Related experience in senior positions within administration and management in a publicly funded or public interest organization is an asset.
• Wide range of career experience including dealings with the media, funders, students, and the general public is an asset.
• Comprehensive and global understanding of the University of Toronto, as well as general knowledge of the post-secondary education system, is an asset.
• Licensed to practice in Ontario; applicants licensed to practice in other jurisdictions with strong Human Rights experience will be considered.

SKILLS

• Proficient with of MS Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint), and internet searching.
• Demonstrated superior oral and written communication and advocacy skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective problem solver; well-developed judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong fundraising skills, including experience in grant development.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Superior drive and enterprise.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to handle matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.
• Diplomacy, discretion, tact, pleasant manner, ability to work well independently as well as with a wide variety of people