Job Title: Diversity Chair
Organization: Ontario Ball Hockey Federation (OBHF)
Location: Ontario (Remote/Hybrid/On-site as needed)
Reports to: OBHF Board of Directors
Job Type: Contract Part-time

About OBHF:

The Ontario Ball Hockey Federation (OBHF) is dedicated to growing and promoting the sport of ball hockey across Ontario. As a leader in the sport, OBHF strives to foster an environment where athletes of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, and included. We believe in the power of community, inclusivity, and fair play, and are committed to reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Ontario in our leagues, events, and programs.

Position Overview:

The Diversity Chair will lead OBHF’s efforts to create a more inclusive, culturally diverse, and welcoming environment for players, coaches, and volunteers. This position will help promote diversity across OBHF's activities, ensuring that athletes from all communities, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel valued and supported. The Diversity Chair will play a central role in outreach, program development, and policy recommendations that align with OBHF’s vision for inclusivity.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Promote Cultural Representation and Visibility:
  • Collaborate with OBHF’s communications team to feature diverse players, coaches, and community members in OBHF’s media, including social media platforms, website, and marketing materials.
  • Ensure OBHF’s representation reflects Ontario’s multicultural landscape, amplifying the voices and stories of athletes from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Community Outreach and Partnerships:
  • Build relationships with community organizations, schools, and leagues from diverse backgrounds to encourage broader participation in OBHF’s programs.
  • Foster partnerships with cultural organizations to expand OBHF’s reach and attract players from underrepresented communities.
  • Organize Diversity-Focused Events and Workshops:
  • Plan and execute events, workshops, and training sessions on topics such as cultural awareness, unconscious bias, and inclusivity in sports.
  • Engage OBHF’s coaches, players, and staff in learning opportunities to create a more inclusive culture within the organization.
  • Support for New and Prospective Players:
  • Serve as a liaison for players from underrepresented groups to ensure they have a positive and welcoming experience as they join OBHF leagues.
  • Help new players acclimate to OBHF’s community, reducing isolation and increasing retention by providing support and mentorship.
  • Data Collection and Reporting:
  • Collect demographic data on player participation and experiences to identify areas for improvement in OBHF’s inclusivity efforts.
  • Regularly report findings and make recommendations for new initiatives based on data analysis.

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Passion for fostering an inclusive environment where athletes of all backgrounds can thrive.
  • Experience in Diversity-Related Roles: Previous experience in a diversity or community outreach role, ideally within sports or youth programs.
  • Strong Communication Skills: Ability to effectively engage and communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Leadership Ability: Proven ability to lead initiatives, inspire change, and promote inclusivity within a team environment.
  • Cultural Competency: A deep understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities and a commitment to reducing barriers to participation in sports.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and address issues of exclusion or underrepresentation and provide solutions to foster a more inclusive culture.
  • Community Engagement Experience: Background in building relationships with community organizations, schools, or local groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Multilingual Abilities: Ability to communicate in more than one language is an asset.
  • Experience in Sports Administration: Knowledge of the sports sector and the dynamics of organizing events and leagues is beneficial.
  • Educational Background: A background in social justice, community development, or related fields is an asset.

Time Commitment:

The Diversity Chair role is flexible but requires an estimated 30 hours per month for meetings, program planning, and community outreach activities. The time commitment may vary depending on OBHF's initiatives and event schedules.

Impact of the Role:

  • Enhanced Player Engagement: By promoting diversity, the Diversity Chair will attract and retain players from diverse backgrounds, creating a more vibrant and inclusive community within OBHF.
  • Expanded Talent Pool: With a broader base of participants, OBHF will benefit from increased competition and skill development across leagues.
  • Leadership in Inclusivity: OBHF will position itself as a forward-thinking organization that sets an example for diversity and inclusion in the sports community.
  • Alignment with OBHF’s Values: This role supports OBHF’s mission of “excellence in fair play” and reinforces the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and good citizenship.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their experience, commitment to diversity, and qualifications for the role of Diversity Chair by [application deadline].

Equal Opportunity Statement: OBHF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity organization. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, to apply. We believe that a diverse team is essential to our success and mission. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us. Upon request for accommodation, we will consult with the applicant in question and provide or arrange for the provision of a suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability.