Diversity and Inclusion Director

New York, NY

Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Inclusion Officer, the Diversity & Inclusion Director will work closely with the firm’s lawyers worldwide and leverage those relationships in support of the firm’s overall D&I strategy and business objectives.

The Director will work with and support firm leaders in fostering an inclusive environment. The Director will also work to enhance the firm’s internal D&I profile and will play a significant role in external relationships with clients and industry D&I organizations that promote and support diversity and inclusion. The Director must have demonstrated experience in advancing diversity and inclusion in a fast paced environment, preferably professional services organizations.  The Director must have a track record of being able to work effectively with internal firm stakeholders as well as external firm clients.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the firm’s D&I programs and activities, continuously prioritizing action items
• Collaborate with the Chief Inclusion Officer to actively and effectively manage the D&I team, including recruitment, integration, coaching and feedback, as needed
• Work collaboratively across all areas (business development, career development, communications, professional development, recruiting, etc.) to guide and inform best practices for creating a diverse and inclusive work environment
• Supervise the firm’s responses to external and internal surveys related to D&I, playing a key role in preparing and reviewing client and industry surveys and RFPs
• Act as a trusted resource for underrepresented individuals at the firm
• Provide leadership and direction for the firm’s inclusion networks, firm-wide, and help plan and implement important initiatives and programs
• Collaborate with Inclusion Network leaders and members, to conceptualize and organize Inclusion Network and firm-wide events, providing thought leadership and programmatic support
• In collaboration with the Finance & Reporting function, continue to develop metrics that measure the effectiveness of, and promote the success of D&I programs as well as identify program gaps.
• Track and report demographics, trends and statistics at the firm and in the legal profession.
• Regularly analyze D&I metrics and present findings and recommendations for program changes, as appropriate, to the Chief Inclusion Officer and Inclusion Task Force
• In collaboration with the Chief Inclusion Officer and Women’s Director, create or look for innovative D&I trainings, workshops, educational materials, etc.
• Supervise and contribute to the production of content for D&I communication materials, including intranet, website, brochures, etc.
• Keep abreast of latest trends in D&I in law firms and other industries
• Develop D&I presentations, talking points and data analytics as neededIn collaboration with the Communications function, supervise D&I sections of client surveys, RFP’s and industry publications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, J.D. or other advanced degree welcome, but not required
• At least 10 years of experience in a management role focused on D&I, preferably at a law firm or professional services organization
• Strong knowledge of D&I efforts and best practices in the legal or professional services industry
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to network and leverage internal and external relationships to achieve goals.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines and work under pressure in a dynamic, demanding environment, while maintaining a positive attitude and demeanor
• High level of confidentiality, discretion, emotional intelligence with excellent judgment and problem solving skills
• Excellent writer, editor and proofreader. Extremely detail-oriented, with high accuracy
• Creative and determined approach to problem-solving, with ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize work, someone who can both lead teams and serve as a supportive team member
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills including project management
• Strong MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis preferred, including the ability to present and report on data
• Proven track-record of effectively implementing D&I strategies, managing conflict, resolving issues, mitigating risks, and influencing others
• Dedicated, proactive and motivated
• Adaptable and flexible