Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion 

New York, NY, Washington, DC, Dallas, TX, or Houston, TX 

Summary

The Associate Director of Diversity & Inclusion will work closely with the Senior Director of Talent Management, Chief Talent Officer and the Diversity & Inclusion Executive Committee on the continued development and execution of the Firm’s diversity strategy as well as ongoing and new initiatives to build and support a more inclusive culture.  The position will have firm-wide responsibility to promote the awareness of diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives both internally and externally.  The Associate Director will collaborate closely across administrative functions, including with those responsible for recruiting, training and development, business development, practice management, marketing services.  This position can be based in Dallas, Houston, New York or Washington.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Leads the Firm’s overall D&I strategy and initiatives to recruit, retain, develop and promote diverse attorneys and professional staff, and to support an inclusive environment where all members of the firm can succeed.  These efforts include the following:  

Recruitment
•    Partners with the attorney recruitment team on initiatives to increase hiring of diverse candidates in the pipeline, entry-level and lateral process 

Internal Engagement and Development
•    Develops strong relationships with attorneys and professional staff at all levels of the organization to become an advisor and resource for all D&I questions and concerns.
•    Oversees programming and initiatives for Diversity Council, Women’s Initiative, and affinity groups, including the Women of Color network, Asian & Middle Eastern, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American & Indigenous, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Military & Veterans, and Parents Network
•    Evaluates and implements D&I workshops and training programs for all members of the firm to include leading all aspects of coordinating Firm’s bi-annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference and meetings
•    Leads efforts to work with the professional development team to integrate D&I throughout the attorney experience, including integration, mentoring, training, evaluations, and work allocation
•    Strategizes with the marketing, communications, and business development teams to identify opportunities to increase the visibility of the firm’s diverse lawyers through speaking engagements, articles, client alerts, social media, and external events
•    Advises and support D&I Executive Committee activities and efforts 

Client and Community Engagement
•    Develops relationships with external contacts to include clients, affinity bar associations, professional  and community organizations to evaluate sponsorship opportunities, conference participation, networking and training opportunities for diverse lawyers
•    Leads responses to client and community requests for D&I information and attend meetings with clients and strategic partners to discuss the firm’s D&I efforts
•    Identifies opportunities to partner with key clients and alumni on D&I programs and initiatives 

Communications and Data Analysis
•    Monitors industry D&I data and lead efforts for developing, analyzing, and reporting internal D&I metrics for measuring progress and effectiveness of the firm’s D&I strategy
•    Works with HRIS members to complete D&I surveys, award submissions, reports and other statistical information for firmwide communications, committee meetings, and other requests
•    Oversees the firm’s internal and external D&I communications to include a regular D&I Executive Committee e-comm, bi-monthly newsletter and diversity-related content in recruiting and marketing materials, social media, and on the external website

Other
•    Collaborates with human resources to promote inclusive policies for all members of the firm, as well as implement D&I initiatives for professional staff
•    Leads special D&I initiatives, including the firm’s pursuit of Mansfield Rule Certification.
•    Oversees DEI budget
•    Manages, provide guidance to, supports, and develops D&I team members 

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned 

Working Conditions
• Firm will require COVID vaccination for all employees who will have any in-office presence with proof of vaccination being required. Individuals with medical or religious reasons for remaining unvaccinated may request an accommodation.
• Frequent travel and ability to work late hours.
• Job is subject to time pressures and constraint.

Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s degree required. JD or Master’s Degree in business administration, leadership or organizational development preferred.

Experience:  8-10 years of experience planning and delivering programs and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in a law firm or similar professional services environment required.

Special Knowledge:  Deep functional knowledge of DEI best practices. Familiarity with recruiting, professional development, diversity, equity and inclusion, business development, and organizational development preferred. Demonstrated success in developing strategy and driving process improvements regarding DEI issues in the workplace.  

Technical Skills:  Knowledge of Firm computer software. Efficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite.

Attributes:  Exceptional communication and organizational skills; ability to work with a team of highly-skilled professionals in situations that require diplomacy and confidentiality; detail-oriented; financial and statistical reporting skills; strong relationship building, people, organizational and project management skills. Deep knowledge of change management and strategies for creating alignment with a diverse set of employees. Outstanding creative thinking skills and the ability to offer new ideas and approaches to DEI efforts.

Qualifications:  Ability to manage people and maintain a good rapport with various personnel at all levels. Demonstrated experience managing multiple initiatives simultaneously and determining priorities based on what is most important to the Firm’s success. Ability to work independently and with a team, and to delegate and manage resources effectively. Ability and availability to travel in order to effectively implement the firm’s DEI strategy and initiatives.