Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead

This position is part of the Department of Human Resources reporting to the Director of Diversity and Inclusion.  This position works independently on assignments involving complex issues where the analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.  Makes recommendations and offers alternatives for problem resolution. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to build processes, programs, strategies, and action plans for innovative diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  Has integrity, accountability, and demonstrate a commitment to service

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead’s work assignments involve moderately complex to complex issues where the analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Develops, implements, and evaluates diversity/equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs to ensure compliance with all State and Federal government legislation and State of Delaware business and organizational goals. The incumbent collaborates with operations and enterprise teams to ensure seamless launches and delivery of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives.  Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides a range of consultation services to leaders on the development and implementation of strategies for a diverse and inclusive workforce and culture.
• Provides advice and guidance on best practices associated with leading employees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Leads and manages programs and events from ideation to execution.
• Identifies, creates, and manages partnerships across HR and other key functions to ensure alignment, leverage subject matter expertise, effect efficiencies, and provide seamless service delivery.
• Mentors and coaches HR team members to elevate overall knowledge and skills in order to build a strong team.
• Triage and align internal responses to inbound communications from external organizations and groups ensuring strong productive relationships with our diverse, global community.
• Conducts in-depth, comprehensive research. Provides written recommendations based on findings to director and agency staff including precedents and applicable state and federal laws/rules/regulations/contracts.
• Leads, engages in, and acts as an impartial third party to resolve interpersonal, group, or organizational disagreements and misunderstandings to foster alignment and constructive relationships.
• Researches, develops, recommends, and executes diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices to foster organizational diversity goals.
• Reviews current organizational policies, procedures, and practices assessing and providing guidance to the extent to which they support or hinder the State’s diversity goals.
• Collects and analyzes statistical data and survey feedback to evaluate the State’s workplace environment in accordance with diversity standards and goals.
• In conjunction with Talent Acquisition, collaborates in drafting and implementing recruiting and hiring strategies to attract employees from diverse backgrounds.
• Develops and/or acquires training and development to aid diversity and retention initiatives.
• Acts as a liaison with other departments concerning diversity, inclusion, and equal employment goals, action plans and opportunities.
• Maintains knowledge of diversity-related issues, legislation, and best practices.
• Provides training and policy updates to colleagues, ensuring legal compliance of management and human resources staff.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead

Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training. 

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Bachelor’s degree minimum in liberal arts or social sciences.
2. 6+ years of experience engaged with complex Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives.
3. Understanding of DEI industry concepts and leading practices.
4. Experience coaching and consulting with organizational leaders at the manager and executive level related to HR practices, people development initiatives, and DEI strategies.
5. Experience in conducting investigations of personnel matters and interviewing skills.

As a condition of employment, all employees must certify that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated by September 30, 2021; or be required to test for COVID-19 on a weekly basis starting on September 30, 2021; or request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination(s) due to health or sincerely held religious beliefs or practices by September 30, 2021.  If hired after September 30, 2021, these certifications or requests must be completed during their initial week of employment. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at Delaware State Jobs.

The application and resume are evaluated based upon your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.