Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Job Summary

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager executes and continuously improves firmwide strategies and initiatives that advance an inclusive and culturally competent workplace. This role serves as a strategic and operational partner to senior DEI leadership to embed DEI principles into recruitment, professional development, retention, engagement, and business operations for both attorneys and professional staff. The DEI Manager oversees day-to-day DEI programs and initiatives, manages affinity groups and DEI governance bodies, supervises DEI junior staff, and analyzes and reports on progress toward DEI goals.

Job Responsibilities

• Partner with senior DEI leadership to recommend, develop, and execute firmwide DEI initiatives aligned with organizational strategy and goals.
• Manage and support the firm’s DEI governance structures, including the Diversity Steering Committee, Diversity Council, and affinity groups.
• Monitor industry trends, best practices, and developments related to DEI, sharing insights where practicable.
• Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of DEI programs, including anti-bias and cultural competency training; Diversity Speaker Series and educational programming; firmwide diversity retreats and conferences; affinity group annual gatherings and initiatives; and mentorship, sponsorship, networking, and professional development programs.
• Manage the firm’s participation in external DEI partnerships, sponsorships, conferences, overseeing business development collaboration, sponsorship deliverables, attendee recruitment, and program evaluations.
• Actively monitor and analyze DEI progress through qualitative and quantitative metrics related to hiring, promotion, leadership representation, utilization, and attrition.
• Develop reports, presentations, and insights to inform leadership decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Oversee completion of industry surveys, client RFPs, and data requests related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead and support DEI communications strategy in collaboration with Marketing and Business Development, including: internal communications and announcements; intranet, internet, and digital platform content; and client-facing materials, RFPs, client surveys, and narrative language
• Maintain and update DEI marketing, branding, and communications materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with firm objectives.
• Develop and monitor the DEI department budget, including sponsorships and program expenditures, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
• Track expenses, approve charges, assist with forecasting, and reconcile costs in collaboration with senior DEI leadership.
• Oversee day-to-day DEI departmental operations, including inboxes, documentation, project trackers, and internal resources; identify and implement process improvements.
• Supervise and mentor DEI staff, including the DEI Assistant and other administrative or professional personnel, ensuring effective support of affinity groups and initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality internal and external client service on complex DEI matters with discretion, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations to diverse and senior audiences.
• Proven analytical skills with experience translating data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple, competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to generate innovative programs and solutions that advance DEI goals.
• Proficiency in technologies such as GenAI and Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Word, PowerPoint, and Excel capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, professional levels, and diverse communities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Experience

The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible, directly related experience in a law firm or similar professional services environment, during which the knowledge, skills and abilities applicable to the position were demonstrated.