Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Manager (Dei)

About Us
The mission of the California Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CA CASA) is to ensure that children in CA’s foster care system have a voice and the services they need to secure a stable future. We meet this goal by strengthening CA’s network of 44 local CASA programs throughout CA and advocating for child-welfare policies and practices that will improve the lives of children living in foster care. www.californiacasa.org
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager is responsible for leading and advancing DEI efforts and developing and implementing strategic initiatives to promote and advance diversity, equity and inclusion within CA CASA, and across the 44 local CA CASA programs throughout CA. This role will develop and implement strategies, programs, and initiatives to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for CA CASA staff, CASA staff at local programs, volunteers, and the children and families they serve. The DEI Manager will collaborate with leadership, staff, and community partners to promote awareness, drive cultural competence, and ensure CASA’s mission is supported by its commitment to DEI principles. This role combines expertise in DEI practices and regional understanding to ensure that DEI efforts are tailored to each region’s or program’s unique needs while aligning with the organization’s overall objectives.
Essential Functions

• External Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with external organizations, community groups and professional networks to stay informed about best practices in DEI and leverage external partnerships to enhance DEI efforts in each CASA program across the four regions.
• Strategy Development: Review, modify, and assist as needed with executing a comprehensive DEI strategy that addresses the specific needs of CA CASA and each CASA program, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Regional Collaboration: Partner with CASA program’s leaders, CA CASA, and other stakeholders to assess the current state of DEI within each region, identify gaps, and develop actionable plans.
• Oversee the budget allocated for DEI initiatives, ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Collaborate with CA CASA staff and the legislative advocacy team to review and enhance existing policies and procedures to foster an inclusive and equitable work environment, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Metrics and Measurement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop systems to track and measure the effectiveness of DEI initiatives in each region, providing regular progress reports to the CA CASA senior leadership team.
• Assists with the CA CASA Annual Conference and other Events as assigned.
• Participates in CA CASA meetings as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
• Recruitment and Retention: Partner with the CA CASA Marketing team and local CASA programs to implement strategies and practices that attract, retain, and support a diverse and inclusive workforce and CASA volunteer base, including underrepresented groups.
• Cultural Competence: Lead efforts to enhance cultural competence among CASA staff and volunteers to ensure effective engagement with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• In collaboration with CA CASA Marketing team, develop and implement communication strategies to promote DEI initiatives, celebrate achievements, awareness and foster a culture of inclusivity across CA’s CASA programs.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay current on industry trends and research in DEI, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and incorporating new practices into regional DEI strategies.
• Develop & deliver DEI training programs and educational resources that enhance awareness, understanding, & competency in DEI matters for employees throughout CA CASA/ 44 local programs.

Qualifications

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to assess the impact of DEI initiatives and drive evidence-based decision-making.
• Collaboration and Influence: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships, collaborate across diverse stakeholders, and influence change at all levels of the organization.
• Regional Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of the cultural, social, and economic dynamics within CA, with the ability to adapt DEI strategies to meet the unique needs of each region.
• Integrity and Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrated.
• Familiarity with relevant state and federal laws and regulations related to DEI, diversity recruitment, and inclusive workplace practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required (e.g., Human Resources, Child Welfare, Social Sciences, or Organizational Development). Master’s degree is preferred.
• Training and Facilitation Skills: Proven ability to develop and deliver engaging and impactful DEI training programs, workshops, and educational resources.
• Cultural competence: Strong understanding of, and experience working with diverse communities, including communities of color, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups.
• Strong knowledge of DEI principles, practices, and trends. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing successful DEI initiatives, including training programs, policy development, and employee and/or volunteer engagement strategies.
• 5 years of experience in a DEI leadership role, preferably nonprofit or social services organization.
• Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate DEI concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Experience in developing and delivering engaging presentations and workshops.
• Leadership and Influence: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, influence stakeholders, and drive change in a complex organizational environment.

To Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter explaining how you believe your skills, background, and work experience meet the position’s qualifications. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
CA CASA offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and skills. We are highly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employees from all backgrounds; candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. CA CASA is committed to social, racial, and economic justice. Those with lived experience as a member of a historically under-served community (i.e., low income, communities of color, LGBTQ communities, immigrant communities, former foster youth, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
CA CASA is an equal employment opportunity employer. CA CASA’s policy is to not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), sex and gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), age (40 or over), sexual orientation, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. CA CASA also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Compensation: From $80,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year