Head Of Diversity, Equity And Inclusion (Dei)

Armstrong Teasdale seeks an accomplished leader to head its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program. Actual job title and more specific responsibilities will be dependent on the level of education/experience of the selected candidate. The incumbent will assume a central and significant role in implementing the firm’s strategy of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The role will focus on collaboration with the Firm’s Executive Committee and Inclusion Committee in developing and maintaining the firm’s DEI strategy, including the rollout of various trainings and programs, support of employee resource groups and affinity groups, and a targeted and intentional approach to diversity recruiting, retention and advancement at all levels. The incumbent will serve as a thought leader and trusted advisor who will raise awareness and assist each department and practice group within the firm with implementation of best practices and alignment with the Inclusion Committee’s priorities and goals. This leader is expected to work collaboratively to achieve common goals with other heads of departments, including the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Growth Officer, and Chief Information Officer.

The successful candidate will also play a large role in external facing programs including our Diversity Supplier Program, client initiative, pro bono efforts and community service effort.

The firm has offices throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. This individual will be expected to be primarily located in one of the Firm’s US offices.

Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Work with the Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Growth Officer to implement the firm’s DEI strategy focused on recruiting, integration and retention

2. Work in collaboration with the firm’s Inclusion Committee to focus on DEI strategies with respect to internal culture and community support

3. Manage and monitor defined measures of success and incremental goals over time, provide reports to Inclusion Committee, Executive Committee, Managing Partner and others, as appropriate, on progress of annual DEI-related goals

4. Coordinate client-facing diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives that support the firm’s client outreach and business development efforts

5. Support the employee resource groups and report progress to Inclusion Committee and other internal and external stakeholders

6. In collaboration with Facilities Manager and other leaders responsible for procurement, manage the Diversity Supplier Program

7. Proactively identify opportunities to strengthen client relationships through collaborations, including through reporting demographic data to existing corporate clients and assisting attorneys in responding to RFPs pertaining to the firm's workplace diversity

8. Work with the Marketing Department in building the firm’s reputation as a leader with respect to DEI efforts

9. Proactively support the firm’s involvement in key pro bono and community programs

10. Develop links with key external organizations and bodies, e.g., LCLD, ALFDP, Diversity Lab, MCCA, NAPABA, HNBA, NBA, Lavender Law, ACC, etc.

11. Seek out speaking engagements and opportunities to participate in panel discussions on issues relating to diversity, equity and inclusion

12. Maintain a full understanding of the Mansfield Rule, participate in industry discussions and provide advice on Mansfield compliance

13. Track industry trends to evaluate whether AT’s initiatives are consistent with peer firms

14. Manage requests for participation in DEI initiatives and maintain and prepare budget accordingly

15. Participate in hiring DEI staff, oversee staff

Competencies:

• Teamwork – Inspires the team to drive for results; fuels passion; encourages team feedback; fosters an open-door policy with team and works with others to identify solutions
• Leadership – Gives upward positive and constructive feedback and offers solutions; onboards leadership; identifies overarching areas for improvement and presents solutions; distributes work amongst team; has vision to plan and execute long-term strategic goals
• Decision Making – Makes decisions quickly and potentially with limited information; within firm structures and consistent with firm priorities
• Communication – Communicates in a clear, concise and organized manner; prevents miscommunication by clarifying difficult concepts and ensures understanding by others; ensures regular and consistent information is shared; understands the appropriate level of confidentiality and with whom information may be shared
• Alignment to Values – Influences the awareness and adoption of the Firm's values on a larger scale; influences the awareness and adoption of diversity and inclusion; demonstrates respect by providing solutions and support
• Continuous Learning – Identifies training needs and opportunities for self, team and firm; promotes changes and acts as a change agent

Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate experience

Preferred Education: N/A

Required Licenses and/or Certifications: Advanced degree preferred; Juris Doctor highly preferred

Required Experience: 6-10 years

Preferred Experience: 10+ years; 5+ years of multi-state law firm (more than 100 lawyers) experience highly preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct

Physical Activity: The employee will be required to sit for prolonged periods and work on a computer.

Travel Required: Although extensive travel is not required, the employee must be prepared to travel as necessary for visits to various offices and DEI conferences

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

EEO Statement: Armstrong Teasdale is an equal opportunity employer and will make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status or other protected status, in accordance with federal, state and local laws. At Armstrong Teasdale, we define diversity and inclusion broadly and focus on helping professionals of all races, religions, national origins, gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations and physical abilities feel a sense of belonging. Diversity and inclusion are core values of the firm, and we recognize the richness they bring to our workplace.