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Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Washington State

Job Description

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Washington State

Other locations within Washington State considered.


WA201

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The vision of The Nature Conservancy in Washington is an equitable and resilient future for communities, lands and waters in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We know that to make progress towards our mission and vision, we must grow and sustain a team and culture that effectively represents and includes the communities most deeply impacted by climate and environmental change. We are seeking a skilled, compassionate, collaborative and effective leader to help advance our organizational values and commitment to equity and, through that work, enable us to deepen our impact for people and nature.

In this newly created position, the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for the Washington Business Unit of The Nature Conservancy will work with staff and trustees to develop and implement a Washington DEI Strategy and Action Plan as part of our Business Unit’s Strategic Framework. They will lead the Business Unit as the primary subject matter expert in making measurable progress and achieving the Action Plan’s outcomes for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a multicultural workforce. Essential functions include:

  • Serving as a member of the Washington Executive Team with authority for overall decision-making, leadership, and management for the Business Unit, with a focus on providing strategic leadership for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Leading and coordinating DEI efforts and activities that ensure DEI principles are an integral part of every aspect of work throughout the Business Unit, providing guidance and assistance to all levels of personnel and ensuring connection and alignment with organization-wide DEI initiatives.
  • Developing coaching strategies to support staff, implementing dialogues that address specific concerns and issues amongst staff, and providing expertise to deepen the cultural competencies and build the capacity of our staff and trustees to work more effectively internally and externally. They may oversee conflict resolution related to DEI matters.
  • Helping create a culture of trust, inclusion, and wellbeing for all employees.
  • Working collaboratively with all programs and departments within the Business Unit to identify best practices and programs to remove barriers to DEI that affect staff retention and advancement and to create a culture of inclusion and belonging where staff can thrive and are recognized for their contributions.
  • Serving as a key resource for colleagues who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LQBTQ+, people with disabilities or mental illness, and other underrepresented identities. Collaborating with organizational partners to create opportunities for professional development, mentoring and peer support.
  • Collaborating with TNC’s Global DEI Team, Employee Resource Groups, Global People Team, and HR colleagues on strategic initiatives, learning and development, personnel management, developing metrics and tracking methods, and providing data, reports and analysis.

The Director of DEI reports to the Washington State Director, with a dotted line to the Deputy Director, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. They will directly supervise one or more dedicated staff members and will convene ongoing or ad hoc teams to advance the DEI Strategy and Action Plan.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

As the ideal candidate, you bring relevant credentials along with leadership experience managing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives in a complex, matrixed organization. With an undergraduate degree and 5+ years of progressive, related experience, including organizational leadership, policy development, strategy definition, and leading large-scale change within the DEI field.

You are a self-starter and collaborative leader, who takes a hands-on approach while working closely and effectively with colleagues and both internal and external stakeholders. Forward looking and progressive, you have successfully managed complex change initiatives and engaged an organization at all levels to adopt more inclusive systems, processes, and culture. Data-driven and outcomes-oriented, you bring a practical, pragmatic approach to effecting true organizational change.

You demonstrate a human centered leadership style that is authentic, with empathy, and adaptable when engaging staff. You are inspired and motivated by our work for people and nature and deeply committed to the well-being, growth and success of our team and community.

Location and Schedule:

  • The preferred primary location for this position is Seattle, Washington, with other locations within reasonable travel distance to Seattle considered. Hybrid and/or flexible work arrangements are available.
  • The position requires travel throughout Washington State (up to 25% of time) and working flexible hours as needed.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

In your resume and cover letter, please address how you meet the following qualifications:

  • Experience creating an inclusive, welcoming and culturally competent work environment including retention, training, coaching and/or best practice development.
  • Experience leading, managing, and supporting project teams and individuals.
  • Experience leading and managing complex projects and initiatives, including organizational change initiatives.
  • Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people and cultures.
  • Experience working with current trends and best practices in the diversity & inclusion discipline.
  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, human resources or other relevant field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience working with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to act in accordance with the Washington equity statement; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Experience incorporating a DEI lens when communicating and making decisions and addressing personal, cultural and institutional bias.
  • Track record of successful relationships with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and other underrepresented communities.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Advanced understanding of fundamental DEI concepts and practices, including healing practices.
  • Experience and/or training focused on multicultural/multigenerational communication and equitable conflict resolution (for example, restorative justice practices).
  • Experience responding to DEI-related questions, problems and data information requests from employees/management.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast paced, stressful and highly visible environment.
  • Experience leading and implementing employee learning and development plans that span managerial and team excellence and DEI.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

We recognize the challenges that may be faced by DEI leaders, especially in historically white-led organizations, and are committed to supporting the person in this position in a variety of ways, based on their needs. Specific commitments we have already made include:

  • Direct supervisory relationship with the State Director and seat on the Executive Team, along with a structured connection to the Global DEI team and participation in the DEI Practitioners Network.
  • A dedicated DEI budget that includes funding to hire a second position to be designed by the Director as well as additional funding for consultant support or other activities.
  • Clear expectations that all staff actively contribute to DEI efforts as a core part of their work.
  • Support for mentorship.

Additional specific supports and connections will undoubtedly be needed and will be determined in partnership with the person filling this position.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Selection Process: In an effort to be as transparent as possible in our selection process as well as to help expedite bringing new staff on board, below is a timeline of key events:

  • Initial Screening Interviews (45 – 60 minutes via Zoom): April 13 – 18, 2023
  • Panel Interviews (75 – 90 minutes via Zoom): April 26 – 28, 2023
  • Finalist(s) meeting with hiring manager and select staff (in person - Seattle): May 1 – 3, 2023

While we will communicate these dates and any changes to you during the process, please consider placing tentative holds on your calendars for the initial screening and panel interviews.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The estimated starting salary for this position is dependent on qualifications, experience, and location.

  • Salary range in Seattle, WA: $120,000 - $150,000 annually
  • Salary range in other Washington State locations: $100,000 - $135,000 annually

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID# 53115, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on April 3, 2023. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

  • Health insurance

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