Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Summary

The Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) is a key executive leadership position responsible for developing, implementing, and advancing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy for Stinson LLP. This role focuses on cultivating a workplace culture that values and prioritizes DEI, both internally by supporting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse talent, and externally through client interactions, partnerships, and community engagements. The CDEIO will offer strategic guidance on DEI matters to the firm's leadership and will lead a dedicated team that collaborates across all administrative departments to ensure alignment with the firm's mission, strategic goals, and DEI commitments.

Please submit your application by no later than 45 days following the posted date. Applications received after this date may not be considered.

Required Education & Experience

• College degree required.
• Prior leadership experience in DEI or Professional Development field required.

Preferred Education & Experience

• D. or graduate degree in DEI, Leadership, Organizational Development, or related field preferred.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred.
• DEI Certificate preferred.

Essential Functions

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

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive DEI strategy aligned with the firm's mission, strategic plan, and goals.
• Collaborate with firm and administrative department leaders to integrate DEI principles across all operational areas.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team and the Board on DEI-related matters, emerging trends, and best practices.
• Identify and evaluate current DEI trends and best practices to innovate or improve upon firm programs and processes that impact DEI objectives.

Program Development and Implementation:

• Design and oversee firm-wide DEI programs, initiatives, and policies to promote equity and
• Develop and implement training programs and CLEs on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership.
• Establish or enhance mentorship and sponsorship programs to support underrepresented groups in career advancement.
• Oversee all firm-wide DEI-related communications.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the DEI team, ensuring they have the resources and support to achieve objectives.
• Oversee progress on DEI objectives and team projects, ensuring alignment with firm priorities.

Metrics and Accountability:

• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of DEI initiatives and progress toward goals.
• Provide regular reports to the executive team and stakeholders, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Conduct firm-wide assessments to identify barriers to equity and inclusion and recommend actionable

Recruitment and Retention:

• Partner with HR and Attorney Recruiting teams to develop strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Develop strategies to address representation gaps at all levels of the firm.
• Foster an inclusive onboarding process and ensure ongoing support for attorneys and staff, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Client and Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with clients to align DEI goals and identify partnership opportunities.
• Represent the firm at DEI-related industry events, conferences, and community initiatives.
• Build relationships with external organizations, such as affinity groups and professional associations, to enhance the firm's DEI efforts.
• Ensure completion of applicable DEI related surveys, awards, and applications.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the firm's DEI efforts.

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Prepare and monitor the DEI Department's annual budget.

General and Administrative:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Highly professional with a strong customer service orientation, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong professional, independent thinking skills with strength in problem solving and the ability to offer constructive opinions and creative solutions.
• A team player who motivates and educates other team members.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Ability to successfully manage direct report(s), including performance evaluation, goal-setting, employee development and problem-solving.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position includes supervisory responsibilities.

Travel

Significant travel required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the responsibilities of the position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the person in this position will encounter. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a professional, fast paced office environment that may require additional hours to complete work.

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. If an employee is unable to perform the essential functions of the position, Stinson LLP will evaluate whether a reasonable accommodation can be made to enable the employee to perform the described essential functions of the position. Generally, due to the nature of this office position, while performing the responsibilities of the position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

AAP/EEO Statement

Stinson LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, disabled and other diverse candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Stinson LLP is a federal contractor. Information gathered through applicant Voluntary Self-Identification will be used periodically with various government agencies for statistical reporting and to measure the effectiveness of our Affirmative Action and EEO outreach efforts. All information is requested on a voluntary basis and will be kept confidential. We will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Applicants with a disability that are in need of an accommodation to complete the Stinson LLP application process should contact Human Resources at 316.268.7962 or email Talent@stinson.com.

By submitting this application, you certify the information provided is true to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that being untruthful in response to any of the answers provided within this application or any of the attached documents may lead to your termination in the event you are employed. If employed, you will be required to provide documentation showing you are legally authorized to work in the United States. We conduct criminal background checks of all individuals offered employment.