Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO)

Job title: Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO)

About the Role The organization is seeking a dynamic Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) to lead organizational transformation for its 150th year. The CDEIO will advise executive leadership and ensure DEI is deeply integrated into strategic planning, culture, and long-term processes. This role aims to create a visionary DEI roadmap, build buy-in and accountability, and partner across all practice areas to reflect the lived experiences of the communities served.

What You'll Do

• Define and implement an inspiring DEI vision, strategic plan, and operational roadmap to turn that vision into a reality
• Advise the executive leadership team on DEI-related issues, ensuring accountability and awareness at the highest levels and support advocacy and change strategies that will lead to affirming work environments
• Partner with executive leadership and HR to deepen inclusive culture and reinforce DEI principles in employee policies and practice, including recruitment and retention
• Develop a comprehensive staffing plan to hire, manage, and retain high-performing DEI personnel
• Ensure the organization's DEI objectives and underlying values are clearly communicated, understood, and reflected across The Legal Aid Society's culture and processes
• Foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and trust across all levels and with external partners to improve the employee experience, reduce DEI-related grievances, and ensure voices are heard and valued
• Serve as the primary resource and first responder for staff experiencing discrimination, providing immediate support and organizational action plans
• Develop and implement mandatory DEI training programs for onboarding, management, and general staff
• Create frameworks for respectful cross-departmental dialogue and maintain an informed understanding of staff working conditions
• Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure DEI values are consistently embedded in internal and external messaging
• Utilize quantitative and qualitative data to track, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of DEI initiatives
• Establish systems for regular progress updates to promote transparency and collective commitment across all levels of the organization
• Partner with leaders to streamline response processes for DEI challenges, ensuring prompt action on critical systemic issues
• Represent the organization in external research, industry groups, and DEI-focused surveys
• Supervise the DEI team, overseeing role development, performance assessments, and professional growth
• Manage the department budget, including the selection and oversight of external vendors and consultants
• Identify operational strengths and gaps, proposing necessary resource changes to support evolving DEI initiatives

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of senior-level DEI leadership in a complex nonprofit, public interest, or mission-driven organization; experience navigating unionized environments and a JD or Master's degree strongly preferred
• Proven success leading large-scale DEI initiatives across diverse dimensions, including race, gender, LGBTQ+ identity, and disability, within a large, complex organization
• Expertise in strategic planning and execution, with a demonstrated ability to create visionary roadmaps, establish clear metrics/KPIs, and manage departmental budgets and staff
• Comprehensive and deep technical knowledge of DEI frameworks, systemic oppression, and legal requirements (EEO/human rights laws), maintained through active connection to industry