SR. SPECIALIST - DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION (DEI)

Who We Are:

We are R&D problem-solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients; operating as a nonprofit since 1947 we work the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of humankind. Pushing the boundaries of science and technology to develop solutions.

Objectives of this Role:

• The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist will ensure that SwRI's actions reflect the Institute’s high standards of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
• Advise Human Resources and the Executive Team on DEI topics and enhance the cultural and social climate of ongoing solutions that promote greater DEI awareness.
• Help coordinate the Institute’s DEI initiatives and provide consistency across our organization.
• Leverage DEI data (reports, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) data, Affirmative Action data), training, and other fact-based information to support focused DEI enhancement activities.
• Collaborate with multiple HR functions to support the DEI strategy and align culture and performance with recognition strategies.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Work in close partnership with HR staff to coordinate, analyze, develop, and implement DEI strategies.
• Align such strategies with business groups across SwRI to inspire and mentor others.
• Report to the Vice President of Human Resources
• Develop and maintain solutions and points of communication to make DEI programs and information more accessible to Institute staff, potential recruits, other stakeholders, and our local communities.
• Drive high-quality results.
• Provide ongoing analytics and reporting to the SwRI Executive Team and HR management.
• Lead the planning, operations, and logistics for DEI events, programs, and initiatives.
• Answer DEI questions for cultural accuracy and inclusion relative to SwRI values.
• Review content, stories, and language in ongoing employee and applicant communication in partnership with the Communications team.
• Manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced growth environment.
• Leverage established metrics to measure effectiveness of DEI programs.
• Stay apprised of best practices and recommended strategies for continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and improvement to the overall DEI efforts at SwRI.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers regarding best practices to maximize SwRI employee experience.

Education requirements

Requires a Bachelors with a 3.00 GPA in Human Resources, Organizational Design, or related field with related industry experience

Experience requirements

6-10 years: demonstrated knowledge and/or equivalent understanding of organization constructs, policies and processes and/or equivalent experience in identifying and implementing best practices of DEI with a command of modern concepts and issues
Knowledge in local, state, and federal laws, regulations and guidelines related to diversity, inclusion, nondiscrimination, and employment
An understanding of cross-cultural values and experiences
Knowledge of diverse socio-economic climates in SwRI work areas
Data proficiency to include intuitive analyses of human capital data
Ability to handle confidential data and information
Communication skills with experience in multiple communication modes, including social media.
Interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and partner effectively across org. boundaries through multiple mechanisms–email, verbal updates, presentations, WebEx, Zoom, etc.
People acumen; ability to work across multiple groups within an employee population
A valid/clear driver's license is required

Qualifications

6-10 years: demonstrated knowledge and/or equivalent understanding of organization constructs, policies and processes and/or equivalent experience in identifying and implementing best practices of DEI with a command of modern concepts and issues
Knowledge in local, state, and federal laws, regulations and guidelines related to diversity, inclusion, nondiscrimination, and employment
An understanding of cross-cultural values and experiences
Knowledge of diverse socio-economic climates in SwRI work areas
Data proficiency to include intuitive analyses of human capital data
Ability to handle confidential data and information
Communication skills with experience in multiple communication modes, including social media.
Interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and partner effectively across org. boundaries through multiple mechanisms–email, verbal updates, presentations, WebEx, Zoom, etc.
People acumen; ability to work across multiple groups within an employee population
A valid/clear driver's license is required

Responsibilities

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
Work in close partnership with HR staff to coordinate, analyze, develop, and implement DEI strategies.
Align such strategies with business groups across SwRI to inspire and mentor others.
Report to the Vice President of Human Resources
Develop and maintain solutions and points of communication to make DEI programs and information more accessible to Institute staff, potential recruits, other stakeholders, and our local communities.
Drive high-quality results.
Provide ongoing analytics and reporting to the SwRI Executive Team and HR management.
Lead the planning, operations, and logistics for DEI events, programs, and initiatives.
Answer DEI questions for cultural accuracy and inclusion relative to SwRI values.
Review content, stories, and language in ongoing employee and applicant communication in partnership with the Communications team.
Manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced growth environment.
Leverage established metrics to measure effectiveness of DEI programs.
Stay apprised of best practices and recommended strategies for continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and improvement to the overall DEI efforts at SwRI.
Provide coaching and guidance to managers regarding best practices to maximize SwRI employee experience.