Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager | AM LAW 50 Firm | Chicago, IL Our prestigious and globally awarded law firm is hiring an experienced DEI Manager for their Chicago office. Reporting to the DEI Director, the DEI Manager is responsible for driving the development and implementation of key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives aligned with the Firm’s overall goals. Collaborating with the DEI Director, this role focuses on promoting the objectives of the Firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, "Client Firm" Women, and the Firm’s affinity groups (the Firm’s affinity groups, together, with the DEI Committee, and SW, the” Diversity Infrastructure”). The DEI Manager will engage with lawyers, including diverse lawyers, women, minority/ethnic minority, LGBTQ , and disabled lawyers, as well as firm leadership, strategic partners, and the broader professional staff. Our client is offering a very competitive compensation, benefits, and bonus package.

Send resume to Amy Altman: amy@esquire-recruiting.com

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages assigned regional and firmwide programs, office specific heritage month celebrations and commemorations, and other projects in collaboration with Strategic Partners. For the referenced and other assigned projects, the Manager helps engage participants, develop program agendas, research, and obtain speakers, manage the budget, and organize all program related events.
• Provides support for the DEI Director in her role in providing leadership to develop approaches to drive strategic investment in the Firm’s Diverse Lawyers. Strategic investment takes the form of development and management of certain of the Firm’s DEI processes related to attorney development, retention, and promotion. This responsibility will require extensive collaboration with the Diversity Infrastructure and the Strategic Partners
• Provides support for the DEI Director in her role in evaluating the Firm’s attorney pipeline programs and processes. Helps the DEI Director collaborate with the Diversity Infrastructure and Strategic Partners to evolve and standardize the pipeline programs and processes.
• Assists the DEI Director and collaborate with Strategic Partners to efficiently research, plan, organize and execute diversity, equity and inclusion programming and projects to support the development of Lawyers.
• Assists the DEI Director with the management of work of the DEI and “Client Firm’s Women” Committees, including the organization of meetings, development of agendas, response to complaints and problems, staffing of events by Lawyers and other Strategic Partners. In addition, the Manager will provide data, program ideas, and other resources as requested, in service of the DEI Team’s and Committees’ strategic goals.
• Tracks the firm’s office specific sponsorships of local lawyer affinity organizations to help the DEI Director and Chief Diversity Officer (“CDO”) measure the impact of such sponsorships on Lawyers and the applicable office.
• Assists the DEI Director and CDO in collaborating with Strategic Partners to enhance the firm’s current mentoring processes for Lawyers.
• Develops, organizes, and attends DEI functions in NY and elsewhere, as needed, both at and outside of firm, in collaboration with the DEI Director and CDO the firm’s Strategic Partners
• Assists with the management of Client Firm’s relationships with selected DEI-related organizations in NY, including attendance at programs and development of joint programming, as desirable, as well as negotiation of sponsorships, recruitment of Lawyer participation, and reporting.
• Collaborates with DEI team members across all offices, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned. This position may require working non-standard hours and the ability to travel and work overtime, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• A minimum of 2 years of prior work experience
• Experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and web-based services and related applications.
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to spot concerns and issues and to formulate and execute responses or solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to marshal the resources of the Firm across many departments to present excellent programs and effective initiatives.

Preferred:

• Law firm, corporate experience
• Prior work experience where collaboration on projects was required.

OTHER SKILLS

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• The use of good judgment and ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
• A self-starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to travel and work effectively from remote locations.