Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

This is a full-time position. The Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility will report to the Chief Administrative and Equity Officer and serve as a thought leader to develop, guide, and manage strategies and practices in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) and integrate these into the Pier’s overall mission and DEIA vision across, internal and external stakeholders such as staff, tenants, and guests of Navy Pier. This position would develop and coordinate efforts to sustain an equitable workplace and manifest DEIA values in all internal and external strategies, systems, policies, practices, operations, branding, and organizational culture. The Director of DEIA would work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, the Board of Directors, and respective committees in creating and implementing key DEIA initiatives organization-wide to strategically create and foster tangible change and cultivate an open and inclusive environment that reflects and respects all staff, partners, and community constituents.

The successful candidate must be an outstanding strategic manager, people- and program-oriented and passionate and knowledgeable about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility work to ensure DEIA is operationalized purposefully into the Pier’s vision, culture, outreach, brand, and operations.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility must possess strong interpersonal skills and an open communication style to productively engage with all stakeholders. The Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility must be a thoughtful consensus builder and team member open to new ideas: one who inspires trust and builds authentic relationships across lines of difference, while understanding the broad range of needs within the organization and the community. The job requires a broad understanding of the issues and trends impacting DEIA activities regionally, nationally, and—ideally—globally.

Key duties and responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to successfully perform this job. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a thought leader and DEIA subject matter expert on internal and external best practices and strategies that inform programs, operations, and community outreach.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the Pier’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility strategy and initiatives in partnership with existing committees and departments and any other important constituents.
• Build strategic frameworks and manage deliverables, timelines, and budgets related to DEIA initiatives.
• Guide the analysis of outcomes and performance measures and impact against the Pier’s vision from an equity lens to foster improvements in outreach, service delivery, and engagement across the organization.
• Provide leadership in creating innovative strategies to cultivate, attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce.
• Form authentic relationships and serve as a strategic thought partner with members of the Executive Leadership Team so that awareness, dedication, and accountability for DEIA action plans are implemented throughout the organization with fidelity.
• Set a shared commitment to ensure that the organization remains compliant with regulations regarding DEIA, identifying areas of risk and opportunity.
• Offer guidance to all staff, partners, and the Board of Directors on any culturally sensitive topics.
• Provide frequent updates on DEI activities, metrics, and impact across the entire organization.
• Demonstrate confidence and strength in working with and supporting the personal growth and professional development of all Pier stakeholders: staff, partners, trades/union and contracted staff, Associate Board and Board of Directors.
• Develop and deliver a broad range of training and resource materials for all staff members, and the Board of Directors that support the Pier’s vision and goals.
• Analyze and present trends and remain up to date on best practices related to DEIA and integrate accordingly.
• Oversee Accessibility accommodation requests for guests via Navy Pier’s accommodations process.
• Develop programs and policies that ensure Navy Pier is creating an equitable workforce and marketplace for people with disabilities.
• Implement and oversee Navy Pier’s Employee Resource Group(s) to enhance engagement across lines of difference.
• Establish relationships with organizations in historically and intentionally excluded communities and organize volunteer opportunities for staff to get involved.
• Design, deliver and coordinate cultural development training for staff. Specifically, around Heritage months and DEIA competencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this role include:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, human resources, business, or related disciplines, or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of five to seven years of work experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization, educational institution, or service-oriented enterprise, is encouraged. Applicants must demonstrate a current and active involvement in the DEIA field and understand organizational development and change management. 

OTHER SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Demonstrate strong written, emotional intelligence and oral communications skills.
• Ensure that all DEIA strategies are supportive of and consistent with Navy Pier’s vision, mission, and values.
• Prepare presentations, trainings, speaking points, key messaging, or other DEIA materials as requested.
• Self-starter spirit with the ability to execute assigned tasks and projects with minimal supervision.
• Genuine desire, willingness, and ability to work collaboratively, see assets and existing work, and empower leaders to work together for a collective vision.
• Able to manage confidential information.
• Partner and support the Marketing & Communications team to drive the design and delivery of inclusive messaging to media and key stakeholders.
• Able to engage and build rapport with external community constituents.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• May be required to work long hours in inclement weather conditions, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Candidates under consideration for this role may be required to submit work and/or writing samples.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive medical with generous employer HSA contribution
• Dental; Vision; Short- and Long-term disability
• Up to 6% retirement contribution
• Paid parental leave; 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 11 holidays, 3 personal days, and 1 community service day
• Complimentary parking in Navy Pier garages
• Annual Salary Range: $105,000 - $125,000

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While this role includes the flexibility to work remotely, when possible, the responsibilities of this role require an in-office component, the frequency of which will be determined by the supervising manager based on the business needs of the organization.

When the role requires remote work, the selected candidate must establish an appropriate work environment within his or her home which is conducive to remote work. This individual should have a workstation which includes a phone, reliable high-speed internet connection, and allows for privacy.