Director, DEI

The Philadelphia Inquirer is a public benefit corporation owned by the nonprofit Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Together, we’re at the center of a critical mission to create a lasting future for ambitious, engaging, and useful local journalism. We’re doing this, in part, by deepening our connection with the communities we serve. Our integrated digital and print platforms are the Philadelphia region’s largest media network. We’re passionate about building a sustainable model for indispensable local journalism, and we take pride in finding diverse, dynamic, and talented individuals to help push our team forward.

Role Summary: 

The Director, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion will lead and advise the company on ongoing DEI strategy, goals and initiatives. This role reports directly to the SVP, People & Culture and will work closely with the Executive and Leadership Team to inform, implement, and achieve DEI strategy, and advise on DEI best practices and workplace culture. As a member of the People & Culture team, this role will ensure representation goals and recruitment best practices as well as DEI training and development programs.

What You Will Do 

• Establish key metrics to assess, measure and track results of DEI initiatives aligning D&I goals and initiatives with overall People & Culture strategies for recruitment and talent acquisition, training and leadership development, employee engagement and retention.
• Partner with the VP, P&C to lead the DE&I learning and development programs, responsible for directing the work of DEI consultants. Provides DEI culture related consultation, facilitation, education and partnering with senior leadership to build and execute training curriculum.
• Ensure that employees have a comfortable place to work and learn, regardless of their race, gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or disability. 
• Review internal/external communications and ensure DEI best practices are included
• Lead Employee Resource Groups with creation of their annual plan, developing ERG leaders and identifying champions within the organization to help promote their work.
• Represent the Inquirer at internal and external events, cultivating strategic partnerships in our communities.
• Position The Inquirer as a top destination for diverse talent through an inclusive employer brand, developing pipelines for talent within marginalized communities
• Review language developed for non-discrimination policies, job applications, and equal opportunity policies and coaches colleagues on the proper language and practices to be utilized for internal and external  communications. 
• Lead internal Diversity Committee and serve as steering committee member for Newsroom Inquirer4All working groups.
• Partner with VP, P&C on our overall recruitment strategies, initiatives, programs, talent management, succession planning, coaching and guiding our company culture.

Who we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 7+ years of HR or equivalent relevant management experience; at least 5 years focused on D&I. 
• Confident in facilitating, presenting and speaking to both internal and external audiences. 
• Proven track record of leading company-wide initiatives with multiple stakeholders. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong analytical skills; able to turn data into insights and a compelling narrative on impact. 
• Ability to interact and influence at all levels, drive change and work on multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent time management skills and results oriented; able to manage shifting deadlines in a fast-paced  environment. 
• Experience with employment law is a plus.