The Equity Office is responsible for implementing and overseeing the DEI strategies for the Foundation. The Equity Office collaborates across the Foundation to ensure inclusive and equitable practices in the workplace and in the communities we serve.

The Associate, Equity Office role will coordinate efforts to advance equity goals through the organization’s day-to-day engagement strategies. This newly created position will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on equity and justice within the organization and external partnerships. This role will partner closest with the DEI Manager focusing on project management support for areas including, but not limited to, Business Diversity, Investments, Grants Management, and Impact Investments.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• In alignment with values: DEI, Creativity, Learning, Integrity, and Empathy, collaborate with the DEI Manager on current and future initiatives

• Provide thought partnership and staff support to the Just Imperative Committee to maintain an environment of equity and inclusion where everyone in the organization is treated fairly, has equitable opportunities and outcomes, and truly feels welcome and valued

• Support the DEI Manager with fostering relationships with People & Culture and Legal teams to create and refine equity-focused leadership development curriculum and educational opportunities, as well as expanding our inclusive recruitment and retention strategies, and policy reviews

• Act as the project manager on projects including conducting research to develop procurement, contracting policies, and best practices to provide opportunities for diverse business enterprises

• Co-create, organize, and champion community efforts that promote economic inclusion and procurement opportunities through mentorship, resourcing, and supporting values aligned missions while tracking data

• Partner with Grant Management, Investments, and Impact Investment teams with current DEI data review and values-based systems of inclusion to ensure equitable and accessible opportunities

• Regularly attend internal and external affinity group meetings and engage as a partner in the work

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the field is desirable in Human Resources, Business Diversity, DEI or related field

• Proven track record or comfortable in addressing and leading change around DEI at the organizational and/or community level

• Proven experience in managing projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals

• Deep content knowledge of the research and best practices for organizations striving to embrace diversity, equity, inclusive, justice and belonging

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels within the organization  

• Ability to build relationships through trust, collaboration, and direct communication

• Excellent writing, public speaking, and facilitation skills

• Proficiency working with the Microsoft Suite

• Agility and adaptability

• Ability to execute complex projects with a strong attention to detail and to manage multiple projects and tasks while meeting deadlines

• Experience with Business Diversity programs; economic inclusion, diverse procurement, development, sourcing, and data tracking

• Excellent relationship building skills with community partners

The position is hybrid and based in Chicago, Illinois.

Annual salary for this role will start at $89,500.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The work environment is an office setting.  Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.