Director, Equity and Inclusion

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks a full-time position of Director, Equity and Inclusion in the Executive Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 

The Executive Department is led by ACLU’s Executive Director and provides leadership for the organization as a whole. It is integral in promoting a cohesive vision across departments and affiliates working to ensure alignment that is in support of the ACLU's common mission of preserving civil liberties and civil rights. The Executive Department is also responsible for the ACLU’s national board and several special projects including the Advocacy Institute and Research Program.

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Reporting to the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, the Director, Equity and Inclusion will be responsible for implementing the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) strategy for the staff of the national headquarters of the ACLU.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in moving the ACLU to a culture of belonging, building on the institution’s past work and investment. We seek to develop an organization that reflects the world in which we aspire to live, valuing and reflecting the people whose lives and pursuit of fairness drive our work. We know that our success in doing so is tied to our success in advancing our mission.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

Strategy

• Contribute to the vision and strategy for the organization’s nationwide EDIB work, seeking to align it with the ACLU’s overall strategic direction
• Collaborate with the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Strategy Office and senior leaders to integrate EDIB principles into department goals and long-term strategic planning
• Advance and oversee strategic communications for EDIB, working closely with the Director of Internal Comms to communicate with staff about the EDIB team’s work, and partner with HR to effectively share the ACLU’s EDIB story externally and attract diverse talent
• Provide leadership and EDIB expertise to the departments at the National office, advising and supporting team members in their EDIB projects and initiatives, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth

Program Management and Evaluation

• At the direction of the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to develop goals and plans for their EDIB work. Consult with and advise ERGs on implementation of strategies, priorities, programming, budgeting, and timeframes. Support the leadership development of ERG leaders
• Enhance governance structures for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to align with the overall EDIB strategic plan, ensuring stakeholder engagement and accountability throughout the organization
• Develop and manage a robust, data-driven baseline across key focus areas, including community engagement and supplier diversity. Define metrics to measure the impact of EDIB programs, track progress, and report findings to guide future initiatives
• Support the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer to ensure that EDIB best practices are applied across the organization. Identify and develop strategies to correct structural barriers to EDIB

Leadership and Coaching

• Provide coaching and mentorship to staff, identifying development and training needs to enhance their contributions to EDIB initiatives
• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive leadership development program that aligns with the organization's goals and EDIB strategy. Oversee all aspects of the program, including content creation, scheduling, and participant engagement, ensuring successful delivery and measurable outcomes
• Assist in leading and facilitating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council (EDIC), supporting the development and execution of initiatives that promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organizational culture

Community Building and Conflict Resolution

• Design, create and facilitate community building circles to foster a sense of inclusion, trust, and open communication across the organization, encouraging meaningful dialogue and connection among staff
• Serve as entry point for internal EDIB Restorative Inclusion Conflict Resolution Practice. Coordinate and facilitate restorative justice and conflict resolution sessions to address internal EDIB issues

Education

• Manage and oversee the design and implementation of training for national staff, ensuring the