Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We have a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion because we believe that the various perspectives and experiences of our lawyers enable us to identify creative and effective solutions for our clients and for the value that diversity brings to all aspects of our firm. To support our initiatives in this area we are currently seeking a second firmwide Diversity and Inclusion Manager who will work under the supervision and direction of the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
This is a high visibility team, this area is a strategic priority for the firm, and the position provides opportunity for professional growth. This position can reside in the WASHINGTON DC, NEW YORK, HOUSTON OR DALLAS OFFICE and will be responsible for supporting the execution of the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategic plan which includes the following four goal areas: leadership commitment and engagement, professional development and inclusion, recruiting and the diversity pipeline, and strategic partnerships.
The Diversity and Inclusion Manager is also expected to serve as a role model and mentor and create an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement within the firm.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE:
- In collaboration with the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and the diversity and inclusion team, develop, foster and support strategic initiatives and programs focused on the recruitment, development, advancement and retention of diverse lawyers at the firm
- Support the execution of the firm-wide diversity and inclusion strategic plan, including programming and initiatives to support firmwide and local office efforts
- Provide support and guidance to the Chairs of the local D&I Councils and Firmwide Resource Groups (FRGs), including making leaders aware of D&I initiatives and events taking place in different offices around the firm
- Engage with and support the professional development and effective inclusion of diverse attorneys throughout the firm
- Assist with the collection, analysis, and preparation of diversity-related metrics and statistical information for firmwide reports, RFPs, surveys, committee meetings, and other requests, as needed, liaising with other departments on necessary data and historical materials
- Collaborate with the recruiting, professional development, practice management, and client development teams to advance D&I in all of these areas including work assignments and client engagement
- Lead the development of annual budgets for office D&I Councils and FRGs; track and maintain accurate accounts of all expenses and balances to support adherence to the budget
- Work closely with the stakeholders on the planning and coordination of internal and external workshops, programs and meetings, including but not limited to sponsorships, attendance, catering, audio-visual, marketing and promotion
- Coordinate with local office staff to implement administrative tasks and duties regarding internal and external diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Update and maintain the firm’s internal D&I portal pages and diversity and inclusion related content on the external Akin Gump website
- Attend meetings as requested to provide information and serve as a point of contact/resource for diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Review, assess, and share market trends, competitive intelligence, benchmarking data, and innovations related to diversity and inclusion for possible application at the firm
- QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES):
- Bachelor’s Degree required; JD preferred
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience ideally in diversity and inclusion management, recruiting, professional development, client development/engagement, or related area in a law firm, government agency, or professional services organization desired
- Knowledge or experience in strategy development and execution or organizational development
- Experience synthesizing data and human capital metrics
- Marketing and communications experience
- Demonstrated commitment to gender equity and diversity and inclusion
- Strong service orientation and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers; attorneys; office, firm and practice management; and outside business partners
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Very strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure
- Ability to manage multiple projects with specific deadlines and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to use initiative and independent judgment to accomplish results
- Demonstrated judgment, discretion and tact
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Ability to delegate and manage resources effectively
- Ability to read, comprehend and follow instructions
- Unfailing attention to detail
- Ability to use critique of work to improve performance
- Commitment to professional growth and development
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