The DEI Specialist will work closely with the CDIO in implementing and coordinating firmwide strategic initiatives that help the firm to attract, retain, and promote diverse talent and foster an inclusive environment, including the development, enhancement, and support of all attorney and, secondarily, business service professional, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They will execute and coordinate training programs, professional development/networking events, community and client collaborations, and assist the CDIO with budgets and inclusion activities. They will report to the CDIO and provide advice, recommendations, and administrative support to ensure a positive and inclusive firmwide environment as it relates to the hiring, integration, training, evaluations and promotions of personnel while also working closely with other administrative personnel and attorneys. To be considered for the position, all interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Work closely with the CDIO in the development of DEI programming, attorney professional development processes, and internal and external DEI initiatives, as necessary; coordinate DEI mentoring and sponsorship initiatives; fulfill, monitor and update diversity-related data and requests; research DEI trends and assist in the development of best practices and DE&I resources; and provide assistance with other DEI initiatives, as set forth in greater detail below. Areas of lead responsibilities will change from time to time.
Work closely with the CDIO, Women’s Forum, and Diversity & Inclusion Committee (DIVCOM), as well as liaise from time to time with the Professional Development Committee (PROCOM), Recruitment Committee, Practice Group Leaders, Diversity Lieutenants and other firm leaders, to oversee the implementation of best practices and initiatives to achieve the goals set forth in the firm’s 2018 Diversity & Inclusion Plan and 2019 Strategic Plan, as well as updated plans going forward.
Serve as an organizing member of DIVCOM and the Women’s Forum (including their subcommittees) to make recommendations and provide feedback on DEI topics and initiatives; assist each such group in the execution of their duties; and prepare meeting minutes for DIVCOM and the Women’s Forum meetings.
Manage, assist and act as a liaison and resource to the firm’s employee resource groups (Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, Women’s Forum, H&H Pride Network, New Parents, BizPro DIVCOM and others) in their programming, activities and other initiatives; assist such groups in the execution of such initiatives and related endeavors.
Manage and write client and third-party DEI RFPs, surveys, questionnaires, billing request responses and responses to similar other external inquiries; work with the CDIO in preparing analyses on effectiveness of the firm’s external DEI programs and initiatives.
Organize and support diverse and female attorneys’ monthly lunch and other meetings/get-togethers, including sending out correspondence, tracking responses and preparing materials.
Compile H&H DEI statistical data and employer information for the Management Committee, practice groups, industry sectors, offices and other populations; work closely with the CDIO in preparing reports and presentations therefor.
Assist the CDIO in creating, tracking and maintaining DEI, Women’s Forum and related budgets and financial requests, including sponsorship invoices, membership dues, expense reports and items related to the same. Make recommendations to the CDIO regarding the continued support of various organizations.
Cultivate relationships with diverse, female and other attorneys and professionals across the firm and support the hiring, retention and advancement of such personnel.
Create DEI reports using viDesktop and work collaboratively with the Recruitment, Professional Development, and Client Services/Marketing teams; work with programmers to troubleshoot and implement new features as directed by the CDIO; and make recommendations to improve user friendliness and efficiency.
Collaborate with the Recruitment team to develop, enhance, and implement summer, fall, and lateral attorney orientations; assist the CDIO in conducting new attorney DEI orientation and pipeline initiatives.
Work closely with the Client Services, Financial Services, and Marketing teams to compile reports and presentations, as directed by the CDIO, on DEI trainings, policies and/or expectations.
Handle travel arrangements and all other administrative details for local and out-of-state meetings for the CDIO and support travel and logistical arrangement for DEI programs and events, both internal and external.
Maintain the utmost confidentiality of all personnel information and communications.
Provide administrative support for all special projects, as requested.
Maintain the firm's intranet and external website to reflect up-to-date information on DEI programs, events, calendars, and other initiatives/endeavors
Competencies:
Job Knowledge & Technical Skill: Demonstrates an understanding of objectives, duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the job with exceptional quality work.
Communication: Understands the importance of and demonstrates verbal, written, and non-verbal communications.
Team Player: Works within team and cross-functionally to meet required results.
Customer/Client Experience: Creates a consistent and exceptional experience for others, whether directly to external clients/customers or indirectly through internal support, that elevates the overall perception of the firm.
Job Qualifications (Education, Experience and Certification):
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; J.D. or Master’s degree preferred, or work experience comparable to a post-graduate degree preferred
Minimum of two (2) years of post-undergraduate experience, or 4 years of experience in place of an undergraduate degree, supporting and implementing DEI initiatives in a law firm or the private sector required, or at least one year of such experience with a DEI certificate conferred
Substantive knowledge of the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as Racial/Social Justice. Meaningfully contributes their expertise to the department and/or firm in such areas. Recommends best practices to the CDIO and others and connects functional areas with the impact on the firm as a whole. Works under minimal supervision.
Excellent organizational and administrative skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including exceptionally strong attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to positively interact with others, even in difficult situations
Independent thinker
Superior ability to organize and prioritize tasks to effectively meet deadlines; works well under pressure and competing deadlines.
Expert user of all Microsoft Office products, including but not limited to MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel and SharePoint
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the diversity, equity and inclusion field and theories of intersectionality
Strong event planning skills preferred
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and the utmost discretion required
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee must have the ability to sit, stand and/or walk for extended periods of time; manipulate (lift, carry, move) weights of at least ten (10) pounds; have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on a computer and/or related office equipment; speak clearly and concisely so listeners can understand; and regularly understand the speech of another person.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
Professional office atmosphere. Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Position requires occasional off-hour meetings and events, including, but not limited to, on evenings and weekends. Travel may also be required to firm office locations or event sites during the business week, although some overnight/weekend travel may be expected.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those this position may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
Holland & Hart offers of employment take into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. Colorado Salary Range: $30.50-$50.84. A discretionary bonus may be available based upon performance.
Holland & Hart works hard to promote work/life balance with a 37.5-hour scheduled work week for most staff employees, a robust wellness program, and generous PTO and holiday pay for eligible employees. Full-time employees become eligible for benefits on the date hire, with a benefits offering that includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, EAP, STD, and LTD. Also available are voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and long-term care insurances, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. In addition, the firm has programs that may provide for educational assistance, free or discounted legal services, and opportunities through the Holland & Hart Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating volunteer opportunities for lawyers, staff, families, and friends of Holland & Hart LLP. Part-time employees may have access to some of these benefits, which may be on a pro-rated basis.
