4530 - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Director

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Director works closely with firm leadership to champion the firm's commitments around a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, belonging and connection. The Director will partner with firm leadership to design and execute evidence-led strategies that foster opportunity across the firm. The Director will serve as an internal and external face of the firm for DEI matters and guides and acts as a resource to the firm's attorney and professional staff Network Groups, the DEI Advisory Board, Firm Management, Human Resources/AD&R/Recruiting, and other key stakeholders in the implementation of firmwide DEI strategies. A hybrid work schedule is available for this position.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports directly to the firm's Chief Talent Officer.

Location: Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; New York City, NY; Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA

Job Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with colleagues across the firm. Collaborate with Attorney Development and Retention team to support professional development opportunities. Serve as an additional and visible resource, mentor and trusted advisor for attorneys across the firm.
• Collaborate with the DEI Advisory Board with respect to goals, objectives, and strategies and provide advice and support to Firm Management and Firm Leadership in order to implement innovative strategies that advance inclusion firmwide.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate DEI principles into business development, communications, and client engagement.
• Contribute to the development of strategic and engaging training and activities that foster productive dialogue and cooperation across the firm and celebrate milestones.
• Represent the firm externally at appropriate conferences, bar associations, and community events.
• Develop initiatives that position the firm as a recognized leader in DEI, leveraging best practices and partnerships with external organizations.
• Work closely with Pro Bono & Social Impact team to support community engagement initiatives, including CLE presentations.
• Partner with Recruiting and Legal Talent teams to ensure inclusive hiring practices and equitable development and mentorship opportunities.
• Drive the Employee Network Groups and their mentorship programs to empower their members and amplify their voices.
• Identify, promote, and coordinate inclusive business development opportunities. Collaborate with the Marketing & Business Development team on externally focused DEI programs and initiatives.
• Advise Communications + Design team and other internal stakeholders on internal and external communications of the firm's DEI activities and initiatives.
• Use data-driven insights to measure progress, identify trends, and continuously improve DEI efforts. Partner with People Operations to monitor and disseminate relevant metrics, including responding to client requests.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and lead for all client and industry DEI surveys and demographic data reporting requests. Own the planning, coordination, and timely submission of responses on behalf of the firm.
• Support development of EEO policy and Affirmative Action planning initiatives and training to ensure alignment with DEI goals. Partner with HR team to recommend new policies and provide updates to existing policies that affect employees within the firm. Remain up to date on changes in law and policy affecting DEI.
• Maintain ongoing presence across office locations to build relationships and trust and understand needs. Participate in new attorney DEI orientations as well as regular check-ins with laterals.
• Develop and manage firmwide DEI budget.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required.

• 10-12 years of related experience with a minimum 5 years of leading DEI programs. Experience in AmLaw 100 firm or a professional services environment preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree required; JD preferred.
• Vision and passion for DEI initiatives and their strategic importance to the firm's success
• Cutting edge knowledge of a modern DEI program and an influencer mind-set
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with poise
• Advanced knowledge of DEI best practices and industry trends; applies expertise and business awareness to conceptualize strategies
• Demonstrated project management ability, initiative and proactive approach to relevant programs
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment with all levels of firm personnel, ability to build trust, establish effective working relationships, and create an environment that encourages meaningful dialogue.
• Ability to identify and leverage internal resources to accomplish tasks
• Strong interpersonal, detail-oriented and organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs concurrently
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to represent the firm in a professional manner that elevates the firm's reputation and energizes audiences
• Strong computer skills and ability to master new systems
• High responsiveness to both internal and external clients
• Ability to manage conflict and develop strategies to foster cohesion and collaboration
• Flexibility to travel and work extended hours as needed

Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: Disability / Veteran. Nixon Peabody is committed to creating a fair workplace and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows: Boston, MA, Washington, DC, Chicago, IL & Los Angeles, CA: $163,500 to $251,900; New York City, NY, San Francisco, CA: $180,000 to $277,200

In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above-listed salary range is Nixon Peabody's good faith estimate of the annual salary it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting.

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