Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Anti-racism (DEIA)

Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Anti-racism (DEIA)

Equitas Academy provides a structured, achievement-based community that prepares students to graduate from four-year colleges and universities. We currently operate four Elementary Schools and two Middle Schools, with more schools opening in the near future.

The Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Anti-racism (DEIA) will set the strategic vision and implement a plan for measurably achieving equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism. 

DEIA Visionary: The role will lead the organization’s five-year strategy and initiatives to achieve measurable outcomes that promotes a diverse, inclusive, anti-racist and equitable organization. She/he/they is responsible for setting and implementing an overarching vision of diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and equity (DEIA) into all aspects of the Equitas community and into our work. The role will lead the implementation of our vision for Equitas as an equitable and anti-racist network of schools by interrogating and disrupting white supremacist culture and practices.

• Equity
• Function as a key leader of Equitas’s leadership team and define/shape the organizational priorities and strategic direction around diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and equity;
• Develop and manage a detailed strategic roadmap with key stakeholders across the organization, beginning with a clear year one plan;
• Map out the strategic work plans and associated change management required to embed DEIA into every aspect of Equitas’ work;
• Pursue equity in all policy and program decisions, considering how the schools and program at Equitas will continue to become more inclusive;
• Develop and implement tools that support the visibility and clarity of DEIA working groups and of the organizational progress toward the vision and goals of Equitas;
• Develop and manage communication plans to update staff on progress made by DEIA working groups;
• Provide project updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress;
• Utilize project management best practices, techniques, and standards throughout project execution;
• Collaborate with internal and external experts to develop the scope and sequence of DEIA-related training and manage the implementation of the training;
• Collaborate with the COS and executive team to develop and implement an internal and external DEIA-focused communication plan;Assess effectiveness of DEIA-related initiatives, training, and communication;
• Defining – rooted in research, best practice, and community voice – an equity identity and lens, and what our vision of success is;
• Partnering with leaders to define our future vision for an anti-racist approach and engage in strategic planning work for our five-year plan;Collaborating with the data & analytics teams to develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and analyze and share observations regarding programmatic practice and innovation, internal and external DEIA metrics, and organizational culture and practice;
• Monitoring progress toward our DEIA vision and achievement of our DEIA goals as well as the execution of strategies that map toward those goals; 
• Supporting all teams in building their equity practice and culture both in development and team meeting structures/scopes;
• Provide strategic leadership in the development of culturally-specific and culturally responsive policy and service delivery models, as well as creating standardized guidelines and criteria for programming;
• Develops, implements, and reports on the organizational equity plan in partnership with organizational stakeholders;
• Develop leadership development curriculum and educational opportunities, to providing career advancement pathways for communities of color and LGBTQ+ staff;
• Develop consistent communication and feedback mechanisms to ensure we are able to identify, discuss, and address equity issues impacting our staff;Develop communication systems to share best practices, highlight bright spots, and keep staff apprised of key initiatives and activities;
• Lead DEI Council and working groups ensuring staff voice is integrated into equity strategy and practice;
• Oversee consciousness-raising efforts, including affinity groups, DEIA portal and regular workshops/presentations/seminars/celebrations regarding our diverse community;Lead strategic engagement with our Board of Directors, including but not restricted to monthly written Board Updates, trainings and collaboration on Equity strategic identity and roadmap
• Learning and Professional Development 
• Function as a key leader of Equitas’s leadership team and define/shape the organizational priorities and strategic direction around learning and professional development in our equity work;
• Implement diversity goals across all departments and a comprehensive strategy for ensuring that a diversity and equity lens is applied across all development;Lead process of developing performance outcomes with targets that align with organizational goals;
• Support hiring managers in equity plans for staff
• Additional Duties:
• Coordinate affinity spaces (Ex: BIPOC, New Teachers, New Coaches, Assistant School Directors, etc.);
• Coordinate trainings for all staff on DEIA initiatives;
• Support with social media accounts and communication to on DEIA work; As assigned 

Reports to:

• Chief of Staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep passion and commitment to equity and action-oriented belief in our mission to support all of our scholars to and through college;
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with senior leaders and comfort with serving as a thought partner on strategic initiatives;
• Proven ability to create and complete complex, organization-wide projects according to planned scope and timeline;
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize large bodies of information and transform them into detailed work plans and communication plans;
• Collaborative decision-making style, with a proven track record of working effectively with diverse individuals to drive decision-making and results;
• Ability to influence a diverse array of stakeholders from parents and community members to school directors and board of directors;
• Effective at demonstrating empathy, listening for understanding, and facilitating difficult conversations;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral);Proficiency with project management tools;
• Lead through a culture of care, relationships, and support with all stakeholders; 
• Ability to transition quickly from individual, detail-oriented projects to collaborative, people-oriented conversations;
• Represent the organization as an exceptional external ambassador for all stakeholders as a leader in the organization;
• Demonstrated success in leading high impact projects impacting several stakeholders, in the K-12 or non-profit setting;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a highly effective team as well as lead through influence where positional authority does not exist;Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively;
• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in education required, educational leadership, organizational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or other relevant degree preferred;
• A minimum of seven years of professional experience with specific experience in equity, learning and development, and people culture; 
• Project and change management experience at scale

Equitas Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of educators. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.