Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a DEAI Executive Advisor. This is a full-time, benefitted position that will be a mix of onsite and remote work, and depending on projects may require flexibility.
This position facilitates the integration of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) into the strategic plan, operational goals, annual priorities, and daily actions of the zoo in support of its mission. This position serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), partners with executives, other senior leaders, and the board of directors to advance the organization’s efforts to integrate DEAI into all areas of zoo administration, programming, and organizational culture. This position will lead the implementation the zoo’s DEAI action plan, support the development and launch of accountability structures to monitor progress and inform improvements, and report to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and the board on progress, successes, and challenges.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with the zoo’s CEO and collaborate with zoo staff, volunteers, and board to champion a successful change management process.
- Provide guidance and thought partnership on the zoo’s priority of becoming an inclusive, welcoming, and antiracist organization.
- Provide guidance for all DEAI efforts and serve as an advisor to the CEO, ELT, and board about emerging matters related to diversity and community equity and inclusion.
- Provide or support leadership for the zoo’s DEAI-centered committees, such as a staff DEAI council, the Inclusion Advisory Committee, and Board of Directors DEAI Task Force.
- Oversee and provide information on the barriers to and benefits of various DEAI strategies and make recommendations to ensure effective implementation.
- Provide collaborative leadership in maintaining a positive and productive working relationship with all zoo stakeholders.
- Review current and proposed zoo policies and practices with an equity lens to identify and eliminate exclusionary features; partner with leadership on changes to policies and new policies.
- Provide leadership and guidance on processes and projects for the purpose creating a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, partners, and community.
- Deploy best practices in change management and organizational development for the purpose of driving the culture to ensure DEAI plans and priorities are aligned and coordinated across the organization.
- Advise and partner with the zoo’s senior leaders to strengthen their leadership styles to promote racial equity and inclusion; promote the use of inclusive behaviors and language.
- Consult with the People & Culture Department and leadership resources on the evaluation and development of personnel policies and procedures, recruitment, and employee relations matters, particularly related to race and equity; collaborate with staff who are responsible for recruitment, trainings, programs, and services to provide culturally relevant, accessible, and cohesive training on DEAI.
- Collaborate with the Development Department to identify and develop funding opportunities to advance the DEAI agenda across the organization and provide insights into best practices for diversifying the zoo’s donor base.
- Support the zoo’s engagement team to develop inclusive communication and outreach strategies to increase visibility of the organization and provide insights into best practices for diversifying the zoo’s visitorship and membership.
- Oversee data collection analysis and organizational assessments to identify opportunities and barriers to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, including regular presentation of quantifiable impacts to all stakeholders.
- Set priorities and create actionable strategies with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop measurable objectives, budgets, strategies, and timelines.
- Provide oversight and project management for DEAI strategies.
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and efficient use of all organizational resources.
- Act as primary representative of the zoo regarding DEAI policy, communication, and engagement to internal and external professional interest groups including AZA, AAM, cultural organization networks in the Pacific NW, community leaders, zoo external partners, and community-based organizations to develop and maintain meaningful relationships to support DEAI efforts.
- Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in public meetings and before elected bodies.
- Participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences for the purpose of conveying/gathering information required to perform essential DEAI functions.
- Actively participate in professional associations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums AZA and the American Alliance of Museums AAM.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred, or equivalent in public administration, social work, business administration, or another related field; six (6) or more years’ experience in leading and managing organizational change initiatives, particularly around issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven track record in championing a common vision of the organization’s commitment to DEAI that can be shared internally and externally.
- Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to energize people and support all stakeholders on the DEAI learning journey with a style that builds relationships, trust, accountability, and inclusivity.
- Extensive experience and comprehensive working knowledge of principles to advance DEAI at a complex organization with multiple levels and types of stakeholders and the public at large.
- Ability to articulate and apply historical context of structural racism and an understanding of the current reality of communities of color.
- Strong communication, high degree of emotional intelligence, mediation, and conflict resolution skills, with proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships with a variety of volunteers, public leadership, partner organizations, and other stakeholders. Proven ability to work with a diverse group from various backgrounds and cultures.
- Proven success in building strong and productive work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff development towards DEAI goals.
- Strong critical thinking skills, ability to evaluate information, implement timely decisions, and make recommendations that anticipate the challenges, benefits, risks, and organizational impact on advancing DEAI goals for the Woodland Park Zoo.
- Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in carrying out duties and responsibilities, exercise initiative, and provide leadership. Routinely utilize sound judgment in analyzing situations and reaching decisions quickly.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- This position may be required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Want to know more? Read the full job description here!
Pay: 110k - 135k, plus benefits
REQUIREMENTS
COVID-19 Vaccination:
- As of November 24, 2021, employees working on or accessing zoo grounds are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by your first day of employment.
- People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check will be required of selected applicants.
Application Directions: Applications are accepted online through our Jobs Page at zoo.org/jobs; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are required.
***APPLICATION PRIORITY DATE: Tuesday November 16th, 2021***
Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status.
Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all of its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.
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