Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Michael Best is seeking an experienced, passionate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager to work from our Milwaukee, Chicago, Denver, or Raleigh offices.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager oversees the execution of the Firm’s overall Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy and efforts. Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer with a dotted line and working closely with the Chief Talent Officer and the DEI Committee (DEIC) Chairs. This person is responsible to influence, liase, administer, and support the various leaders and managers (including hiring managers, human resources, recruitment, and DEIC members and the DEIC action committees) to and for the various initiatives, programs, and projects to support our DEI goals and objectives. They are responsible to foster knowledge, lead discussions, and influence adoption of diversity, equity and inclusion policies, practices and procedures.

What You'll Be Doing

• In partnership with the (DEIC) Chair, coordinate and track all DEIC initiatives and efforts for the Firm. This includes administration of the DEIC calendar invites, presentation materials, notes and timekeeping, managing the SharePoint site and shared folder
• Serve as a project manager for the DEIC and the various action committees regarding due items; assuring all active items and projects meet deadlines
• Work with various departmental leaders (human resources, recruiting, office operations, practice groups chairs and managers, etc.) to co-create and implement plans that assist the Firm in reaching various diversity, equity and inclusion goals
• Compile and report statistics, metrics, and data to assess and communicate the progress and effectiveness of the Firm’s diversity initiatives on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Leverage the HRIS and ATS to generate said reports/data, as needed
• Conduct and coordinate the completion of all diversity-related surveys (e.g.: demographic data) and award applications for the Firm, as assigned by the Chief Growth Officer and/or the DEIC or their designee
• Conduct proactive research and engage in best practices regarding innovative strategies to attract, develop, and retain members of underrepresented groups; working with the recruiting, human resources, and professional development (PD) department heads to implement plans and evaluate progress
• Assist DEIC Chairs regarding annual budgeting for the DEIC Committee; and assist CTO with evaluating and recommending any Talent departmental spend for activities and events
• As assigned, work on special projects and initiatives in a variety of areas focused on improving diverse attorney and employee retention, engagement, and internal promotion; including, but not limited to engagement and/or satisfaction surveys, exit or stay interviews, organizing events/activities, and conducting roundtables or listening tours
• All other duties, as assigned

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Human Resources (or related field) is required
• 5+ years’ professional experience working with a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is minimally required
• Strong computing skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to efficiently navigate and leverage a HRIS platform in a digitized, paper-light HR function
• Related professional memberships and/or associations are encouraged, but not required
• Experience with the UltiPro platform is preferred but not required

Adaptability:

• Ability to work independently, effectively time-managing and prioritizing one’s own workload

Collaboration:

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-focused environment where every member is willing to pitch-in and help others with fluctuating workloads

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; including the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in-writing at all levels of the organization
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Ability to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

• Must demonstrate a high level of integrity and professional discretion; with the proven ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information and situations

Other:

• A demonstrated, self-motivated interest in staying current with updates and trends in the DEI field
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); and North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients. The position is primarily an office-based position at our Milwaukee, Chicago, Denver, or Raleigh location. This role occasionally performs work-related travel, less than 20% of the time.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous PTO Plus 9 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.