Project Manager - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

Company: Volunteers of America
Location: Alexandria
Posted on: March 17, 2023

Job Description:

Overview - "Go where ever we are needed and do whatever comes to mind." - Ballington & Maud Booth, Founders Volunteers of America -(VOA) is a faith-based, nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. The VOA network includes more than 16,000 full-time professionals empowering 1.5 million people annually through our 30 affiliates in 46 states. We provide hundreds of service programs, including those for seniors and people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness and those recovering from addiction. VOA is one of the nation's most comprehensive human services charities, offering programs for communities, individuals, and families. - VOA is seeking a Project Manager to support our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives. The selected candidate will report to the Senior Vice President of DEI and will help to lead the organization's national and local DEI efforts to create an environment where our differences are celebrated and embraced and where our team, partners and community members feel valued and respected. To realize this vision, the person in this role will work with the Senior Vice President of DEI on the effectiveness and continuous improvement of DEI and strategic initiatives, processes, outcomes and in addition, will lead metrics tracking and associated reporting to stakeholders during all the phases of the project. This position has the capacity for On-Site, Hybrid and Remote Work Schedules Primary Responsibilities: -

• Leads councils, collaboratives, committees, task forces, and/or other VOA groups. Supports the implementation of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion solutions that sustain the strategic plan and engages staff at all levels of the organization to build an equitable, welcoming and inclusive culture for all
• Supports the assessment of current DEI initiatives and goals as well as the development, implementation and evaluation of intervention strategies
• Facilitates DEI education for all levels of the organization, ensuring outcomes are focused on improving the work environment for all. Training may include online tools, classroom instruction or ad hoc presentations
• Serves as an internal consultant; works collaboratively to apply an equity lens to all aspects of the work being done at VOA
• Obtains and maintains a deep understanding of organizational needs Communications
  • Manages VOA Connect, the DEI website, the Friday Bulletin and This Week formats as well as Heritage Months, Holidays, DEI celebrations and events
  • Supports internal and external communication, reporting and employer branding around VOA's diversity strategy and commitment
  • Creates reports and works with SVP of DEI to develop regular updates on DEI initiatives and progress for All Staff meetings, administrative meetings, leadership and board meetings and conferences Supplier Diversity
    • Serves as the lead person providing guidance to suppliers on becoming certified diverse suppliers
    • Monitors contract expiration dates and manages opportunities to invite diverse suppliers as part of the RFP process
    • Works with VOA leaders to leverage current supplier relationships to increase diverse spend
    • Runs quarterly vendor reports, creates presentations that provide trend data Health Equity
      • Supports the implementation of internal and external initiatives to advance health equity throughout the Humana Grant strategies and the Community Health Worker program Collaborative Partnerships
        • Promotes VOA's commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture through collaborative partnerships with individuals, departments, and groups inside and outside of the organization - including the board of directors, executive team, supervisory staff, employees, contract providers, vendors, partners and affiliates
        • Proactively researches, cultivates and stewards new and existing donors/partners to secure funds for DEI work Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
          • Strong ability to adapt to changing operational activities and departmental initiatives. Ability to recognize and interpret the nuances of the power and privilege dynamics in race relations and other dominant-nondominant culture relation
          • Able to give and receive critical feedback about biased behaviors that inevitably show up in our work environment
          • Maintains knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion-related issues, legislation and best practice
          • Proficient with MS Office products including PowerPoint and strong organizational and communication skills
          • Serves as a liaison to affiliates on diversity, equity and inclusion work and advocates for a comprehensive national plan and appropriate resources
          • Performs other duties as assigned Qualifications: Physical Capabilities:
            • Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
            • Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods Work Environment:
              • The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. -Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
              • Travel may be required to the VOA National Conference, annually
              • This position will take place primarily in an office setting Education and Experience:
                • Bachelor's degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. DEI experience or certification preferred
                • 5 years' project management experience required and experience working in a multi-site/multi-state, affiliate structured organization is preferred
                • A results-oriented approach and track record of delivering results. Proven ability to lead and accomplish goals through influence in a consensus-driven organization. Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team
                • Must be able to communicate clearly and interact comfortably with a diverse group of clients, staff and volunteers in a non-judgmental, professional, and sensitive manner
                • Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships across a variety of stakeholders, influence others and manage laterally and up to ensure successful outcomes
                • Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. The ability to work effectively under pressure due to conflicting demands is required. Must be flexible, highly organized, creative and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines
                • Demonstrated commitment and passion for diversity, equity and inclusion issues through research, activism or project development. A continuous learner with significant knowledge about current trends, issues and policies about diversity, equity and inclusion
                • Is informed, studied, and versed in working across cultures and capable of diplomatically educating and gaining buy-in when differing points of view emerge
                • Entrepreneurial orientation and thought leadership to recognize future trends and new opportunities Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities Employment with VOA is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. -Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Senior Vice President of Human Resources. -

Keywords: Volunteers of America, Alexandria , Project Manager - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives, Executive , Alexandria, Virginia