Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)

Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) seeks a full-time Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) to drive and support an inclusive organizational culture that centers racial equity.  

 

Background 

LASO is a non-profit organization that represents low-income clients in civil cases. LASO’s eight regional offices serve the general low-income population throughout the state, and two specialized statewide programs provide representation on farmworker and Native American issues. LASO is an effective, high-quality legal services program that is committed to advocacy strategies having the broadest possible impact on low-income communities.  

The Director of DEI position is located in the Central Administrative Office in downtown Portland, Oregon.  The Director of DEI will report directly to the Executive Director, and is responsible for helping the organization apply an equity lens to both LASO’s internal dynamics as well as our community-facing work.  

 

Responsibilities  

In coordination with the Executive Director and the DEI Steering Committee (a group of staff members representing a broad cross section of the organization, who are committed to creating an organizational shift in which diversity, equity, inclusion becomes a center point in LASO’s work and culture), the Director of DEI will drive organizational efforts that ensure every staff member - no matter the race/ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, ability, religion or any other historically marginalized group - feels safe, included, and able to bring their full selves to work each day.  

 

In collaboration with the Executive Director and DEI Steering Committee, the Director of DEI will:  

Drive & Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Vision 

• Support and create spaces for dialogue on racial justice issues including facilitating LASO/OLC’s DEI Steering committee meetings; and supporting staff and affinity/ally groups 

• Build upon and further integrate LASO’s DEI strategy and plans across all aspects of the organization  

• Manage logistics, provide administrative coordination and carry forth work/ideas of the DEI Steering Committee  

• Support strategic and programmatic DEI initiatives, while providing updates  to staff, leadership and board on DEI goals, metrics and benchmarks  

• Coordinate with Oregon Law Center’s Director of DEI to ensure statewide alignment as appropriate and necessary  

• Serve as a point of contact for Affinity Groups to share ideas, seek information, give input related to DEI initiatives and ensure their ideas are heard and valued 

• Audit case acceptance patterns to ensure equity in the provision of legal services. 

• Work with program and unit leadership and staff to ensure priorities are aligned with racial justice issues identified by the community. 

Support Staff in Growth/Development of DEI fluency   

• Coordinate and manage all DEI-related trainings and programming for staff including management and LASO Board 

• Provide technical assistance to staff seeking to incorporate anti-racism strategies into their areas of substantive advocacy 

Support Best Practices in Recruitment, Hiring and Retention 

• Support Human Resources in developing and maintaining equitable and inclusive recruitment, hiring, and retention practices. Activities may include: training hiring managers and hiring committee members on implicit bias and reasonable accommodations; reviewing job postings with a DEI lens prior to posting; participating in hiring committees as requested; and providing job posting and candidate selection recommendations; and participating in networking and recruitment. 

• Audit policies and practices related to diversity, harassment prevention, disability access, and other equity and inclusion issues. 

• Provide support in the creation and development of LASO’s restorative conflict model  

Measure, Monitor and Communicate DEI Progress 

• Create and implement a system for regular monitoring and sharing of progress on key DEI metrics that incorporates qualitative and quantitative data. 

• Draft and disseminate DEI-related communications and materials to all staff  

• Prepare reports, updates or other documents associated with DEI strategies, projects, programs, or policies.  

Other administrative and supportive duties as assigned 

 

 

Salary/Benefits 

$70,000 - $109,000 depending on experience. Additional compensation for bilingual ability.  Full benefits package including individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage; 6% employer retirement contribution; generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave; and paid moving expenses.   

 

Closing Date 

Open until filled. Review of resumes to begin November 15, 2021.