About chicago public media
Chicago public media is one of the largest and most respected media organizations in the countryThe organization has a legacy of innovative program development having launched shows as the american life, wait, don`t tell me..., nerdette, making obama and the ground-breaking podcast serialChicago public media engages with its listeners and users across multiple platforms, including radio broadcast radio, digital streaming, and mobile appsOur flagship station, wbez-chicago (91.5 fm) is chicagoland`s premier media hub for high quality, fact-based journalism and engaging, entertaining audio programs and podcastsWbez`s sister service, vocalo (91.1 fm in chicago, vocalo.org), targets a multicultural audience through an urban alternative format.
The opportunity
In this critical role, you will lead efforts to embed dei principles in career development, learning & development, recruiting, policy development, thought leadership and eventsYou will focus on building relationships across our organization, identifying needs and providing solutions in collaboration with the dei councilYou will be a trusted advisor and thought partner to both senior and executive leadershipYou will play a critical role in the strategic and day to day support of our dei initiativesThe right candidate will have an ability to apply knowledge of best practices and theories across race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion and overall background and identity to increase diverse representation, equity, and inclusion at cpmThe dei manager will be responsible for delivering high-impact workshops, developing content, and providing consultative services on diversity, equity, and inclusion topicsThis work emphasizes connecting the head and the heart by creating a safe yet brave space for all our employees.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Problem solving and forward thinking with a focus on root cause, evidence-based solutions to advance dei.
Develop evidence-based ways of measuring progress and play a critical role in analysis of metrics with an ability to balance qualitative and big picture impact alongside quantitative analysis is critical.
Design and apply solutions acting on current needs, while having a vision for the future goal and roadmap.
Support and manage the implementation of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (dei) strategic initiatives.
Partner with the dei council to refine plans, develop programs, and implement initiatives that make progress against the workstreams, and priorities laid out in our dei strategic initiatives.
Work with internal partners and stakeholders to develop tools and resources that serve to advance an inclusive work environment.
Create and build engagement with employee resource groups for women, the lgbtq+ community, employees of color, veterans, and others as they are developed.
Help guide the creation of a positive, collaborative, engaging, expansive environment for dei that serves to invite people in and bring people along on the journey.
Provide support and best practice guidance to the dei council and its subcommittees.
Manage and facilitate internal culture-building events, campaigns, and activities including providing support around activities associated with various holidays and celebrations (pride month, veteran’s day, juneteenth, mlk day, ethnic heritage months, and others).
Required skills and experience
Bachelor’s degree in organizational behavior, social justice, public policy (or similar) or equivalent work experience preferred.provide support and best practice guidance to the dei council and its subcommittees.
Working understanding of key dei theories (droi, systems thinking, intersectionality) and topics including microaggressions, implicit bias, power/privilege, and identity.manage and facilitate internal culture-building events, campaigns, and activities including providing support around activities associated with various holidays and celebrations (pride month, veteran’s day, juneteenth, mlk day, ethnic heritage months, and others).
Knowledge of best practices related to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and outcomes.
Personal commitment to and passion for equity and social justice and openness to personal self-growth.
Strong written and verbal communication skills plus cultural adeptness are a must.
Demonstrated informal leadership skills and strong relationship-building ability.
Ability to effectively and timely execute plans and manage projects and programs.
High degree of self-awareness and ability to engage difficult conversations around race, gender, and gender identification even when being challenged.
Ability to model inclusive leadership and allyship in action and communication.
Must be able to work and collaborate across the team to manage up, down, and over without explicit reporting relationships.
Demonstrated success with managing projects and scaling efforts for maximum people transformation results.
Relevant experience in change management and project management.
Preferred skills
Familiarity with public media operations a plus.
Professional experience as a dei or hr practitioner highly preferred.
Experience in culture change and people processes highly preferred.
Working at chicago public media
At chicago public media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impactOur culture is one where collaboration, ideas, and innovation are encouragedWe value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, diverse experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.
Chicago public media’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion is reflective across our brands, wbez 91.5 fm and vocalo 91.1 fm, in our staff and in our workWe are fully focused on equality of opportunity and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, experience, and all other fascinating characteristics that make us different.
At chicago public media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their familiesAs a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for you at hire and in the years to comeOur benefits include:
6 weeks fully paid family leave
High quality medical, dental, and vision plans at an affordable cost
A 403(b)retirement plan with a company match
Generous paid time off, including starting with 3 weeks’ vacation and 4 personal days.
Due to current covid restrictions, you must be able to work remotely at your own designated location with internet access and you must be willing and able to work at our navy pier offices, if neededRight now, most of our staff is working remotely.
The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of chicago public media (cpm)The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitmentChicago public media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.
Chicago public media is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.