Saint Louis Zoo Hiring for Director of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (“DEAI”) Job at Saint Louis, MO Full Time

The Saint Louis Zoo (“Zoo”) is thrilled to be hiring its first ever full-time Director of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (“DEAI”), who will oversee the continued development and implementation of programs and an organizational culture that promotes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion throughout the Zoo. The Zoo began its DEAI journey about 7 years ago with the formation of a DEAI Committee, but has really formalized and focused its DEAI efforts within the last 3 years with a more structured DEAI Committee consisting of a Workplace, a Workforce, a Supplier Diversity and a Community Subcommittee (all supported by our Conservation and Audience Research Department).

The Zoo strives to be a place where all members of the Zoo Community, including guests, can show up as their authentic selves. The Zoo strives to be a place where individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio-economic backgrounds, religious and political viewpoints are welcomed and valued.

This position is intended to be the coordinator and the “conductor” of all aspects of the Zoo’s DEAI initiatives, programs and culture. This position is a highly visible and strategic role and will be the primary point of contact for the DEAI Committee, the Zoo’s executive leadership team (“Strategic Operations Group”) and the Zoo’s boards for all DEAI-related work. This role will work cross functionally to plan, coordinate, and promote the Zoo’s DEAI initiatives and ensure alignment with the Zoo’s mission.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the Zoo’s overall DEAI coordinator and point of contact and will have the full support and active involvement of the Zoo’s leadership, including the Dana Brown President & CEO, the Zoo’s executive leadership team, the Strategic Operations Group, and our volunteer boards.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders and departments to continue to review, develop and implement policies and practices that foster a more diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive environment at the Zoo, taking into account both internal and external guests.
• Review, track and synthesize data on established metrics and potentially create new ones to measure progress in DEAI initiatives.
• Identify areas of opportunity to effectively integrate DEAI into the structure, strategy and function of the organization through areas like organizational goals, strategic planning and departmental planning.
• Continue to build upon the positive momentum and increased awareness of Zoo leaders and employees on DEAI matters by continuing with established trainings, workshops, programs, resource groups, etc., but also bringing new ideas and concepts to the Zoo.
• Work with Zoo leadership on insights and current or innovative initiatives/activities/practices to embed DEAI into recruitment, retention, compliance, marketing, communications, external relationships and partnerships, events and sponsorships, grants, and supplier diversity.
• Proactively identify emerging internal and external issues to improve the Zoo’s DEAI initiatives.
• Create internal and external opportunities to engage in DEAI initiatives that will advance our standing within the greater St. Louis community.
• Partner with the Human Resources Department to align and ensure DEAI practices are embedded into every Human Resources-related process and policy at the Zoo.
• Serve as the coordinator of the Zoo’s DEAI Committee, including scheduling meetings and creating meeting agendas and content.
• Be actively involved in the zoo and aquarium industry, for example, serving as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Diversity Committee and working with the Association of Minority Zoo and Aquarium Professionals (“AMZAP).
• Collaborate and partner with the other DEAI professionals of the ZMD organizations.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Requirements

The Zoo is looking for a DEAI professional who wants to work for an organization that is committed to conservation and protecting animals in its care and around the world. Above everything else, the Zoo is seeking a world-class collaborator for this position. Over the past few years, the Zoo has had several leaders build its DEAI program and is proud of how far the organization how come on its journey. The Zoo is now looking for a leader who can continue the great work that has already been done and can now devote 100% of their time to continue to build the Zoo into the most diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive zoos in the world. The Zoo is looking for someone who can influence and work with the members of the Zoo Community to engrain DEAI into the fabric and culture of the organization.

Job Experience

• At least 5 years of experience leading DEAI efforts is required, preferably with prior experience successfully implementing DEAI efforts within a highly matrixed organization/company.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required or equivalent experience
• Experience with and knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and innovation related to DEAI.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to collaborate with a wide array of people at all levels and departments
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with specific emphasis on the ability to facilitate complex and difficult discussions about DEAI topics.
• Ability to effectively listen
• Capability to manage complex situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy
• Strong understanding of organizational processes
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational needs into DEAI strategies
• Ability to create and deliver effective trainings and programming to ensure transfer of learning to all levels of organization
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to evaluate and communicate what financial resources may be needed to enhance the Zoo’s DEAI efforts.
• Knowledge of DEAI industry benchmarks
• Familiarity with zoos, aquariums, conservation organizations and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (“AZA”) is preferred
• Ability to effectively manage and influence change in a large and complex environment

All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test. COVID vaccinations are required for this position.