Chief Diversity Officer (Organizational Development Specialist) - VID 199645

Organizational Development Specialist

The Organizational Development Specialist will report to the ILS Director. This position will help ILS leadership focus on positive organizational transformation and effectiveness, best practices for recruiting diverse staff, on-boarding new staff, responding to staff concerns, and implementing strategies to enhance staff retention. This position would also serve as a much-needed safe, neutral place for staff to report concerns and suggestions and to receive responses to questions they may have about benefits and other state resources available to them.

Essential functions of this position will include, among others :

• Assist ILS leadership in developing a strategic plan for diversity and inclusion and oversee integration within the overall agency strategy.
• As part of the strategic plan for diversity and inclusion, assist ILS' leadership in developing a strategic plan for the organization of ILS staffing in a manner that fosters ILS' DEI values.
• Support and train ILS Office leadership and supervisory staff on various human resource issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new program initiatives, policies and procedures, and special projects. This position would also provide oversight in the preparation and updating of the ILS Employee Handbook and other related ILS-specific human resource materials.
• Advise all ILS Office staff and respond to their human resource inquiries, including providing expertise on time and attendance rules and regulations, the administration of medical and other leaves including Workers' Compensation, continuous and intermittent FMLA leave and personal leave.
• Provide a safe and neutral space for ILS staff to identify and develop a plan for addressing office concerns and suggestions. Work closely with the ILS Employee Resource Group.
• Oversee the staff onboarding and offboarding processes and assist in both the hiring and exit interview process.
• Work closely with the ILS DEI Liaison and ILS leadership to ensure that ILS is attentive to recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and cultivates an office atmosphere in which all staff members feel that their various experiences and perspectives are respected.
• Work closely with Administrative Officer and ILS DEI Liaison on complying with the state's DEI data collection and reporting requirements.

Bachelor's degree and six years of experience in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in an organization. Substitutions : Four years of specialized experience or associate's degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree; J.D. or master's degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience. Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience. Note : In order to award the proper credit for work experience, resumes must include month and year for start and end dates. If any of this experience is less than full time you must indicate the average number of hours worked per week.

Travel may be required (approximately 10%), including during evenings and weekends, depending on mission and assignment. Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver's License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is required, or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.

The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to people facing criminal charges or Family Court proceedings who cannot afford counsel. Our agency's work is transforming criminal defense and parental representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and maintain family integrity. Join us to help shape policy and practice statewide and to have a profound impact on justice statewide. Become part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a more fair and just society.

ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values not only guide our work; we believe they are essential to fulfilling our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS staff share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformational change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

ILS welcomes candidates regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, or arrest record or criminal conviction history.

We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including : Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Care Benefits, Life Insurance, Paid Personal Leave, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays, Paid Family Leave, Health Care Spending Account, Dependent Care Advantage Account, Membership in the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System, Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan.

ILS employees are eligible to apply to telecommute part-time and / or adjust work hours in accordance with ILS's policies, subject to supervisor approval. The Capital Region is a great place to live with a low cost-of living in neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural within a short commute. Employees may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentaid.gov / publicservice. The State of New York is committed to assuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at RAinquiries@OGS.NY.Gov.