Job Description:

The Opportunity: The Chief Equity Strategist is a committed, visionary leader responsible for shaping and implementing systemic equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as core drivers of the organization's long-term growth and sustainability. This role champions equitable practices and positions DEIB as foundational to the organization's strategy, policies, and culture, ensuring it is positioned for success. The Chief Equity Strategist serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, driving organizational change, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. They will provide strategic guidance on succession planning, organizational structure, workplace initiatives, professional development, talent acquisition and future readiness, all through the lens of equity and inclusion.

About MLRI: MLRI is a nationally recognized nonprot poverty law and policy center that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. We pursue systems change through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition building, community lawyering, and other strategies that address systemic harm to low-income people. MLRI is also the statewide multi-issue poverty law support center for the Massachusetts civil legal aid delivery system; our advocates provide substantive expertise and technical assistance to frontline legal aid eld program advocates and to many other advocates and providers who serve low-income people and communities in Massachusetts.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership in DEIB:

Lead the design and execution of DEIB strategies that align with the organization's long-term vision, ensuring equity is deeply integrated into all operations, policies, and decision-making.

Review, assess, amend, and apply the DEIB recommendations proposed in the third-party consultant report.

Act as an advocate for and practices systemic equity, working to create an inclusive and equitable organizational environment.

2. Organizational Culture and Structure:

Assess and rene organizational structures to ensure they support inclusivity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Cultivate an environment where all employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to the organization's success.

3. Advisor to Leadership on Organizational Change:

Serve as a key advisor to the leadership team, providing insights on systemic change, organizational behavior, and human dynamics to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Leadership guide on succession planning and organizational restructuring, ensuring

future-ready leadership pipelines and equitable opportunities for growth and advancement.

4. Succession Planning & Future Positioning:

Develop and implement succession planning strategies that prioritize equity, ensuring diverse and representative leadership at every level of the organization.

Position the organization for long-term success by identifying emerging trends in workforce development and preparing the organization to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with Human Resources to embed DEIB in talent management, recruitment, retention, and professional development strategies, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.

Collaborate with operational leaders to ensure equity considerations are integrated into business processes, policies, and systems.

6. Change Management & Continuous Improvement:

Design and implement change management frameworks that promote resilience, adaptability, and innovation across the organization, while prioritizing equity and inclusion.

Lead efforts to continuously assess and enhance organizational effectiveness, fostering a workplace that is agile, future-ready, and aligned with DEIB principles.

Qualications:

Proven experience in organizational development, leadership, or human resources, with a focus on DEIB.

Expertise in change management, succession planning, and leadership development.

Deep understanding of systemic equity, antiracist practices, and their application in complex organizations.

Demonstrated ability to inuence senior leadership and lead cross-functional teams.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.

Strong strategic planning and analytical skills.

Ability to lead and inuence without formal authority, fostering collaboration across all levels of the organization.

Excellent facilitation, coaching, and conict resolution skills.

Adept at working with complex organizational structures and navigating political landscapes.

Commitment to personal and professional growth in the areas of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Education/Experience:

Master's degree in organizational development, Human Resources, or a related eld.

Certications or at least 8-10 years' experience in DEIB, change management, or related areas.

Compensation and Location:

Competitive compensation based on the skills and the experience of the person hired. This is a part-time position with a term of 2 years and will report to the Executive Director and COO/CFO. This role is hybrid, with 2 days a week required onsite in Boston, MA.

This role is a pivotal leadership position that will help shape the future of the organization through a deep commitment to systemic equity and organizational excellence. The Chief Equity Strategist will ensure the organization is poised for long-term success, embedding DEIB into its core as it adapts and thrives for decades to come.

MLRI brings its core values of community, race equity, and justice into all aspects of its work, and we seek an individual for this role who aligns with these values.

MLRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, natural hair texture, type, length, and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or veteran status in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

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