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Diversity & Inclusion Manager (Legal)



Katten is a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services in the United States and abroad. Our nationally recognized practices include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, environmental, commercial finance, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. Our more than 650 attorneys serve public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. We provide full-service legal advice from locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.

Diversity & Inclusion Manager

The Diversity & Inclusion Manager will work closely with the Firm's Professional Development team, Legal Recruiting team, leaders of affinity groups, partners and other managers in human resources to support the Firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts.  The Diversity & Inclusion Manager will focus on executing specific strategies to embed diversity, inclusion and cultural competency into the Firm's day-to-day operations, including the training, hiring, retention and education for both the Firm's attorney and business professional population.  The Diversity & Inclusion Manager maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Develop and implement Firm initiatives set forth by the Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Diversity Committee (e.g., the Firm's sponsorship and mentoring initiatives, inclusion-focused training, heritage month celebrations, diversity speaker series and bi-annual diversity retreat, etc.) and Global Well-Being Committee (speakers, programs, training, and resource hub, etc.) to benefit both attorneys and business professionals.
  • Lead and manage highly visible, Firm-wide strategic initiatives for attorneys and business professionals.  Prepare presentations for Firm-wide events/meetings and facilitate small and large groups on the topic of inclusion and diversity.
  • Collaborate with Legal Recruiting department to support the Firm's diversity recruiting efforts by identifying and applying current best practices in diversity recruitment to enhance the Firm's ability to effectively recruit and retain a diverse pool of attorneys.
  • Collaborate with the Professional Development department to implement specific processes and plans to develop and retain attorneys of color, LGBT attorneys, female attorneys and other under-represented attorneys.  This includes supporting and implementing networking, mentorship, sponsorship, and both formal and informal training opportunities.
  • Serve as liaison between the Firm's various affinity groups, to ensure the activities and focus of the affinity groups (including the Women's Leadership Forum (“WLF”)) are communicated appropriately within the Firm, and that the affinity groups are properly supported, particularly in terms of regular meetings, events and broader initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Firm's marketing and business development team on the communication of the Firm's diversity commitment and activities on the Firm's annual Talent Report, intranet, website, and other publications, and in response to client requests for proposals.
  • Support the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist in management of the Firm's participation in and response to industry surveys regarding diversity and inclusion, RFPs and related instruments in response to client inquiries.
  • In collaboration with Director of Diversity & Inclusion, monitor progress made on the Firm's diversity goals by utilizing metrics, feedback from internal affinity groups, and maintaining and actively monitoring diversity hiring and attrition statistics.
  • In collaboration with Director of Diversity & Inclusion monitor a diversity and inclusion budget encompassing sponsorships and other programs with regular assessment of external sponsorships and related expenditures to ascertain return on investment.
  • Serves as primary resource to the Director of Diversity & Inclusion with respect to implementing diversity, inclusion and well-being initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Diversity & Inclusion Manager has direct supervisory responsibility for assigned personnel and indirect responsibility as defined for personnel working on Diversity & Inclusion projects. 

The position supervises and manages employees and is responsible for their overall direction, coordination, and evaluation.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; making recommendations for hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • This position requires a Bachelor's degree; J.D. or advanced degree is preferred.  This position requires a minimum of five (5) years of diversity and inclusion experience with increasing responsibility in a law firm or similar professional services environment, during which the knowledge, skills and abilities applicable to the position were demonstrated. 
  • Demonstrated ability to provide high quality client service to internal and external contacts regarding routine and complex matters, and to develop and maintain effective business relationships with people of diverse backgrounds. Requires tact, patience, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to create structure and manage complexity in terms of the work and stakeholders to deliver results in a compressed timeframe.
  • Ability to contribute in a strategic role in scaling, sustaining and maintaining inclusion best practices through various programs and initiatives that align with the firm's values and business goals.
  • Use best-in-class project management and stakeholder engagement techniques to influence broad group of stakeholders and senior leaders – without direct authority
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations to small and large groups in an effective manner.
  • Ability to pay impeccable attention to detail.
  • Intermediate knowledge of MS Suite to produce high quality written communications, including presentations, and advanced functions of Excel
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects in a dynamic and complex environment, meeting deadlines and successfully managing the daily workload.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a cooperative manner to accomplish work and participate in team efforts.
  • Demonstrated ability to represent the Firm with professionalism and honesty, consistently acting in an ethical manner.
  • Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.
  • Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations when required.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution; transportation fringe benefit program; back-up care option; generous paid time off policy; and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.

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