Chief Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Company: New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Location: Newark
Posted on: January 26, 2023

Job Description:

Chief Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion OfficerReporting to and partnering closely with the President & CEO, the CHRDEIO will oversee the HR function for the organization and lead the development and implementation of DE&I strategies. The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge and experience in standard HR functions including but not limited to employee relations, compliance, payroll, compensation/benefits, etc. In addition, the CHRDEIO will serve as a strategic partner to shape New Jersey Symphony's internal culture. To that end, elevating the recruitment, onboarding, training, evaluation, and professional development of administrative staff as well as partnering with members of the board on these initiatives will be critical areas of focus.In addition to HR generalist management experience, the successful candidate will have demonstrated experience and an advanced understanding of DE&I strategy development and corresponding action plans, with an ability to transform the workplace environment by developing and implementing "people-first" centered policies and procedures.While this is largely an internal facing position there will be some external work required. Internally, the CHRDEIO will play a critical role in realizing New Jersey Symphony -as a strategic, equitable, and people-centered work community. He/She/They will act as brain trust to the New Jersey Symphony -leadership, providing DE&I-forward counsel and advice on matters consistent with the priorities outlined on the organization's strategic plan and related project/initiatives as well as serving as the primary point of contact with union and related contact negotiations. This is an exciting, legacy-building opportunity to join a well-funded and revered institution as it emerges from the pandemic and indelibly shape its future, elevating and advancing its mission in important ways.Status: Full Time, Exempt
Reports to: President & CEO
Location: Newark, NJScope & ResponsibilitiesHuman Resource Development, Management & Training

• Transition the HR operation-currently outsourced to a third-party vendor-and build a leading class in-house HR department.
• Partner with CFO to manage payroll, compensation and benefits as well as maintaining accountability for HR compliance. -
• Develop policies and procedures in line with organizational values for the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, retention and professional development of employees. -
• Identify and implement relevant HR training sessions including DE&I training on anti-bias, anti-racism and related issues throughout the organization.
• Enhance the recruitment process to effectively/inclusively court, acquire, on-board and thus retain a diverse workforce.Diversity Equity & Inclusion Management
  • Develop, implement, and refine New Jersey Symphony's DE&I strategy and measure efficacy of its initiatives, partnering with existing committees and departments consistent with the organization's mission, vision and operating principles.
  • Review and enhance existing committee structures where opportunities exist to integrating DE&I perspectives throughout the work of each committee.
  • Link DE&I across all programmatic efforts of the organization, such as in education and its strategies for expanding access to New Jersey Symphony's youth orchestra program as well as new product development. -
  • Address and provide guidance to staff, members and the board on social justice sensitive topics.
  • Continually monitor DE&I activities across the entire organization and provide updates and/or revisions as appropriate.
  • Synthesize trends and remain current on DE&I best practices, sharing expertise thereby challenging the status quo
  • Support and accompany the CEO in equitably applying and leveraging resources to build and sustain meaningful relationships with key stakeholders and organizations to ensure New Jersey Symphony -serves the community consistent with its mission. -
  • Form authentic relationships with members of the community to foster "win-win" opportunities while creating an awareness of New Jersey Symphony's commitment to DE&I. -
  • Develop policies and practices around improving board engagement
  • Participate in New Jersey Symphony's fundraising efforts by leveraging community connectivity
  • Be available to the VP of Operations and Personnel Manager in offering counsel and advice around HR and DE&A policies for the musicians
  • Participate in artistic programming meetings and planning
  • Guide the analysis of outcomes and performance measures from an equity lens leveraging its data to foster improvements within the organization, community engagement and audience development.Key Selection CriteriaPrior experience in orchestra management or classical music training is not required, however, an appreciation for the fine and performing arts, and/or an interest in the artistic and educational mission of the organization is highly desirable.Potential candidates will have 15 or more years of related experience, with increasing levels of responsibilities from one or more of the following roles:
    • Diversity and inclusion executive with extensive HR generalist or business partner accountabilities for a like-sized organization with experience managing third-party HR processes.
    • HR Director with prior role or accountabilities in diversity and inclusion from a large, complex for-profit or nonprofit organization with a deep understanding of nonprofit workplace culture and an appreciation of the arts.In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics and experience:
      • 10 or more years of relevant professional experience with increasing responsibility -
      • Strong HR generalist management capabilities with an emphasis on processes and procedures, recruitment, employee relations
      • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective DE&I and community engagement initiatives within a mission driven organization
      • Effective communication, team building, influence, change management abilities, as well as compliance and risk management experience
      • Experience working with, supporting, engaging and motivating non-profit boards
      • Capability to work both strategically and hands-on to deliver results using project/program management and leadership skills
      • Familiarity working within a union environment.Personal/Professional Attributes
        • High emotional intelligence with adaptability to a broad range of personalities and temperaments
        • Exceptional leadership presence with effective change management abilities -
        • A non-binary thinker able to identify and respect the nuance in complex issues and avoid blind spots
        • A consensus builder able to convene diverse and divergent opinions and shepherd people toward common goals and progress -
        • Interpersonal sensitivity and an awareness of the range of societal and community related issues
        • An interest in the performing arts or arts education.To Apply, contact:James Abruzzo
          Managing Partner, Global Nonprofit Practice
          DHR International
          280 Park Avenue, 38th Floor West, New York, New York 10017
          212.883.6800
          jabruzzo@dhrinternational.com

Keywords: New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Newark , Chief Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Executive , Newark, New Jersey