Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

The Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) will design and implement the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), based on the OneVirginia model, provide for analysis of DEI initiatives in support of VDH, and oversee public health equity programs and operations within the Office of Health Equity. The incumbent works closely with managerial leadership throughout the central office and local health districts as a key resource to enhance and guide DEI for all staff. The CDEIO must have demonstrable skills for engaging and collaborating with diverse constituencies to include internal/external leaders, including local/state/federal governments and organizations, agency staff, and other stakeholders to inspire and influence diverse groups of colleagues to focus attention on DEI. The CDEIO should possess experience with achieving measurable results through thoughtful leadership, management and guidance of strategic goals and objectives. This position’s leadership is critical for managing the transformational change necessary to improve DEI agencywide,
including operational linkage of DEI to Agency performance excellence. This position is critical to growing and sustaining DEI efforts and is expected to demonstrate progressive management values and standards. May serve as a lead point of contact for relevant legislative matters and provide input for General Assembly inquiries. VDH seeks to create a more equitable environment that supports the agency’s current and prospective employees and contractors, as well as individuals who receive VDH services. VDH has recognized the power of diversity in building a workforce that reflects individuals from a range cultures, religions, races, ethnicities and valuable differences that are defined by gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, geographic location, origin and education, among others. Through its DEI initiatives, VDH will invest in comprehensive education and training opportunities; develop infrastructure, policies, and procedures that supports DEI; and advance processes that clearly identify and target health inequities among Virginians. VDH is committed to being an agency that is representative and inclusive of a workforce with different backgrounds, talents and skills, where all staff feel supported and affirmed. The CDEIO will be a member of the Commissioner’s Leadership Team and support and provide critical leadership to the agency’s DEI initiatives; support and facilitate the work of the DEI Council, serve as agency lead on development and implementation of a DEI Strategic Plan in alignment with the One Virginia plan, serve as agency lead on various DEI initiatives throughout VDH Central Office programs and local health districts, and oversee actions impacting the Office of Health Equity’s programs and activities. The CDEIO fosters a vision for advancing the agency’s goals and nurtures an inclusive and diverse culture.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave!

Minimum Qualifications:

• The CDEIO must have demonstrable skills for engaging and collaborating with internal/external leaders, including local/state/federal governments and organizations, agency staff, and other stakeholders to inspire and influence diverse groups of colleagues to focus attention on DEI.

• The CDEIO should possess experience with achieving measurable results through thoughtful leadership and guidance of strategic goals and objectives, as well as budgetary development and management.

•Demonstrated ability and experience leading and directing professionals.

• Ability to work collaboratively as a leader or member on teams/workgroups, taskforces, and committees.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to maintain rapport and credibility with wide-ranging constituencies; ability to effectively navigate conflict and serve as a DEI influencer across all levels of the organization.

• Understanding of organizational development methods and effectiveness; demonstrated maturity, persistence, and patience necessary to work effectively towards DEI goals.

•Skilled at balancing strategic thinking with tactical implementation; excellent change management, project management and process improvement skills; ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous complex initiatives/projects; ability to adjust quickly to changing business needs and priorities.

• Ability to articulate the Agency’s mission and core values with enthusiasm, energy, and creativity, and to apply knowledge of business management tactics to achieve outcomes; ability to connect programmatic strategies to
the DEI strategy.

• Must possess a strong commitment to workplace equality and equity.

• Excellent communication, skills, including presentation to multiple levels of organizational leaders.

• Skilled at using discretion and good judgment, and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Commitment to the value that diverse perspectives and cultures bring added value to any organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The position requires a broad range of DEI, organizational development experience and competencies including excellence in communications, influencing without direct authority, strategic analysis, thinking and planning, organizational effectiveness, creative problem-solving, and consulting.

• Must be able to adept at working in a matrixed organization and must be able to excel both as a member and as a decisive leader in a collaborative, team-oriented structure.

• Knowledge of and experience with diverse cultures, including networks in diverse communities.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or demonstrable experience leading DEI improvements or policy changes.

• Advanced degree, certification(s), or advanced training in diversity related fields preferred; experience in developing and delivering DEI training and experience in diversity research is a plus.