Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Special Programs

The American Accounting Association is the largest community of accountants in academia.  Founded in 1916, we have a rich and reputable history built on leading-edge research and publications.  The diversity of our membership creates a fertile environment for collaboration and innovation. Collectively, we shape the future of accounting through teaching, research, and a powerful network, ensuring our position as thought leaders in accounting.

The American Accounting Association (AAA) is seeking a full-time, exempt Director, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) and Special Programs to join our team at the Lakewood Ranch Office located in Manatee County, Florida. This is a new position for the American Accounting Association. The majority of AAA professional staff are currently working remotely because of COVID-19, but a small, safe number of staff are working in the office and remotely as needed..This position will commence with some initial in-office training and then a combination of remote and in-office work as determined by the CEO.  Our office currently has in place the following COVID-19 precautions for in-office staff:  masks required for unvaccinated employees, maintain social distancing as comfortable, sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning procedures in place.

 Job Summary

The Director, DEI & Special Programs is responsible for working with the AAA Headquarters team, the AAA Board of Directors, and the AAA DEI Committee to guide the organization’s overall diversity, equity and inclusion strategy at the programmatic and administrative levels to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices that will be evidenced through programs, structure, practices, policies, and leadership. The Director, DEI and Special Programs will lead activities, conversations, and dialogue, as well as drive decisions that move the organization from not only acknowledging differences, but affirming and honoring differences.

The new Director role will have a meaningful and continuous impact on organizational objectives. This leader will engage in a process of creating and maintaining an inclusive environment by adopting a proactive view of diversity, which is designed to promote valuing diversity and driving inclusive and belonging behaviors throughout the organization, including membership and strategic partners.

 Primary Responsibilities

Lead and execute the overall DEI strategy across the membership and staff of the organization and beyond by partnering with volunteer leaders and key stakeholders.

• Facilitate sharing of best practices and identify opportunities for greater alignment and more unified efforts across the AAA, the AAA Segments and Regions and Partner organizations.
• Engage in analysis, reporting, and understanding of DEI metrics where appropriate.
• Lead through influence to drive cultural and behavior change across the membership of the organization.
• Provide guidance to headquarters and volunteer leadership and other identified work groups regarding cross-cultural communications, education, and collaborations.
• Advise on, create, and move our DEI education strategy forward, including outreach events and campaigns to build support and increase diversity across our stakeholder groups.
• Design and run student programming that supports an increasingly diverse pipeline of accounting students.
• Establish new, and cultivate existing, strategic partnerships to support the DEI strategy.
• Guide and mentor team members to encourage professional development and goal achievement.
• Serve as an internal diversity subject matter expert to leadership, providing expertise and support in the development, implementation, and monitoring of diversity programs.
• Lead in the development of an operational plan, participate in the strategic planning process and performance metrics development under the direction of the CEO and Board.

General

• Maintains files and documentation thoroughly and accurately, in accordance with association policy and accepted accounting practices
• Communicates effectively through writing, listening, and speaking
• Ensures continuous improvement through effective process analysis, documentation and ongoing application
• Protects the organization's value by keeping information confidential
• Updates job knowledge by participating in industry-wide educational opportunities

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  Duties, responsibilities, and skills may change at any time with or without notice based on the needs of the Association.

Education and Experience Requirements

 BA/BS or equivalent combination of verifiable education, training, and/or experience.

1. A solid background in diversity initiatives with increasingly responsible roles.
2. Documented work with students and career choices a plus.
3. Strong computer and software skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom Meeting/Webinar, and content management systems.
4. Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple concurrent tasks and activities with excellent attention to detail.
5. Ability to monitor the progress of tasks and projects and provide follow-up in order to meet targeted deadlines.
6. Ability to interact with professional staff, members, and volunteers in a professional manner
7. Strong skills in the following areas:
   1. accuracy
   2. collaboration
   3. problem solving
   4. documentation
   5. research and resolution
   6. communication through writing, listening, and speaking

Salary - Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits Package – Generous benefits package with Café Plan. Relocation package if more than one hour outside the Sarasota area.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, speak and hear to exchange information. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk; reach with hands and arms, and use finger dexterity. The employee is occasionally required to bend at the waist, stoop, kneel, and crouch; and perform work which involves occasionally lifting, pushing and or pulling of objects which may approximate 50 pounds.

 Company Website – https://aaahq.org

The American Accounting Association fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

We are an equal opportunity, at-will employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.