Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

We are committed to the principle that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components of a thriving organization. Through our firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, we continue to foster a culture in which people of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences are welcomed, as well as encouraged and empowered to achieve their maximum potential. We realize there is always more for us to do as a firm, across the legal sector, and in our communities, and we are committed to doing the work at all levels to positively effect change.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager plays an integral role in supporting and enhancing the firm’s DEI initiatives by coordinating firmwide programming, supporting cross-departmental efforts, and ensuring the consistency and quality of team workflows. The DEI Manager also collaborates closely with various departments across the firm, including Attorney Recruiting, Community Impact, Pro Bono, Marketing, and the wider Professional Development team, and reports to the firm’s Director of DEI. The DEI Manager also serves as an experienced resource and thought partner to the DEI Specialist and DEI Assistant, helping to ensure alignment and cohesion across the team.

This position can be a hybrid work schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management and Implementation

• Lead affinity group operations and programming, providing oversight on strategic planning, annual budgets, and collaborative programming, in partnership with the DEI Specialist
• Oversee the evaluation of affinity group initiatives and other heritage month programming, ensuring alignment with broader firm goals; develop tools to measure engagement and effectiveness; identify areas for growth in affinity group structure and activities
• Coordinate and facilitate day-to-day collaboration with departments, such as Professional Development and Community Impact/Pro Bono, especially on joint initiatives
• Develop project plans and timelines for assigned initiatives, providing regular updates to the DEI Director and other stakeholders
• Serve as key managerial-level support to the DEI Director in implementing firmwide DEI initiatives and annual goals as needed

Team Oversight and Operational Leadership

• Provide guidance to the DEI Specialist and DEI Assistant, offering direction, serving as a resource for questions, planning, and execution, while ensuring efficiency and consistency across the team’s workstreams
• Support the DEI Director in resource planning, prioritization, and workflow management across the DEI team by managing the day-to-day implementation of tasks
• Prepare materials for the DEI Director, including reviewing and editing work product prepared by the DEI Specialist and Assistant, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to the firm’s tone and messaging
• Serve as a key operational leader for the DEI team, supporting budget-related tracking, project timelines, and process improvement initiatives

Data, Reporting, and External Engagement

• Compile, organize, and prepare responses to external requests for DEI information, including industry surveys and client (and prospective client) DEI information requests, with support from the DEI Specialist as needed
• Assist in refining processes for tracking and analyzing DEI-related metrics in collaboration with the DEI Director and DEI Specialist
• Support the DEI Director in preparing presentations, trainings, internal reports, and talking points for internal and external audiences
• Represent the firm at DEI-related events, conferences, and other engagements as appropriate

Communications and Culture Building

• Help manage the curation and consistent maintenance of DEI-related content across firm communication channels, including the intranet, newsletters, and external website, ensuring consistency and clarity of messaging
• Assist in the development and rollout of firmwide DEI communications in collaboration with the DEI Director and Marketing
• Contribute to building and maintaining a culture of inclusion and belonging at the firm through high-impact programming and thoughtful collaboration

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5+ years of experience managing teams in DEI, legal talent, HR, professional development, or program management, preferably in a law firm or other professional services environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from planning through execution with limited oversight
• Experience guiding the work of others, including the ability to support and guide junior team members
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and in writing. This includes editing work for spelling and grammar, with high attention to detail, and communicating effectively with internal and external clients
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, synthesize insights, and present findings in a clear, compelling manner
• Exercises good judgment and uses discretion when working with confidential data and other information
• Comfortable navigating sensitive topics with professionalism and discretion
• Able to represent the firm with professionalism, honesty, and integrity
• Able to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within the parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills; willingness to learn new technological systems and platforms required
  

The primary location for this job posting is in New York, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:San Francisco and Silicon Valley: $131,750 - $178,250 per yearAustin, Boston, Boulder, District of Columbia, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and Wilmington: $119,000 - $161,000 per yearSalt Lake City and all other locations: $105,400 - $142,600 per year

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).