Assistant Director / Associate Director (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) , HRFA

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together building a strong collegiality and morale within the university.

Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is for Office of Human Resources and Faculty Administration (HRFA).
• Strategy & Implementation
  • Lead the development, implementation, communication and evaluation of the Universitys DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) strategy, policies, agenda, programmes, initiatives and projects.
  • Maintain a high level of expertise around best practices and trends in DEI; monitor and take measures to ensure SMU keeps abreast of best practices, trends and current research.
  • Plan, develop and launch DEI policies, framework, programmes and initiatives and processes; take responsibility for stakeholder alignment, integration and operationalization of DEI principles, objectives and key processes into decision-making, people management practices and everyday interactions.
  • Identify, influence, and leverage on University resources, technology, tools, partnerships, and opportunities to inform, support and advance our DEI strategy.
  • Assess, identify, monitor, communicate and proactively address risks and opportunities of DEI strategy, programmes, initiatives and projects.
  • Lead, participate and contribute to committees, taskforces or groups with DEI-related agenda that may develop as part of SMUs DEI strategic plan.
• Strategic Partner
  • Provide DEI consultation, collaborate with, and act as strategic partner to executive leadership, Sustainability Blueprint taskforces, HRFA, key departments/ teams, and taskforces/ committees (e.g. Office of Provost, Office of Safety and Security, the Dean of Students Office, Student Success Centre, Office of Student Admissions and Financial Assistance, etc.) to drive, align, integrate and advance DEI in key areas of campus life.
  • Partner, coach, influence and engage with management to empower them to align with and embed DEI and/or to develop strategies and solutions to improve the effectiveness of DEI efforts.
  • Facilitate difficult conversations and proactively engage, influence and intervene with management and employees on issues relating to gaps in respectful workplace and DEI practices, behaviours, and efforts.
• Programmes and Communications
  • Play an active role in championing DEI in the SMU community, leveraging on internal and external opportunities, networks and partnerships to develop projects, programmes and initiatives that amplify DEI.
  • Develop, oversee and implement internal and external DEI communications strategy, events/programmes in collaboration with key partners.
  • Provide subject matter expertise and develop content for social media and internal communications channels (e.g. Sharepoint, intranet, blogs, etc.) to promote awareness and visibility of DEI agenda and efforts.
  • Lead, implement and manage DEI-related learning experiences and programmes; work with key partners and other training or curriculum development units in SMU on DEI compliance, education efforts, and development of DEI training and courseware.
  • Lead and deliver DEI training, presentations and communications, as appropriate, for internal and external audiences.
• Audit, Analytics, Reporting and Action
  • Conduct periodic climate assessments and/or audits of SMUs current policies and practices in DEI to ensure compliance with laws, policies and procedures that apply to DEI agenda; provide comprehensive analysis to identify specific needs and areas for improvement.
  • Help create DEI metrics, measurable goals and objectives.
  • Monitor and track SMUs progress and outcomes from DEI initiatives, programmes and projects; gather and provide comprehensive analysis of the data.
  • Build reports, dashboard, and present periodic updates and/or findings to various stakeholders to assess effectiveness of DEI efforts and identify opportunities for improvements or actions.

• A Bachelors Degree in any relevant discipline, possessing at least 10 years of extensive experience in Human Resources.
• At least 5 years of successfully leading and driving DEI strategies in a large or mid-sized organization.
• Strong knowledge of frameworks, best practices, accreditation, benchmarks, and relevant legislations relating to diversity, equity, inclusion and health.
• Experience conducting DEI audits and climate assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful DEI initiatives.
• Track record of strong project management skills and experience, including ability to plan, prioritise, execute, monitor, and control multiple projects/programmes simultaneously.
• Excellent relationship-building skills to forge successful collaborations with diverse internal and external stakeholder groups; possess ability to influence without authority.
• Possess organizational change management skills
• Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Savvy in collecting, analysing and use of data insights to inform DEI strategy, identify key issues/problems, formulate solutions, and implement actions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), and presentation skills
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with the ability to build trusted-advisor relationships with key stakeholders and to proactively find/devise solutions to potential DEI challenges.

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Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.