Current Employment Opportunties

Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) seeks a full-time Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) to drive and support an inclusive organizational culture that centers racial and intersectional equity.

Background

LASO is a non-profit organization that represents low-income clients in civil cases. LASO’s eight regional offices employ approximately 100 staff who serve the general low-income population throughout the state, and two specialized statewide programs provide representation on farmworker and Native American issues. LASO is an effective, high-quality legal services program that is committed to advocacy strategies having the broadest possible impact on low-income communities.  LASO is actively working to build an inclusive organizational culture that centers on racial equity. LASO is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a welcoming and culturally responsive environment for our staff and clients.

The Director of DEI position will be based out of the Central Administrative Office in downtown Portland, Oregon.  The Director of DEI will report directly to the Executive Director, sits on the executive team, and is responsible for developing and fostering LASO’s internal (at present) and (later) community-facing work.

Responsibilities

The Director of DEI will support the collaborative organizational efforts to develop an equitable and sustainable community.  This work will happen in coordination with the Executive Director and the DEI Steering Committee (a group of staff members representing a broad cross section of the organization), who are committed to working towards creating an organizational shift in which diversity, equity, inclusion becomes a center point in LASO’s work and culture. The Director of DEI will review the current state of DEI work; support the ongoing work of internal equity and affinity groups; create, develop and implement DEI focused systems and structures; and provide coaching and advice to all levels of the organization, including the executive team.

In collaboration with the Executive Director and DEI Steering Committee, the Director of DEI will:

• Review and analyze internal systems and structures from an equity lens
• Develop & support diversity, equity & inclusion vision, policy and practices
• Support staff in growth/development of DEI fluency
• Support best practices in recruitment, hiring and retention
• Measure, monitor and communicate DEI progress
• Other administrative and supportive duties as assigned

Desired Skills & Experience

• A demonstrated commitment to social justice and racial equity
• Working knowledge of DEI philosophies, methodologies, competencies, and programs
• Experience with training, facilitation and collaboration of diverse groups and levels of leadership
• Experience leading and implementing DEI-related programs or initiatives; or other experience as relevant
• Experience working in a unionized environment
• Experience with workplace mediation and/or conflict resolution that prioritizes relationships and resiliency
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient use of Microsoft Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and web-based video conferencing and learning platforms (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and our hiring processes are centered on assessing candidates based on diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, contact us to discuss your application.

Salary/Benefits

Compensation is based on a 35-hour work week; placement on the salary scale is based on relevant experience. The salary range for 0-5 years experience is $70K to $77.5K; 6-10 years experience is $79K to $85K; and 11 years+ is $86.5K- $109K. Compensation is based on a 35-hour work week.  There is additional annual compensation of $3600 for bilingual ability.  Full benefits package including individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage; 6% employer retirement contribution; generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave; and paid moving expenses.  The Portland Office building also provides access to a small gym with shower, as well as garage bike parking.

Closing Date

Open until filled. Review of resumes to begin May 29, 2023.

Applications

Send cover letter and resume to:

Janice Morgan, Executive Director
Legal Aid Services of Oregon

centraljobs@lasoregon.org

We celebrate diversity

LASO is committed to being an organization that reflects the communities we serve and is diverse in race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, or sensory, mental and physical abilities, work background, experience and education. We believe that the outcome of such diversity is our greatest strength and a matter of basic human fairness. It is to this end that we strongly encourage applications from people of color and people from any other underrepresented and historically marginalized group to apply for this position.