Senior Director, EDI Special Projects

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

The Senior Director of EDI Special Projects will lead the design, execution, and scaling of large-scale initiatives that advance APA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework. This role will oversee the operationalization of APA’s EDI roadmap, focusing on translating strategy into actionable projects and measurable outcomes. Additionally, the Senior Director will cultivate external partnerships, working closely with community stakeholders to increase the visibility and impact of APA’s EDI efforts on a national scale. This role requires a highly strategic and influential leader who can integrate EDI into the facets of APA’s public-facing efforts.

This individual will work across APA departments, especially with the Public Interest Directorate and the Leadership Development Institute (LDI), to align on shared goals and ensure the successful implementation of high-impact projects. They will engage with external communities most impacted by systemic inequities, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are central to the design, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives.

Education and Experience Required

• Minimum educational requirement is a master’s degree or PhD in psychology, public health, sociology, or a related field with a strong preference for coursework specific to diversity, equity, inclusion.
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience in designing and executing large-scale EDI initiatives within a complex organization, with proven success in scaling projects, stakeholder engagement, and external partnership cultivation.
• Experience in engaging with communities most impacted by systemic inequities to co-create solutions.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, with a track record of using data to drive decision-making.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills, with experience in measuring impact and continuous improvement.
  

Computer Skills Required

• Microsoft (Advanced User) with proficiency in Microsoft Suite. Experience with virtual meeting technology preferred (e.g., Zoom).
  

Responsibilities

• Translate high-level EDI strategy into detailed implementation roadmaps, including timelines, resource allocation, risk management, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify future areas of strategic growth and propose new initiatives that align with APA’s long-term EDI goals.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with external organizations, community leaders, and advocacy groups to bolster APA’s EDI initiatives and increase the reach and impact of APA’s work.
• Engage with communities most impacted by systemic inequities to co-create initiatives addressing racial equity, health disparities, and disability inclusion.
• Serve as a key liaison to external partners, fostering collaboration and ensuring stakeholder buy-in to amplify APA’s EDI efforts.
• Lead the design and facilitation of strategic think tanks, workshops, and forums with external stakeholders to foster innovation, gather input, and refine APA’s EDI initiatives.
• Establish and oversee robust evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of EDI projects, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability in all initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications to amplify APA’s EDI efforts in the media and public-facing channels, contributing to articles, op-eds, media campaigns, and public discussions that align with APA’s mission.
• Stay informed on emerging trends, challenges, and best practices in the EDI field, incorporating new learnings into APA’s projects to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of thought leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Other Duties as Assigned
• Engage in a variety of other activities, as assigned, by the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer that serve to promote the goals and objectives of APA, EDI, and the interests of APA staff, members, and governance.
• Some travel (<10%) may be required.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 122,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.

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