Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director reports to the Executive Vice President/COO and meets regularly with other members of the Executive team, President/Director of Fred Hutchinson, and the Vice President/CHRO. The DEI Director is responsible for leading the organization’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, creating the overall strategy regarding Diversity and Inclusion, partnering with our Faculty Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, coaching and consulting with leaders at all levels, and sponsoring organization-wide development efforts such as Employee Resource Groups and training. Successful candidates will have the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders and step into a leadership space as they present to staff groups, senior leaders and the Board. They must also interact effectively with external organizations and stakeholders.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director solicits direction and assistance from the Executive Vice President/COO and other key executive stakeholders involved with organization-wide strategy and leadership development, and facilitates DEI work across the entire organization. Providing guidance and coaching to various leaders conducting DEI work ensures that these local stakeholders remain engaged and accountable for their commitments.

General Duties

• The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director collaborates with multiple leaders throughout the organization to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Center’s mission and to establish and attain divisional and departmental goals in service to the organization’s overall diversity, equity and inclusion plan. The Director ensures that the diversity and inclusion work is effectively planned and implemented and will represent the Hutch’s efforts to the Board of Trustees and outside organizations.
• Manage DEI program coordinator.
• Represent Fred Hutchinson DEI initiatives at key events and national conferences (AACR, SACNAS, ABRCMS, CEO Action Pledge on Diversity & Inclusion)

Program Operations

• Serve as primary liaison to center leaders involved in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and represent the program to outside institutions.
• Serve as a partner and collaborator with key stakeholders and center faculty in assessing and evaluating the diversity and inclusion deliverables.
• Oversee and maintain the established center-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategic plan which includes goals and accountability assignments for all areas of Fred Hutchinson.
• Curate and sponsor internal education pertaining to DEI, including topics focused on anti-racist and anti-bias behavior, upstander training and other topics determined as crucial.
• Ensure that DEI efforts are vibrant and positively impact the diverse and inclusive culture of Fred Hutch, including leading the DEI Community of Practice, managing and supporting Employee Resource Groups, the Faculty Diversity & Inclusion Committee, the Executive Diversity & Inclusion Council, Dr. Eddie Mendez Symposium and the campus-wide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Group.
• Ensure diversity and inclusion strategic plan deliverables are accomplished, and report on KPI’s on a regular cadence.
• Bring together center diversity, equity and inclusion leaders at least twice annually to communicate/coordinate overall planning and enhance collaboration
• Act as a central repository for center, regional and national diversity demographic information in diversity and inclusion efforts, metrics and progress reporting.
• Conduct ongoing research of best practices regarding diversity, equity and inclusion work and collaborate with leaders throughout the organization to align center efforts to these practices.
• Provide updates to senior leaders and the Board of Trustees regarding diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Along with other center diversity and inclusion leaders, represent the Hutch through relevant outside organizations and engage with regional diversity/inclusion leaders.
• Curate opportunities for the workforce to develop skills to nurture and scale a diverse and inclusive workplace, including developing, sponsoring and potentially delivering workshops and overseeing the DEI Communities of Practice
• Collaborate regularly with DEI consortium partners such as the UW in joint educational programs.
• Oversee certain partnership and sponsorship requests from organizations focused on supporting diverse and underrepresented communities.

• A Bachelor’s degree is required (or equivalent experience in research or academic administration); an advanced degree, including JD degree is preferred 
• A minimum of 5 years of leadership and strategic program management experience, preferably in a non-profit research or academic setting 
• Ability to manage, coach, and mentor individuals and teams
• Ability to lead without direct authority
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in working, on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion through past paid or volunteer work
• Strong leadership qualities and skills are essential; collaborative teamwork, credibility, people development, sound judgement, high degree of integrity and creative problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with faculty, staff and students across all levels
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Knowledge and understanding of the boundaries between DEI and Human Resource issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex and competing activities. Strong public speaking skills and presence required.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at escmail@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.