Director of Professional Development, Diversity & Inclusion - Law Department

  • Full-time

Company Description

With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

Agency Descriptions:

The City’s Law Department is comprised of over 210 lawyers and 100 support staff.  The Law Department serves as counsel to the Mayor, City Council, other elected officials and the City’s departments, agencies, and commissions. The Law Department provides legal representation for the City in matters involving federal, state, and local agency litigation, commercial and real estate transactions, tax, regulatory issues, social services, and legislation.

Job Description

The Director will work with the First Deputy City Solicitor and department leadership in two main areas: 1) developing, scheduling, implementation and assessment of comprehensive training programs for all practice areas of the Law Department and internal training programs for legal assistants and support staff; and 2) coordinating and overseeing recruitment and retention efforts in the Law Department while ensuring diversity and inclusion. 

The Director will support department leadership, working closely with our committees and professionals to maintain and support an integrated department-wide approach to diversity and inclusion, ultimately creating a culture that values different perspectives and recruits and retains the best talent. The Director will be a strategic partner who will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies relating to department recruitment, retention and promotion of women and diverse individuals across the department.  In addition to these responsibilities, the Director will work to raise the profile of the Law Department in the legal community through the Bar Association, Affinity Groups and related organizations.  Lastly, the Director will work with the department leadership on a variety of legal and administrative issues.   

Salary: $60k-70k 

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Work with department staff in developing learning objectives, content and structure for in-house training programs.
  • Implement initiatives related to leadership development, engagement, morale and internal communications.
  • Design, write and revise staff training materials, including instructors’ guides, PowerPoint presentations, participant handouts, and supplemental materials.
  • On an ongoing basis, assess effectiveness of in-house training programs and advise on ways to improve them, including working with technology specialists or consultants to develop technology training solutions.
  • Keep up-to-date on current trends, developments and best practices in the field of attorney, paralegal and staff development by reading professional journals, articles and books, and attending attorney development seminars, conferences and workshops.
  • Assist with special professional development tasks from time to time as needed.
  • Review the department’s Diversity Plan and make recommendations as to best practices to maintain diversity and inclusion as a core value.
  • Keep up-to-date on best practices that support the growth, development and advancement of the department’s diverse lawyers and support staff.
  • Utilize external relationships with the department to create strategies for outreach into diverse communities, including with our Diversity, Professional Development and Public Service Committees
  • Support diversity and inclusion within the department’s overall development efforts through training and development of our diverse legal talent.
  • Assist in identifying ways to partner with our clients on Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
  • Work closely with the First Deputy to understand department demographics, identify areas for focus, and make recommendations on steps to hire, develop and retain a more diverse workforce.
  • Serve as a liaison between the department, department’s Diversity Committee and external organizations.
  • Encourage department participation in local and national affinity groups by coordinating meetings with group leaders to develop goals, plan events and programs, and attract new members.
  • Attend diversity recruiting and other diversity events as necessary, in consultation with the First Deputy.
  • Design, effectively and efficiently coordinate, and evaluate all aspects of the Law Department recruiting program including, pre-arrival processes and communications, orientation, mentoring program, social and community service events, diversity events and initiatives, educational and special department programming.
  • Effectively and efficiently coordinate the law school student recruitment process including supporting efforts for the department and targeted law school communications.

Qualifications

Candidate must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.  Advanced coursework in adult learning preferred.

Experience in law firm administration preferred. Active member in the Philadelphia Bar Association and/or Affinity Group preferred.  Experience in a law firm or corporate training department a plus. Knowledge of the following is preferred:

  • Adult learning principles and how to apply them
  • Training and development activities, functions and delivery methods  

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  •  Ability to work closely and effectively with all levels of department personnel required.
  • Management and supervisory skills preferred.
  • Excellent organizational and oral and written communication skills required.
  • Must be able to prioritize workload and solve problems quickly.
  • Strong computer skills required.

Additional Information

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx