Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Human Resources and Development Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist. The DEI Specialist is motivated by a passion for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the realm of Human Resources and Development. In this role, you will play a vital part in leading, developing and implementing statewide DEI learning and development curriculum, hiring and retention best practices, policies, and strategies to promote a culture of belonging and equity within our organization. This work is critical to support the Judicial Branch's vision of a court system that is accessible, fair, consistent, responsive, free of discrimination, independent, and well-managed. 

Example of Duties

The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform.

DEI Curriculum Development, Facilitation, and Coordination

• Conduct needs assessments to identify DEI knowledge and awareness gaps.
• Design and develop DEI training materials and resources.
• Facilitate DEI training sessions and workshops for employees at all levels.
• Manage all aspects of training including development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation.

Employee, Wellness Engagement and Retention

• Support surveys to assess employee perceptions of DEI.
• Develop strategies to improve engagement and retention, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Recruitment and Hiring

• Develop strategies to attract diverse talent and promote diverse candidate pools and diverse hiring.
• Coordinate job fairs to enhance recruitment efforts.

Lead/coordinate statewide DEI teams and workgroups.
Raise awareness of DEI issues and initiatives across the organization.
Provide consultation on DEI matters across the organization.

Typical Qualifications

Below are the past experiences that will enable success in the role.
Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in adult education, human resources, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field, such as communications, psychology, sociology, cultural studies, or organizational development.
• 3-5 years of related professional experience.
• For education requirements listed, the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substitute.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build trust across diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in organizations.
• Experience working with or within governmental organizations or similar organizations and understanding the pace and process of decision making, communication, and change.
• Demonstrated organizational and project/task management skills with the ability to manage several projects successfully while also maintaining day-to-day priorities.
• Ability to learn quickly, demonstrate critical thinking, and make situation-appropriate decisions using sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills: attention to detail, commitment to deliver work product that is accurate and error-free.
• Knowledge of adult learning methods and curriculum design.
• Highly proficient presentation development and training delivery skills.
• Proven understanding of and ability to implement leadership’s vision: the ability to manage both strategic and tactical responsibilities, complete tasks, and deliver on a timely basis.
• Strong aptitude for seeing and understanding organizational priorities and developing strategy and implementation plans based on the unique context of the environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the Minnesota Judicial Branch or similar organization.
• Direct experience leading DEI Human Resources and Development or Training initiatives.
• Experience building and implementing multi-year diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
• Familiarity and experience with equity efforts within government.
• Participation in or completion of a DEI Certification program or related training.

 
Salary
The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $32.13 - $40.94 per hour ($67,087 - $85,483 annually). The full salary range for this position is $32.13 - $49.74 per hour ($67,087 - $103,857 annually). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.
 
Employee Benefits
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. The employee-paid premium for a full-time employee with single coverage is only $39.66/month for the Minnesota Advantage Health Plan (Download PDF reader) and $13.48/month for the Dental Plan. Click here to learn more about the benefits we offer.
 
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
 

Position Logistics
This full-time position is classified as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist and will work normal business hours, Monday-Friday. The position is hybrid with in-person work required 2-4 times per month, or as business needs dictate, at the Minnesota Judicial Center located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. The position also requires occasional travel throughout the state and to national events. 
 
To Apply: Apply online at www.mncourts.gov/careers. Complete and submit your online application with your resume and cover letter attached by April 29, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check processes.
 
Why Work for Us? 
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB.
 
We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth.
 
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting HR, nicole.zappa@courts.state.mn.us
 
The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.