Summary: The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion specialist will support established programs and practices related to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive company culture. This role will support Harris Teeter’s DEI strategy which includes initiatives such as the internal Associate Resource Groups and the external relationships with organizations who support Harris Teeter’s strategy to accelerate recruitment, retention and professional developing of talent. Additional scope includes development of cultural celebration activations and programs as well as positive performance to accountability metrics. Additionally, this role will focus on executing specific strategies to embed diversity, inclusion and culture competency into the company’s day to day operations, including training, hiring, retention and education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Collaborate with the recruiting teams and store teams to support the company’s diversity recruiting efforts by identifying and applying current best practices in diversity recruitment to enhance the company’s ability to effectively recruit and retain a diverse pool of associates

• Supports Associate Resource Groups as well as the expansion of the ARGs

• Develops campaigns and content for the Cultural Celebrations including preparation and deployment of resources

• Assists in executing an overall strategy designed to increase and support workplace diversity and Harris Teeter’s business objectives. Strategy includes goals, initiatives, cost/benefit analysis, implementation benchmarks, and measurement of effectiveness for each initiative.

• Monitors progress made on the company’s diversity goals by utilizing metrics, feedback from internal groups and maintaining and actively monitoring diversity hiring and attrition statistics.

• Identifies areas of opportunity to enhance Harris Teeter’s image in regard to diversity in the areas including, but not limited to, the following: Community Relations; Marketing and Advertising; Merchandising; and Suppliers.

• Coaches managers on effective methods to ensure the development and maintenance of a work environment that fosters sensitivity and respect for people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and disabilities.

• Works with Learning and Development to develop program content and materials for all diversity-related training programs. Facilitates workshops and develops networking opportunities for a diverse management workforce.

• Works with Learning and Development to develop and maintain a formal mentor program. Monitors progress of participants and assists as appropriate.

• Develops relationships with minority civic, professional, cultural, and business organizations in order to enhance Harris Teeter’s relationship with these organizations and the people they represent.

• Keeps diversity at a high level of awareness with Harris Teeter through initiatives to include but not limited to the following: Quarterly Harris Teeter newsletter articles; Communication regarding diverse holidays and other celebrations; Keeping internal and external diversity and inclusion webpages update to date Utilizing the Associate Relations Bulletin boards; Visibility in Harris Teeter through visits in the field, participation in Associate Relations Specialists meetings, periodic attendance at store walks and sales and service meetings.

• Collaborates with key Managers, Directors and VPs to ensure that diversity initiatives are both a team effort and implemented appropriately.

• Performs special assignments and projects as requested by leadership.

• Understands, effectively communicates, and implements Harris Teeter policies, procedures, standards, concepts, and programs. Makes recommendations to same with regards to diversity.

• Treats associates in a fair and consistent manner while fostering trust, respect, and integrity throughout Harris Teeter.

• Analyzes statistical reports and other data using knowledge of job requirements, valid selection processes, and legislation concerning equal employment practices. Identifies and determines causes of problems or inefficiencies in the employment function.

• Evaluates all aspects of the organization's employment practices, including hiring, development, promotion, and retention data, to assess workforce composition and identify areas where greater diversity would be beneficial.

• Coordinates and monitors all programs related to increasing and maintaining diversity in the workplace.

• Acts as a resource, both internal and external to the organization, on diversity issues.

• Acts as liaison within the organization to ensure coordination in the implementation of the diversity strategy throughout the organization.

• Requires travel to ensure that the organization’s culture of diversity and inclusion is communicated to all facets of the organization as well as to utilize in store feedback from associates to continue to enhance our diversity and inclusion programs, policies and practices

• Other duties as may be assigned or required.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.