Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Mentoring Program Coordinator

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Mentoring Program Coordinator is working with staff at all levels at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment for trainees, staff, faculty, and researchers.
This role will be responsible for creating, promoting and implementing strategic priorities that align with LJI’s vision to set and achieve meaningful and targeted goals for more equitable, diverse and inclusive practices, mentorship and development of staff and scientists.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the position is a highly cross-functional role, responsible for developing, coordinating and executing DEI and mentoring efforts across the organization.
In addition to identifying and tracking metrics to measure progress, this position will develop and implement training programs relevant to different populations at LJI (e.
g.
, leadership, administration, and research), identify and apply for grants and philanthropic opportunities to further DEI initiatives, manage LJI’s internship and mentorship programs, and ensure LJI’s compliance with emerging DEI and training regulations and requirements.
Responsibilities include: • Researching, writing and submitting grants in collaboration with LJI’s grant office and Advancement team, including identification and dissemination of funding opportunities in support of institutional DEI and mentorship efforts and awards in which DEI, outreach and training activities are a factor for funding.
• Ensuring that all members of the research community, especially graduate students, postdocs and other trainees experience a professional and nurturing environment where they are able to thrive and reach their full potential.
• Establishing, implementing and overseeing the LJI’s Internship and Mentorship Programs.
• Identifying external trends and recognizing best practices to help foster diversity and strength in the workforce, and to improve focus on equity and belonging at the Institute.
• Researching and advising on diversity, equity and inclusion issues and creating policies, programs, and training to ensure desired outcomes.
• Assisting with required DEI components of grant preparation, and oversight of DEI-related regulatory and compliance issues.
• Leading intentional integration of equity and inclusion practices into policies, procedures and other aspects of LJI’s operations.
• Supporting and guiding recruitment practices to help cultivate an environment that appeals to diverse applicants and minimizes bias.
• Serving as an LJI representative in the local community, focusing on populations underrepresented in science.
• Building partnerships with relevant organizations in the San Diego community to encourage historically underrepresented students to consider a career in STEM.
• Coordinating efforts with LJI’s committee supporting DEI efforts — LJIdea.
Skills and competencies include: This role requires an understanding and awareness of diversity and inclusion issues as well as training and mentorship of our next generation of scientists.
Strong relationship management skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of colleagues, from peers to faculty and senior leadership is vital.
Familiarity with an academic/research environment is strongly preferred.
Required Qualifications: • Demonstrated experience promoting equity, inclusion, diversity, and mentorship in the workplace.
• Experience driving high visibility programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization, as well as developing new programs to support the strategic direction of the organization.
• Strong communications and public speaking skills, dynamic presenter both in small or large group settings.
• Ability to understand, interpret data, and perform analysis related to key metrics.
• Excellent writing skills • Ability to work across multiple job levels to achieve results.
• Consistent success in leading volunteer teams.
• Demonstrated use of project management, time management and organization skills.
LJI provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability status, genetics, medical conditions, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or pregnancy, or any other condition protected by state and local laws.
This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placing, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absences, and social and recreational programs.
With over 30 different countries represented, diversity is respected and celebrated at LJI.
We are committed to ensuring a safe and compassionate environment that is equal, just, and fair.
Science and discovery benefit from a diversity of talents, a diversity of approaches, and a diversity of perspectives.
The La Jolla Institute’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative is designed to help us identify areas at the Institute that need improvement so we can together create an environment that is inclusive, provides equal opportunities, and opens doors that propel our research for human health.
La Jolla Institute is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable.
We validate this commitment by conducting regular market analyses to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, independent research sector.
Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, unique skill sets, organizational need, and internal equity.