Position : VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Location : Pittsfield, MA

Division: Corporate Strategy

Department: DEI – Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Reports to: Chief Communication & Sustainability Officer

Status: Exempt/Officer

Grade: 11

Pay Range: $66,669 - $120,114

Berkshire Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin .

Location: Hybrid - Albany, NY or Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, MA

Purpose/Objective :

Manage an integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy (DE&I) that enhances workforce diversity, workplace culture and helps expand access to banking services to unbanked, underbanked and multicultural communities. Influence organizational changes to drive behaviors and practices required to promote an inclusive work environment and deliver an equitable client experience.

Key Accountabilities :

• Develop and manage diversity, equity and inclusion programs that align with the Company’s corporate values and strategic objectives.

• Work with the Chief Communication & Sustainability Officer, lines of business leaders and operational departments to establish KPIs and accountability mechanisms to monitor progress. Create dashboards and reporting to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of all activities.

• Manage Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and support the implementation of internal programming aimed at creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. Collaborate with ERGs to develop a membership strategy, an annual plan that connects ERG programming to DE&I goals, corporate priorities/objectives and assist in the execution of ongoing DE&I communications.

• Identify, implement and manage DE&I learning and development activities to elevate DE&I capabilities within the organization. Educate and ensure business units implement DE&I policies, strategies and programs. Facilitate learning and share best practices across the organization to build cultural competency.

• Support the Human Resources department’s sourcing and recruitment strategies to help identify, attract and retain diverse, qualified candidates.

• Manage third-party DE&I relationships, vendors and assist the Chief Communication & Sustainability Officer in the management of the DE&I department budget.

• Serve on appropriate bank committees and convene internal stakeholders as necessary to elevate responsible, inclusive, and equitable practices throughout the business. Provide reports to management, management committees and Board of Directors Committees as requested.

• Collaborate with internal partners and business line leaders in Retail Banking, Business Banking, CRA, Sustainability and operational departments to support multicultural banking activities.

• In conjunction with business line and regional leadership, build community relationships and networks in underserved and diverse communities to support DE&I initiatives.

• Partner with internal departments including, but not limited to, Procurement, Foundation, Marketing, Communications, and CRA & Fair Lending on various initiatives to advance DE&I within and outside the organization.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in the DE&I space; identify and adopt best practices and represent Berkshire’s DE&I program at appropriate internal and external forums.

• Ensure compliance with all banking laws, rules, regulations, and prescribed policies/practices/procedures necessary to reduce risk and uphold ethical standards related to and required by one’s duties.

Education:

• BA in business/marketing or related field or equivalent work experience

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, human resources, financial services or related field.

• Demonstrated experience managing diversity, equity, and inclusion or community and employee engagement programs.

• Active community involvement.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to leverage data to develop and execute strategies

• Ability to set and be responsible for executing strategy

• Ability to influence teams without direct supervisory responsibility

• Understanding of banking and financial markets

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with personnel of all backgrounds

• Ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders

• Demonstrated ability to handle complex issues and navigate conflict

Berkshire Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.