What does a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist do?

A DEI Specialist creates programs that make the workplace fairer and more welcoming. This involves training staff on unconscious bias, ensuring hiring practices reach diverse candidates, and analyzing company data to ensure pay and promotion equity.

How do DEI Specialists measure success?

They measure success through data: tracking the diversity of the hiring pipeline, analyzing retention rates of minority groups, conducting pay equity audits, and running inclusion surveys to measure employee sentiment over time.

What are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)?

ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups based on shared characteristics or life experiences (e.g., Women in Tech, LGBTQ+ networks, Veterans groups). DEI Specialists often help fund, guide, and support these groups to foster community.

Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and measure the success of corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs
Partner with Talent Acquisition to build sourcing pipelines for underrepresented candidates
Support and guide Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity networks
Analyze HR metrics (promotion rates, pay equity, retention) to identify systemic biases
Facilitate organization-wide training on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and cultural competency
Act as an internal consultant to leadership on building an inclusive corporate culture

Required Skills & Qualifications

Deep understanding of DEI best practices, cultural competency, and organizational change
Strong data analysis skills to interpret demographic and equity metrics
Excellent facilitation, public speaking, and presentation skills
Ability to influence and gain buy-in from senior executives
High emotional intelligence and ability to navigate sensitive conversations
Experience in program or project management

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

Experience publishing corporate DEI transparency reports
Background in organizational psychology or sociology
Familiarity with global/international cultural nuances and compliance
Experience auditing HR policies for inclusive language
Certifications in Diversity and Inclusion (e.g., Cornell DEI Certificate)
Experience managing DEI budgets and vendor relationships

Tech Stack & Tools

TableauWorkdayVisierQualtricsSlackPowerPoint

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000
Work Setup: Remote, Hybrid, On-site
Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.
401(k) matching and unlimited PTO.

Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Job Description Template (2026)

What does a Diversity & Inclusion Specialist do?