Joshua Dodds
Charlotte,NC
Summary
A seasoned, forward-thinking, and highly motivated Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practitioner with comprehensive knowledge and skills in DEIB principles, trends, and legislation. Demonstrated capability in designing and executing DEIB strategies that align with organizational goals and yield tangible results. Skilled in fostering cross-functional collaboration for cultural transformation, alongside exceptional communication abilities to influence at all levels. Proficient in budget management, adept at overseeing projects with budgets ranging from $5,000 to $1.2 million, ensuring efficient resource utilization and financial stewardship. Proven leadership in project and event management, leading teams to create inclusive and impactful experiences. An adept public speaker, experienced in delivering engaging presentations and moderating discussions. Committed to driving social impact through community engagement and sustainable practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of DEI Talent Programs & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Analyst
Equitable Financial (Hybrid)
Charlotte, NC
06.2022 - Current
- Act as a DEI subject matter expert by contributing perspective, insights, knowledge, and taking a balanced consultative and systemic approach to enable the organization to capitalize on DEI for global success through strategic and tactical/operational execution for our Business Areas, ERGs, as well as both internal and external partners
- Work closely with the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer to define and deliver the DEI vision, strategy, goals and priorities across the firm and build a culture of inclusion
- Design, develop and execute strategies and programs, including cultural/heritage months, community dialogues, keynote speakers among other important facets
- Act as primary contact and support for Equitable’s 12 Employee Resource Group (ERG) Boards and provide development to our ERGs
- Lead and manage teams of 10 – 20 people for programs and projects
- Advise on the development and delivery of diversity recruitment, retention and promotion practices, including expansion of existing programs with proven impact
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive Talent Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy across multiple departments.
- Provided guidance on best practices for recruiting diverse talent.
- Educated managers about cultural competency skills required for effective communication within a diverse workforce.
- Build partnerships with external DEI organizations and represent Equitable on various internal and external committees focused on DEI
- Managing Employee Resource Groups and provide key direction to group owners on the broader DEI initiatives
- Use considerable skill and judgement in managing corporate-wide DEI agenda, interacts with and influence key decision makers, offering consulting resources and communicating in a manner that builds relationships and credibility
- Work closely with Corporate Communications and Marketing to effectuate comprehensive and frequent communication plans
- Ability to analyze and synthesize business requirements, including recognizing patterns and conceptualizing processes
- Work with stakeholders across Equitable and externally to ensure that user stories are clearly defined, delivered and approved for deployment
- Gathers and analyzes both internal and external data including but not limited to hiring, promotion, compensation, demographics, that will factor into the solutions the task force identifies
- Reporting and analysis including executive reporting of key metrics and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as well as strategic analysis
- Implements and manages reports and dashboards ensuring leaders have access to key data required to successfully drive decisions
- Creates and maintains issue logs, meeting minutes, meeting schedules, project summaries and updates
- Working with our foundation to promote, plan, and support community events throughout the greater Charlotte area
- Event planning and management for national branches (Impact Days, Annual Diversity Conference, etc.)
- Support the design, development, coordinating, leading, and delivery of high-priority projects for diversity talent programming initiatives
- Oversee and support talent programs through the diversity taskforce such as McKinsey Program (20 participants per cohort, Black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino tracks) and our Black Excellence Program (10 participants, 10 mentors)
- Support the planning, designing, managing, and execution of program strategy and project plans to ensure delivery in a dynamic environment
- Build relationships and collaborate with cross-functional key stakeholders at all levels to understand challenges and drive results
- Demonstrate a proven track record of excellent strategic problem solving, bringing the ability to quickly put structure in place to manage work in a dynamic complex environment.
Manager of Events and Student Organizations
Student Engagement and Leadership – University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
06.2017 - 05.2022
- Planned, organized and managed all aspects of events from conception to completion.
- Provides advisement, leadership, and training for 400+ registered undergraduate and graduate student organizations
- Oversee all major events including Fall Welcome, Homecoming, and SoulFest/Spring Week programming
- Provides regular training for undergraduate and graduate student leaders, including, but not limited to event management, organizational development, and event planning with cove guidelines, signature responsibility, and planning
- Oversee areas of programming, budgeting, council management, leadership development, policy interpretation, and scholastic achievement
- Currently serve as Interim Assistant Director for the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) for undergraduate and graduate organizations and leadership development.
- Managed multiple teams to ensure the successful implementation of projects.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure cost-effective services.
- Supervise one professional staff and 25 graduate & undergraduate student staff
- Collaborated with other departments to promote awareness of upcoming events.
- Organized events such as workshops, seminars, forums, networking events. to promote diversity awareness.
- Provided training sessions for managers and employees regarding the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Chief Impact Officer
Wellness for the Culture, Mental Health and Therapy, LLC (REMOTE)
Springfield, MA
12.2020 - Current
- Serve as diversity, equity, and inclusion lead and committee chair for Wellness for the Culture
- Provide facilitation with presentations and training services to companies in the aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
- Advise in areas of diversity recruitment, anti-racism, gender equality, diversity in the workplace, retention, professional development, professional relations, and community diversity
- Facilitate trainings and presentations via zoom during pandemic
- Serve as liaison with other internal and external diversity councils, committees, and organizations regarding various DEI strategies
- Cultivate and manage relationships with various constituencies including established local and national organizations relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, executive leadership, and organizational change in the field of mental health and wellness
- Chief Impact & Diversity Officer
- Participates in WFTC Leadership Team, contributing to the development of the organization’s strategic goals as well as the overall management of the organization and its workplace culture
- Develop and manage small & large-scale social impact programs, focusing on community engagement, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable development goals (SDGs), leading to measurable improvements in community well-being and organizational sustainability practices
- Leads organizational strategic priorities and goals related to program impact, participant-centered approaches, and diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Proactively cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships and community partnerships with a wide portfolio of local nonprofit, civic, philanthropic, and government stakeholders
- Oversee the development and ongoing support of WFTC Partner Network including corresponding gatherings, communications, and functions
- Work collaboratively with the CEO, executive team as well as a bevy of different public, private and philanthropic partners to develop smart, sustainable solutions to some of our community’s most pressing challenges
- This may include the incubation and launch of other nonprofit programs or organizations
- Advise CEO and Board of Trustees, on all matters pertaining to community impact activities and strategies, both past, present, and emerging, and report progress against key performance indicators proactively and as assigned
- Serve as a thought leader able to share trends internally and externally on community development and investment strategies, promising programs and solutions locally and beyond.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with government regulations.
Independent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Contractor/Consultant
FC D.E.I. Consulting, LLC (REMOTE)
Lynn, MA
01.2021 - Current
- Work as consultant/independent contractor with organizations, universities, and companies on diversity, equity, and inclusion training
- Provide facilitation with presentations and training services to companies in the aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
- Advise in areas of diversity recruitment, anti-racism, gender equality, diversity in the workplace, retention, professional development, professional relations, and community diversity
- Facilitate trainings via zoom during pandemic
- Provide presentations via zoom during pandemic.
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Anna Maria College
Paxton, MA
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Lead, mentor, and manage the overall mission and vision of Student Affairs and Diversity and Inclusion
- Provide direct leadership for the department of Diversity and Inclusion
- Oversee areas of programming, budgeting, council management, leadership development, policy interpretation, and scholastic achievement
- Advised African, Latino, Asian, and Native America (A.L.A.N.A.) organization, in addition to other student organizations under D&I office
- Provided regular training for faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate student leaders, included, but not limited to diversity, equity, and inclusion, organizational development, micro aggressions, bias prevention, and cultural competency.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
Graduate Student: Office of Diversity and Community Engagement
American International College
Springfield, MA
09.2013 - 05.2014
- Provided administrative and advisory support to nine diversity organizations, and all Greek letter student organizations (Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council)
- Supported areas of programming, budgeting, council management, leadership development, policy interpretation, and scholastic achievement
- Facilitated and advised major events including conferences, homecoming, orientation, and award banquets
- Responsible for event planning for all social and educational aspects of programming for the office of diversity and community engagement.
Education
Certification - Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY01-2024
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Northeastern University
Boston, MA05-2014
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
UMass Amherst
Amherst05-2012
Skills
- Workforce Management
- Contract Management
- Strategic Planning
- Staff Development
- Policy Implementation
- Staff Training and Development
- Innovation management
- Verbal and written communication
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Negotiation
- Key Performance Indicators
- Staff Management
- Grant Proposals
- Meeting facilitation
- Crisis Management
- Consulting
Certification
UMassation: Employee Resource Groups – October 2023
Timeline
Manager of DEI Talent Programs & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Analyst
Equitable Financial (Hybrid)
06.2022 - Current
Independent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Contractor/Consultant
FC D.E.I. Consulting, LLC (REMOTE)
01.2021 - Current
Chief Impact Officer
Wellness for the Culture, Mental Health and Therapy, LLC (REMOTE)
12.2020 - Current
Manager of Events and Student Organizations
Student Engagement and Leadership – University of Massachusetts-Amherst
06.2017 - 05.2022
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Anna Maria College
06.2015 - 06.2017
Graduate Student: Office of Diversity and Community Engagement
American International College
09.2013 - 05.2014
Certification - Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion
Cornell University
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
UMass Amherst
UMassation: Employee Resource Groups – October 2023
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