Creating inclusive environments where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging represents a shared opportunity for all. Advancing the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is a responsibility that extends to everyone within an organization. Relying solely on a designated DEI office or HR department to effect cultural change across an entire institution is not conducive to sustainable and enduring transformation. Increasingly, organizations are seeking to enrich their teams with inclusive and conscious leaders across all sectors, equipped with the skills to drive inclusive organizational change, foster inclusive communication, implement equitable policies, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity throughout the workplace. This collective effort contributes to fostering an organizational environment where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered to pursue equitable growth and opportunities.
While there are specific roles dedicated to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within the Outdoor Recreation Economy (ORE), spanning the private, public, and non-profit sectors, the opportunity to champion these principles exists within every role within the industry.
Private Sector
Sample Positions:
- Manager of Inclusive Access - creates more equitable communities and sports through community impact grant giving, program management, and interdepartmental collaboration
- Equity and Performance Lead - instills a mindset of equity & inclusion, ongoing learning, and professional development by designing and implementing organizational and culture change efforts, performance management processes, training, and tools across the company
- Marketing Program Manager - informs and influences all aspects of marketing and consults with other divisions on diversity, equity, and inclusion
Sample Hiring Organizations:
Public Sector
Sample Positions:
- Inclusion Facilitator - provides assistance to participants with disabilities to ensure a successful recreation experience for participants in a variety of Parks and Recreation programs
- Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer - integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles into all citywide operations, projects, and services
Sample Hiring Organizations:
Non-Profit
Sample Positions:
- Community Inclusion Coordinator - increases conservation awareness, creates and sustains partnerships with communities, focuses on new audiences for equitable representation in conservation
- Program Director - responsible for strategic planning and assessment, fundraising and budget, volunteer leadership development, staff management, organizational compliance, media and communications, outreach and coalition building, and chapter engagement leading on equity
- Program Manager - manages and provides oversight for program planning and implementation to serve people with a wide range of disabilities and their communities
- Vice President, Conservation & Communities - builds and advances community-led coalitions, partnerships, relationships, and movements to advance organizations objectives
Sample Hiring Organizations:
Additional Sample Roles Specific to Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:
Diversity and Inclusion Officer: Responsible for developing and implementing strategies to promote diversity and inclusion within an organization. This may involve creating training programs, implementing policies, and fostering an inclusive work culture.
Diversity Recruiter: Focuses on attracting diverse candidates to job openings within an organization. They may attend job fairs, utilize diverse recruitment channels, and work to eliminate bias in the hiring process.
Diversity Trainer/Educator: Develops and delivers training programs on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics for employees. This role may involve facilitating workshops, leading discussions, and providing resources to promote understanding and awareness.
Diversity Consultant: Provides consulting services to organizations seeking to improve diversity and inclusion practices. This may involve conducting assessments, providing recommendations, and offering ongoing support to foster a more inclusive environment.
Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leader: Leads or supports employee resource groups focused on specific diversity dimensions such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. These groups often advocate for underrepresented employees and organize events to promote diversity and inclusion.
Diversity Program Manager: Manages initiatives and programs related to diversity and inclusion within an organization. This could include developing diversity metrics, tracking progress, and collaborating with various departments to integrate diversity into business practices.
Chief Diversity Officer (CDO): Holds a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the organization's diversity and inclusion efforts. The CDO typically works closely with executives to develop and execute diversity strategies that align with the organization's goals and values.
Cultural Competence Trainer: Provides training and resources to help individuals and organizations develop cultural competence and effectively engage with diverse populations. This may involve teaching cross-cultural communication skills, cultural awareness, and sensitivity training.
Diversity Liaison: Serves as a point of contact for diversity-related issues within an organization, advocating for the needs of underrepresented groups and facilitating communication between employees and leadership.
Diversity Researcher: Conducts research on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing insights and recommendations to inform organizational practices and policies. This could involve qualitative or quantitative research methods and may be conducted within academia, think tanks, or consulting firms.
Inclusion and Diversity Communications Specialist: Brings to life the storytelling element of the organization’s DEIB strategy and outreach. Working collaboratively with the PR/Communications/Marketing teams, the specialist will support in demonstrating the importance of DEIB through a range of internal and external communications touchpoints.
Supplier Diversity Manager: Manages initiatives to promote diversity among suppliers and vendors, ensuring that the organization works with a diverse range of businesses. They develop supplier diversity programs and track supplier diversity metrics.
Diversity Marketing Manager: Integrates diversity and inclusion into marketing strategies, ensuring that campaigns are inclusive and resonate with diverse audiences. They collaborate with marketing teams to develop messaging and campaigns that reflect diverse perspectives and values.
