THE ORGANIZATION

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is an international institute for property and asset managers, providing complete knowledge to take on real estate management’s most dynamic challenges.  For over 85 years, IREM members have made IREM the world’s strongest voice for all things real estate management. Today, almost 20,000 leaders in commercial and residential management call IREM home for learning, certifications, and networking.  Located in downtown Chicago with 57 full time staff, the organization has annual revenue of $12.8 million.

POSITION SUMMARY

To support IREM’s commitment in prioritizing and delivering on the goals established in the member-focused DEI strategic plan, IREM is seeking a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).  The Director will develop and implement a modern and forward-thinking DEI strategy and work on creating diversity action plans.   This is a highly visible position, collaborating across all departments and working closely with IREM HQ Executives and senior leaders as well as with member leaders from diversity-focused committees to articulate and deliver on initiatives.  The Director of DEI reports directly to the CEO/Executive Vice President. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Develops, manages, and supports data-based equity and inclusion strategies in support of the implementation plan to operationalize DEI initiatives.
• Drives leadership awareness, commitment, and integration of DEI initiatives across the organization.
• Leads the DEI Steering Committee comprised of IREM team members designed to embed DEI into all IREM touch points, acting as the thought leader on DEI and being accountable for championing the evolution of our DEI strategy.
• Serve as an internal advisor to IREM staff who manage the DEI programs.Identify opportunities to incorporate DEI into IREM delivered member program and initiatives.
• Researches, shared and implements best practices with members, chapters and leadership.
• Collaborates with members and chapters to ensure application of initiatives.
• Establishes, aligns and integrates a wide range of programs, policies, and initiatives to ensure the achievement of a diverse membership community.
• Collaborates and consults with cross-functional teams, aligning diversity and inclusion capability in their respective areas to create and complete DEI goals, ensuring that equity and inclusion is embeddedand woven into the overall IREM experience.
• Creates effective connections with members, customers, partners, and the communities served relating to DEI initiative programs, progress and advancement.
• Serves as DEI subject matter expert for members in answering questions, problem solving and providing general support as necessary.
• Represents IREM in interactions with external diversity-related organizations.Creates and fosters mutually beneficial partnerships that result in services and solutions for IREM members and partners.
• Works collaboratively with the CEO/Executive Vice President to embed transparency and inclusiveness into IREM’s governance structure through it application process, selection of new leaders and volunteers, and terms of services.
• Partners with the Director of Human Resources to assist with embedding equity and inclusion goals throughout the team member journey.
• Establishes KPIs to analyze the effectiveness of DEI initiatives, reports progress and identifies opportunities for future areas of focus.
• Creates and delivers original work in a variety of formats through IREM platform and products, and in presentations to IREM audiences.
• Consults with internal product experts to align DEI messaging.
• Manages budget for operating and strategic initiatives.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with evidence of current study or expertise in the DEI arena preferred, with consideration to any Diversity and Inclusion certification.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives, programs and efforts across teams within an association or other complex organizational structure.
• Strong grasp and understanding of the DEI landscape, language, and current events impacting and shaping DEI.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, meet project deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate programs and monitor progress over time
• Strong leader of cross-team collaborations with the ability to keep stakeholders engaged about contributions and outcomes.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and engage effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Experience leading transformational or organizational change.
• An active listener who seeks and accepts feedback.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey complex ideas, concepts and proposals clearly and concisely; able to influence a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to be an analytic, thoughtful and strategic thinker.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, customer relations management tools, and web-conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Webex); familiarity with association management systems.
• Anticipated travel up to 2 times per year, 5-7 days per year.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Search Process

This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates. Those interested in applying should email a confidential resume and a cover letter outlining specific qualifications to: 

Mary McMahon

Tuft & Associates cbabjak@tuftassoc.com

312-642-8889