Talent Development D&I Senior Specialist

Dechert LLP; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dechert LLP is seeking a Talent Development D&I Senior Specialist to integrate diversity and inclusion into the firm’s culture and development initiatives. You will collaborate across teams to drive learning opportunities and inclusive leadership across global offices.

The role requires independent judgment and collaborative leadership to weave D&I into talent management, training, events, and programs, ensuring engagement and growth at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Social Sciences, or related field.
• 5+ years of D&I experience, preferably in professional services or legal environments.
• Proven track record developing and implementing strategic D&I initiatives.
• Strong analytical capabilities with data-driven decision making.
• Experience with data visualization and HR analytics.
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills for multiple initiatives.
• Executive-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and facilitate training programs promoting inclusive leadership and cultural competency.
• Act as the operational hub for D&I and learning initiatives firm-wide, coordinating cross-functional workstreams.
• Lead programs that align with the firm’s vision and inclusive culture.
• Embed D&I principles into development programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Design and implement signature initiatives like the Diversity Symposium.
• Spearhead Global Women's Initiative programming with leadership and liaison teams.
• Support attorneys and professionals at all levels to promote D&I engagement across offices.
• Collaborate with Talent teams to integrate D&I into recruitment, retention, and advancement.
• Identify opportunities to innovate, measure impact, and build sustainable frameworks.
• Manage sponsorships, partnerships, and diversity events.
• Foster cross-practice collaboration to uphold core guiding principles.
• Handle a range of special projects in a fast-moving global environment.

Skills

D&I strategies

Project management

Data visualization

Communication

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

HRIS

HR analytics tools

Job description

The Talent Development D&I Senior Specialist, part of the Global Talent team, is responsible for ensuring that Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) practices are seamlessly integrated into the firm’s culture and professional development initiatives. This role is central to advancing Dechert’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all talent thrives.

By collaborating across teams and leveraging strong communication and project management skills, the Senior Specialist will drive impactful programs that enhance learning opportunities and skill development.

This role requires both independent judgment and collaborative leadership to ensure D&I practices are woven into all aspects of professional development, fostering engagement and growth across all levels of the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• As part of the Global Talent, design, coordinate, project manage and facilitate training programs that promote critical skills, cultural competency, inclusive leadership, and best practices across all levels of the organization and global offices.
• Serve as the operational hub for D&I and learning initiatives firm-wide, managing concurrent workstreams and ensuring cross-functional coordination across Talent, business professionals, and firm leadership.
• Lead innovative programs that advance Dechert’s commitment to excellence and an inclusive culture, ensuring alignment with the firm’s long-term vision and guiding principles.
• Embed D&I principles into development programs, policies, and initiatives to foster an environment where all talent thrives and equitable practices are prioritized.
• Design and implement signature Dechert initiatives, including the Diversity Symposium, and other workshops, and training programs that promote cultural competency, inclusive leadership, and best practices across the firm's global offices.
• Spearhead the Global Women's Initiative (GWI) programming, managing execution in partnership with leadership and Local Women Liaisons across scheduling, communications, materials, and cross-office logistics, while supporting broader affinity group goals.
• Serve as a firm-wide resource supporting attorneys and business professionals at all levels, from associates and partners to practice group leaders and staff across global offices, to promote awareness, engagement, and commitment to D&I initiatives.
• Work closely with other Talent teams to integrate D&I principles into talent management processes, including recruitment, retention, and advancement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to innovate and improve existing programs, develop metrics to measure impact, and create sustainable frameworks for long-term success.
• Manage firm sponsorships, partnerships, and diversity events that strengthen the firm’s external reputation while embedding D&I principles into firm-wide operations and culture.
• Facilitate cross-practice collaboration to advance D&I initiatives and uphold Dechert’s guiding principles of excellence, diversity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship in all aspects of the role.
• Manage a broad range of special projects and ad hoc operational tasks, demonstrating flexibility and sound judgment in prioritizing competing demands across a fast-moving, global environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (HR, Business, Social Sciences, or equivalent)
• 5+ years of D&I experience, preferably in professional services or legal environment
• Proven track record developing and implementing strategic D&I initiatives
• Strong analytical capabilities with expertise in data-driven decision making
• Knowledge of current D&I best practices and industry trends
• Experience with data visualization and HR analytics
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, including executive presentation skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated success building relationships across all organizational levels
• Experience managing budgets and measuring program effectiveness
• Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Innovation and creative problem-solving
• Influential leadership and change management expertise
• Cultural competency and emotional intelligence
• Results-oriented with strong project execution skills
• Professional presence and executive polish
• Excellent judgment and discretion with confidential information
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Working Requirements

• Travel as needed
• Flexibility for occasional extended hours