Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer

Overview:
• Work type: Full-time
• Position is Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the ability to work additional hours as needed
• Position is based at 921 W Monroe Ave, Lowell, AR, however, incumbent can be located anywhere within the Arvest 4 State Footprint (AR, KS, MO, OK)

Job summary:
The Arvest Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer serves as the primary subject matter expert and architect of Arvest’s DEI and cross-cultural relations plans and programs. The position oversees the identification, development, implementation and evaluation of such initiatives. Under the direction of the CPO, and subject to the oversight of the Arvest Executive Committee, the incumbent develops the overall diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for the organization, along with creating targets and goals across the organization to ensure commitment and accountability, along with metrics that are aligned with Arvest’s culture.

Essential duties and responsibilities:
• Works with senior leadership to assess company efforts on diversity and cross-cultural inclusion programs, establish best practices and identify programs to address barriers (i.e. internal processes, recruiting, job descriptions, etc.) that affect staff sourcing, retention and advancement
• Has overall responsibility for diversity and cross-cultural efforts, collaborating with all levels across the organization for initiatives and programs
• Creates and implements strategies to increase the representation and retention of under-represented segments by conducting research; benchmarking peer organization strategies; and developing programs, curricula and events
• Directs the design of and engages in platform training and direct development of online training programs on both diversity and cross-cultural awareness
• Maintains metrics and prepares periodic reports for senior leadership for evaluating/measuring diversity and cross-cultural resource initiatives for return on investment
• Develops coaching strategies, implements dialogues that address specific concerns and issues, and oversees resolution of conflicts/disputes relating to diversity and/or cross- cultural initiatives and activities
• Cultivates an environment where associates respect and adhere to the company standards of open communication and respect by integrating these values into all programs and practices; developing consequences for violations or non-compliance; and supporting the Open Door Policy
• Creates instruments linking diversity and cross-cultural awareness to the organization’s performance management processes and the business plan
• Develops and leverages internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals by sponsoring and leading key community outreach and involvement initiatives; engaging key stakeholders in the development, execution and evaluation of appropriate business plans and initiatives; and supporting associate efforts in these areas
• Serves on various committees, attending related meetings and activities, as necessary
• Understand and comply with bank policy, laws, regulations, and the bank’s BSA/AML Program, as applicable to job duties. This includes but is not limited to; complete compliance training and adhere to internal procedures and controls; report any known violations of compliance policy, laws, or regulations and report any suspicious customer and/or account activity.

Supervisory responsibilities:
Directly supervises a staff of 2 or more FTE’s. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Ensure direct reports have completed required compliance training and are adhering to all internal procedures and controls as it relates to bank policy, laws, regulations and Arvest’s BSA/AML Program. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, appraising performance, rewarding, and disciplining associates.

The incumbent has the authority and the appropriate influence to make recommendations regarding hiring, firing, advancement, promotion, or any other change of status of other associates within the guidelines of the bank’s procedures and guidelines for such change of status events. The incumbent provides training, planning, assigning, and directing work assignments and schedules; addressing complaints and resolving problems. The incumbent also serves as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Team accountabilities:
• Support and uphold the Arvest Mission Statement
• Uphold the Arvest Code of Ethics and ensure that confidential information is safeguarded
• Maintain a high level of cooperation and rapport with all associates in order to ensure accurate and efficient operations and service
• Formulate and communicate new ideas and suggestions that will improve profitability and efficiency for the company’s overall operation
• Promote professionalism at all times

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Human Capital Management, Organizational Development or related field or equivalent education and experience
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in developing solutions and implementing strategies with focus on diversity and cross-cultural resource efforts in an organization with diverse constituencies
• Multilingual verbal and written skills preferred
• Advanced degree preferred

Other skills and abilities:
• Must be able to arrive at work on time, work on-site and have regular work attendance
• Must be able to work cooperatively and cordially with other customers and co-workers regardless of personality, presence or communication style
• Must be able to perform several tasks at once
• Must be able to work in a stressful atmosphere
• Must be able to rotate job tasks
• Must be able to coordinate multiple and changing priorities
• Must be able to occasionally work outside of normal business hours

Physical demands:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• The associate must be able to travel occasionally by themselves within the US, including overnight, and via automobile and air

Work environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.