Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Office based Boston or Springfield, travel required 

For more than 15 years, MassMutual has focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to attract the best talent and create a fair, innovative and inclusive culture, which better reaches and serves our customers. We strive to embrace diversity in every sense, focusing on building a thriving community where everyone is valued, included and feels that they belong. To date, we’ve used our influence to help foster a culture of inclusion and belonging at our company, one that values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. More broadly, we’ve taken steps to impact systemic racism, bias and disparities through our sales channels, diverse supplier base, sustainability initiatives, community partnerships and philanthropic contributions, as well as investments supporting underprivileged businesses. But we can’t stop there. 

That’s where you come in.  

If you are a strategic, innovative and courageous thought leader with a passion for and experience in DEI, someone who can develop and execute strategies in partnership with internal and external stakeholders, and a strong people leader who can inspire and develop a team of DEI professionals to truly influence the fabric of our company’s culture and the accomplishment of our strategic priorities, we want to talk with you. 

Reporting to the head of Talent Equity, Attraction and Insights, you will play a key role in defining and driving our DEI goals in partnership with our leaders, stakeholders and partners. You will support MassMutual’s efforts to advance inclusion and belonging, support expression of identities, values and voice, and promote financial well-being for the benefit of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.

As an enterprise leader, you will be highly visible, both internally and externally, tasked with promoting the importance of DEI and how we are tackling these issues with our employees, candidates, financial advisors, customers and beyond, ensuring MassMutual is an employer of choice for top talent.   

You will work closely and collaborate with HR functions, Communications, Government Relations, Sustainability and Community Relations as well as partner with the business across the enterprise to influence, promote and implement DEI strategies and outcomes.  

This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established company with a solid DEI foundation ready to evolve our strategies to the next level. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• 12+ years’ experience with increasing scope & responsibility in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion and related functions 

• 10+ years of experience in people leadership, experience across HR and Business roles with a proven track record of developing talent will be a plus.   

• Bachelor’s degree required 

Ideal Qualifications:

• Change Leadership: Proven experience in leading and implementing successful company-wide programs with demonstrated impact 

• Relationship Building: Strong skills in building relationships, influencing, and managing stakeholders. 

• Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to effectively share our strategic DEI journey both internally and externally 

• Strategic Assessment: Proven ability to understand and assess both external and internal environment to proactively develop strategies addressing needs and mitigating risks 

• Facilitation: Expertise in facilitating courageous conversations and interacting at all levels and across the organization, building strong internal and external networks to further our DEI vision 

• DEI Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of external DEI practices to inform future strategies, initiatives and competitive benchmarking. 

• Prioritization: Excels at prioritizing stakeholders and assessing outcomes and the strategic return on initiatives, with the ability to pivot strategy and direction as needed 

• Cultural Competence: Balanced perspective in tune with the external environment with strong cultural competence and ability to work across internal and external stakeholders.   

• Advisory and Influencing Experience: Experience advising and influencing senior leaders on DEI strategy and projects, and leading programs from concept to completion 

• Innovation: Ability to navigate existing practices, procedures and interdependencies while incorporating and influencing new approaches 

• Analytical Skills: Analytical mindset and comfort in interpreting data to connect our efforts to the broader picture, make recommendations and inform action 

• Mentorship: Excels at and deeply enjoys partnering with and mentoring team on executing programs and events 

• Global Experience: Experience with global companies and cultures is a plus  

Responsibilities:

• Create, implement and effectively communicate a company-wide DEI strategy, with the input of key partners and leadership team members, ensuring it is high-impact and meets strategic objectives. 

• Develop and implement scalable and tailored DEI solutions that enhance our culture, promote our values and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion 

• Ensure DEI strategies and practices are aligned with our business goals and embedded in the broader Talent and Workforce strategy, leading to better business outcomes for MassMutual 

• Enhance and maintain leadership commitment by building awareness for the business case of DEI, ensuring a clear understanding of diversity concepts 

• Work with business units to embed inclusive practices into our operations; develop a network of DEI champions across the enterprise, and provide methodology, coaching, tools and leadership to support DEI and change efforts 

• Play a key role in addressing DEI-related challenges that impact both MassMutual and the broader community, contributing to our long-term corporate sustainability strategy.   

• Partner with Community Responsibility, Sustainability, Responsible Sourcing, Field and Corporate Marketing, Government Relations, Communications, and Functional DEI committees to align and drive DEI goals 

• Advise and guide Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to build supportive communities and enhance their business impact  

• Use data to track progress, identify trends, inform future actions, staying up to date with diversity best practices and benchmarking efforts  

• Build relationships and provide expert counseling/coaching to various groups. 

• Partner with the HR, third-party vendors, and partners to create and execute employee attraction, listening, learning, development and retention programs to increase inclusion, engagement and retention across our diverse workforce 

• Facilitate open and honest discussions about diversity and social issues to promote communication and understanding across the company 

• Partner with our Brand & Marketing, Communications, and Talent Brand leads to develop an engaging and inspiring communication strategy 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all DEI programs, resources and budget, applying structured methodology to lead change management activities 

• Lead and develop high-performing and engaged team of DEI consultants 

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MassMutual is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply. Note: Veterans are welcome to apply, regardless of their discharge status.

If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us and share the specifics of the assistance you need.