Job Description
Job Description and Duties
This recruitment requires a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Responses to the identified qualification factors are required for this CEA recruitment. Please see the instructions for the SOQ under the Special Requirements section of this job posting.
Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding interviews on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
This position will run until filled, with cutoff dates for review every Friday.
Are you ready to lead transformative change and shape the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at one of the nation’s largest public pension funds? Do you thrive on creating innovative strategies that drive equity and foster an inclusive culture? If so, we’re looking for a visionary leader like you to join CalPERS as our Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO).
In this dynamic and high-impact role, you’ll serve as the driving force behind enterprise-wide DEI initiatives, working closely with the CEO, Executive Team, and Board to integrate DEI principles into every aspect of our organization. From crafting strategic policies to overseeing programs that break down systemic barriers, you’ll ensure that DEI is not just a priority but a core value embedded in our governance, operations, and workforce strategies.
As the CDEIO, you will:
- Lead with a vision: Develop and execute enterprise-wide DEI strategies and policies that align with CalPERS’ mission, vision, and core values.
- Advise at the highest level: Serve as the primary DEI policy advisor to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board, providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations.
- Drive cultural transformation: Oversee programs like the CalPERS DEI Office and Diversity Outreach Program (CDOP), while supporting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster an inclusive and empowered workplace.
- Leverage data for impact: Use metrics and analytics to measure progress, identify gaps, and drive continuous improvement in DEI initiatives.
- Be a thought leader: Represent CalPERS in statewide and national DEI policy discussions, building partnerships and enhancing our reputation as a leader in public-sector DEI innovation.
This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our organization and our workforce. If you are passionate about advancing equity, championing diversity, and driving meaningful change, we want to hear from you!
Telework Information: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.
How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey .
You will find additional information about the job in the .
Special Requirements
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ)
An SOQ is required and serves as the examination for this CEA recruitment and must be included with your application.
You must provide responses including specific examples and indicate relevant career details for EACH of the qualification factors outlined below. It must not exceed two pages in length, must have 11 point Arial font, and each question must be numbered and answered, listing all relevant experience, education, and training, including places of employment, dates, and duties performed. Failure to follow this format and the Application Instructions may result in disqualification.
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following SOQ factors provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate and must address the following:
- Describe your experience developing and driving enterprise-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies, policies, and programs. How did you ensure these initiatives were aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and core values while addressing challenges? Additionally, provide an example of a time when you served as a trusted advisor to a CEO, executive leadership team, or governing board on DEI-related matters. What strategic recommendations did you make, and how did they influence organizational priorities?
- As a leader, describe your experience preparing and presenting high-level agenda materials, reports, or recommendations to a governing board or executive leadership team. How did you ensure your recommendations were aligned with organizational strategy? How did your contributions shape organizational priorities or outcomes?
- Describe your experience developing and overseeing enterprise-wide DEI data, metrics, and reporting frameworks. How did you leverage data insights to identify organizational gaps, drive strategic improvements, and ensure accountability? Additionally, provide an example of a DEI-related report or presentation you developed for a CEO, executive team, or governing board. What key data points did you include, and how did your analysis influence strategic decision-making?
- Describe your experience representing an organization in statewide or national DEI policy discussions or external forums. How have you effectively built bridges and maintained relationships with key stakeholders? Provide a specific example of how you navigated challenging conversations or advocacy efforts in external forums. What strategies did you use to foster dialogue, build trust, and advance shared goals despite differing viewpoints?
Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications.
Applications received without the SOQ or with a SOQ not properly formatted will not be considered.
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
We’re looking for a dynamic and visionary leader who brings a unique blend of expertise, strategic thinking, and passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Proven Leadership in DEI: Extensive experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide DEI strategies, policies, and programs that drive measurable impact and align with organizational goals.
- Strategic Advisor Expertise: A track record of providing high-level policy guidance to executive leadership and governing boards, with the ability to influence decision-making and integrate DEI principles into organizational governance and operations.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage metrics, audits, and reporting to identify gaps, measure progress, and drive continuous improvement in DEI initiatives.
- Collaborative Relationship Builder: Exceptional ability to foster partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including governmental agencies, industry leaders, and community organizations, to advance shared DEI goals.
- Talent Development Champion: Experience partnering with HR to implement equitable recruitment, retention, and leadership development practices, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.
If you’re ready to bring these qualities to CalPERS and lead transformative change, we encourage you to apply!
Benefits
CalPERS team members are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most team members. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.
Some added benefits CalPERS offers include:
- Alternate Work Schedules
- Flexible Work Hours
- Onsite childcare facility
- Onsite fitness center
- Onsite café and nearby restaurants
- Free onsite parking available Mondays and Fridays
- Free offsite parking available with shuttle service Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
For more details about employee benefits, visit the
California Department of Human Resources
website.
For more details about employee benefits, visit the California Department of Human Resources website.
Additional Information
Live Scan
Candidates are required to submit to a criminal history review process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
CalPERS Disclosure Requirements If employed, you may be subject to rules imposed by Personal Trading Regulations and Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CalPERS team members, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
Sponsorship CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.
Background Investigation In addition to Live Scan, this position requires additional background screening prior to employment.
Please do not include any confidential information in any documents in your application package. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your social security number, date of birth, marital status, personal photos, a copy of your driver’s license, and equal employment opportunity data.
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualifications - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications(SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ
will not be considered.
Job Tags
Full time, Flexible hours, Monday to Friday,