McCormack+Kristel Seeking Director for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Openhouse

October 10, 2024 – Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Openhouse to lead in its search for a director for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DJEDI). Bryan Epps is leading the assignment. Working across departments and with the board’s JEDI committee, the new director will identify real-time opportunities and challenges for Openhouse to deepen its commitment, competency, and JEDI outcomes to make positive change within the organization. With primary oversight of human resources, the DJEDI will develop and implement HR policies to foster a strong, positive, and professional working environment.

Additionally, the DJEDI will support the HR manager with hiring and retention and provide ongoing staff training that ensures staff and volunteers reflect the community and provide culturally appropriate services to the LGBTQ+ elders Openhouse serves.

The director for justice equity diversity and inclusion will be a forward-thinking human resources and nonprofit leader with experience developing a vision for and leading organizational change with JEDI as a frame. They will have demonstrated success working in diverse social environments and understand the unique needs, dynamics, and challenges of LGBTQ+ staff and older adults. The ideal candidate will bring:

  • Five years of experience with increasing JEDI and HR management responsibility within a nonprofit organization;
  • Experience working in an LGBTQ+, advocacy/organizing, senior services, disability and/or other social justice or community-based organization;
  • A track record of successfully conducting internal organizational assessments, participating in and conducting reviews, and designing and executing tailored trainings, workshops, and events;
  • An understanding of HR best practices and employee laws and regulations;
  • An approach to leadership with expertise motivating and unifying teams supported by anti-violence, mediation and/or trauma-informed practices;
  • Exceptional written communication skills to develop JEDI training curriculum and to produce informative reports for board and staff leadership;
  • Dynamic verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate challenging or uncomfortable conversations, lead trainings, and create partnerships between teams;
  • Strong data analysis skills;
  • Financial acumen, including experience developing and managing budgets;
  • Project management skills with the ability to create and implement highly structured timelines.

The ideal candidate will be an innovative change management leader and coach with the ability to collaborate across teams and guide Openhouse to achieve its JEDI strategic goals. The DJEDI will catalyze joy and positive change across the organization. They will be a skilled communicator able to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner and to promote a clear and inspirational vision for how JEDI informs the work of Openhouse.

Related: McCormack+Kristel Recruits CFO for the Los Angeles LGBT Center

Openhouse empowers LGBTQ+ seniors to overcome the unique challenges they face as they age by providing LGBTQ+ welcoming housing, high-impact direct services, and innovative community programs. Their work reduces isolation and empowers LGBTQ+ seniors to improve their overall health, well-being, and economic security. It is a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization with a budget in excess of $5,500,000 and is on the leading edge of the growing field of aging services for LGBTQ+ elders at the local, state, and national levels.

Proven Search Consultants

McCormack+Kristel was started in 1993 as McCormack & Associates with the mission of recruiting senior leadership for the many research, advocacy and human services organizations growing exponentially in response to AIDS pandemic. Diversity recruiting has long been on the firm’s agenda.

With the advent of effective treatments for HIV/AIDS, and the diminishing needs of many of these organizations, the firm broadened its client base into areas like social justice; healthcare; women’s issues; higher education; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender; civil rights; and more.

Five years ago, founding partner Joseph A. McCormack formed a new business partnership with Ms. Kristel, who joined the firm in 2013 as an associate. The firm has offices in New York City and Palm Springs, CA. McCormack+Kristel clients have included the ACLU, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, TransForm, Planned Parenthood, SAGE, and the Tides Foundation, among others.

In 2022, Mr. McCormack retired. Ms. Kristel continues to run the firm’s national practice. Ms. Kristel is the former executive director of In The Life Media (ITLM), a non-profit organization producing social change media to raise awareness of issues related to gender, HIV/AIDS, and LGBT rights.

Related: McCormack+Kristel Helps Recruit New Leader for Project HOME 

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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