HR

Diversity & Inclusion Manager Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Copy-ready D&I Manager JD covering DEI strategy, employee resource groups, and measurable inclusion programs. Includes 2026 US salary benchmarks.

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Copy-ready template

Job Title: Diversity & Inclusion Manager (D&I / DEI Manager) Department: People & Culture / Human Resources Location: [City, State] / Remote / Hybrid Reports To: VP of People / CHRO / Chief Diversity Officer Employment Type: Full-Time About [Company Name] [Company Name] is a [stage/size] company in [industry] with [X] employees. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to our people strategy, with active executive sponsorship from [CEO/leadership]. We currently have [X] employee resource groups and are building toward [specific DEI goals — specify]. This role will lead our DEI programs, data, and initiatives company-wide. About the Role We're looking for a Diversity & Inclusion Manager who combines strategic DEI vision with hands-on program execution capability. You'll design and scale inclusion initiatives, support inclusive hiring practices, manage our Employee Resource Groups, and track DEI metrics that demonstrate real organizational progress. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role with direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape [Company Name]'s culture for [X] employees. Key Responsibilities • Develop and execute the annual DEI strategy in partnership with the CHRO and executive leadership, with measurable goals and a clear roadmap • Manage and grow [X] Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): provide structure, support, budgets, and executive sponsorship connections • Partner with Talent Acquisition to design and implement inclusive hiring practices: diverse sourcing strategies, structured interviewing, bias mitigation in assessments • Build and facilitate unconscious bias, allyship, and inclusive leadership training programs for managers and employees • Collect, analyze, and report DEI data: workforce demographic representation, pay equity, promotion rates, and retention by demographic cohort • Prepare EEO-1 and AA compliance reports in partnership with HR Operations and Legal • Build and maintain DEI communications: internal newsletters, observances calendar, storytelling campaigns, and external DEI reporting • Partner with L&D to embed DEI content into onboarding, manager training, and leadership development programs • Monitor DEI trends, external benchmarks, and regulatory developments; advise leadership on implications for [Company Name] • Manage the DEI budget, vendor partnerships (training providers, DEI data platforms, ERG tools), and external community partnerships Required Qualifications • 5+ years of DEI, diversity program management, or related HR experience • Demonstrated experience designing and executing DEI programs with measurable outcomes • Proficiency with DEI data analysis: workforce demographics, pay equity metrics, representation tracking • Experience managing or supporting Employee Resource Groups • Strong facilitation skills for DEI training and workshops (in-person and virtual) • Knowledge of EEO-1 reporting, Affirmative Action compliance, and relevant employment law • Bachelor's degree in HR, Social Sciences, Organizational Behavior, or related field Nice to Have • Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) or SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture credential • Experience with DEI technology platforms (Paradigm IQ, Kanarys, Culture Amp for DEI) • Background in external DEI reporting (sustainability reports, CDP, ESG frameworks) • Experience with supplier diversity programs What We Offer • Salary: $80,000 – $140,000/year (see benchmarks below) • Health, dental, and vision insurance • Flexible PTO + [X] paid holidays • DEI conference and professional development budget • ERG leadership and executive sponsorship engagement • Hybrid/remote flexibility • [Equity / 401(k) match — specify] Salary Range: $80,000 – $140,000/year (US, 2026 benchmark) [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an equitable and inclusive workplace.

How to customize this D&I Manager job description

1. State your DEI goals explicitly

Experienced DEI professionals can distinguish between organizations with authentic DEI commitments and those performing for optics. Sharing specific, measurable DEI goals — "increase underrepresented minority representation in leadership from X% to Y% by 2028" — demonstrates genuine accountability. Vague commitments attract vague practitioners. Specific goals attract outcome-oriented DEI leaders.

2. Describe executive sponsorship honestly

The D&I Manager role has one of the highest turnover rates in HR. The primary cause is lack of executive sponsorship and budget. If your CEO actively champions DEI, describe how they're involved. If DEI is a program sitting under a mid-level HR manager without executive access, be transparent about that — misrepresenting organizational commitment destroys trust and accelerates early departure.

3. Specify the DEI budget

Including or hinting at the DEI budget signals organizational seriousness. An annual DEI budget of $50,000 supports ERG events and a training workshop. A $500,000 budget enables data platforms, external speakers, targeted sourcing partnerships, and meaningful program infrastructure. Experienced DEI managers assess budget realism against the scope of goals — mismatched budgets lead to frustration and early departure.

4. Be clear about measurement expectations

DEI work is most impactful when measured rigorously — representation data, pay equity analysis, promotion rate parity, and retention by demographic cohort. If your organization expects data-driven DEI accountability, specify the metrics tracked. This attracts analytically-minded DEI professionals who believe programs should produce measurable results, not just visible activity.

D&I Manager salary range in 2026 (US)

Base salary benchmarks. CDP-certified D&I managers with data analysis skills and executive access command the upper range. Tech and financial services pay 20–30% above non-profit averages.

LevelExperienceBase Salary RangeTypical Scope
D&I Manager (early)3–5 years$80,000 – $100,000ERG management, training facilitation, basic reporting
D&I Manager5–8 years$100,000 – $120,000Full DEI strategy, data analysis, executive reporting
Senior D&I Manager8+ years$120,000 – $140,000Enterprise DEI strategy, board reporting, team leadership

Frequently asked questions

What should a Diversity & Inclusion Manager job description include? +

A D&I Manager JD should specify the DEI strategy scope (talent, culture, supplier diversity, ERGs), executive sponsorship structure, DEI metrics tracked and reported, ERG support model, budget ownership, and whether this is an IC or team leadership role. Include experience with DEI data analysis, unconscious bias training, inclusive hiring practices, and external DEI reporting (EEO-1, pay equity). Strong candidates will have both strategic vision and hands-on program execution experience.

What is the average D&I Manager salary in 2026? +

D&I Manager salaries in the US in 2026 range from $80,000 for early-career managers to $140,000 for senior DEI leaders at large enterprises. Mid-level D&I Managers with 5–8 years of experience earn $100,000–$120,000. Tech and financial services companies pay 20–30% above non-profit averages. Senior DEI leaders with executive influence and enterprise-wide program portfolios command the upper end of the range.

How do I write a D&I Manager job description that attracts top candidates? +

Top DEI professionals evaluate roles by the authenticity and depth of organizational commitment to inclusion. Describe specific DEI goals, existing programs, and executive engagement level. Be transparent about where the organization is on its DEI journey. Candidates who have driven real systemic change are suspicious of performative DEI roles — they want to see evidence of budget, executive access, and measurable accountability built into the role from the start.

Can I use this D&I Manager job description template in my ATS? +

Yes. This template works in any ATS including Treegarden. Configure screening questions for DEI program experience and data analysis skills, then publish to LinkedIn, Indeed, and your career page. Treegarden plans start at $299/month with unlimited users and full feature access.

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