Diversity Equity Inclusion Project Manager

When you join Verizon

Verizon is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services, transforming the way we connect across the globe. We’re a diverse network of people driven by our shared ambition to shape a better future. Here, we have the ability to learn and grow at the speed of technology, and the space to create within every role. Together, we are moving the world forward – and you can too. Dream it. Build it. Do it here.

What you’ll be doing...

Verizon is seeking a strong business leader with a history of leading, planning, and executing highly visible DEI programs involving multiple internal and external stakeholders. In addition to strong program and project management skills, the ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the marketing ecosystem, as well as experience in working with diversity recruitment partners and stakeholders.

This role is responsible for leading overall consortium partner relations, and stakeholder engagement for the adfellows program. Adfellows is an award-winning, industry-first program created by Verizon to bring underrepresented diverse talent into the industry by offering a fully integrated immersion experience. This nine-month paid program offers the opportunity to work directly for 23 global corporate and marketing brands. Following successful completion of the nine-month program, close to 100% of the fellows are placed in marketing, communications, analytics, and research jobs at some of the top corporations and advertising firms in the nation. This program is entering its sixth year, having produced 137 adfellows who are working at 27 partners, including Verizon, and several other brands and agencies.

In addition to consortium partner relations, this role includes leading the strategies, plans, and activities necessary to recruit incoming candidates into the program. Candidate will also support growth and expansion efforts as the program expands to multiple cities and cohorts. Additionally, there is an expectation of cross collaboration and learning as it relates to your peer’s function who leads the adfellows and alumni experience.

What you’ll be doing:

• Establish a leadership role and position among the 23 consortium partners, serving as the day-to-day lead contact providing guidance and resolving issues on all partner related functions.
• Lead partner outreach and onboarding, and manage all contracting and consortium service agreements.
• Lead the consortium partner companies in designing the optimum work experience for the adfellows by mapping the rotation schedule and creating the rotation approach and work assignments within the partner companies.
• Lead the identification and selection of 100+ program managers and mentors across the 23 partner companies.
• Conduct manager and mentor training sessions on how to create an effective work rotation experience and how to evaluate, coach, and guide the adfellow.

• Manage the end-to-end adfellows recruitment strategy and execution, including evaluating and vetting DE&I partners, developing outreach campaigns to raise awareness of the program, and managing Verizon’s presence at partner college recruitment events.
• Create and execute upon a more efficient model to identify and recruit the strongest talent for the adfellows program.
• Lead the candidate interview function and formulate a strategy that engages consortium partners into the interview process. Work with HR on designing an interview guide to ensure a consistent and balanced approach across companies.
• Collaborate with the adfellow experience manager in transitioning the adfellows into induction and their first rotation. Remain engaged as needed.

• Lead the planning and execution for the pinnacle adfellows commencement event.

What we’re looking for...

You’ll need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of work experience.
• Six or more years of relevant work experience program manager, managing complex projects, with accountability to internal/external customers.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of marketing, advertising agencies, advertising agency interaction, or the marketing ecosystem.
• A functional understanding of the marketing and advertising industry, or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to resolve complex problems positively and professionally.
• Ability to establish plans, monitor, and report on program/project status.
• Ability to clearly and regularly communicate stdatus, issues, and risks to stakeholders.
• Ability to work accurately under time pressures
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in an environment with frequently changing business needs
• Exercises considerable judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong proficiency in creating presentation materials for executive review.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Comfort in working up and across the organization – working with executive staff within and across the organization.
• Experience handling extremely confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency with SmartSheet, Google Suite, Power Point, Excel, and MS Office suite.
• Strong project management skills.
• Knowledge of diversity recruitment protocols.
• Experience developing policies and procedures for assigned functions
• Team-oriented with a mindset of helping Verizon meet its objectives, while also rooting for the team’s success.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer - and celebrate our employees' differences, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. At Verizon, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion page to learn more.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

NYC candidates: Verizon requires new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for onsite and hybrid NYC roles. Verizon provides reasonable accommodations consistent with legal requirements (e.g., for medical or religious reasons). Additional information will be provided during the hiring process.