Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

NERFU is a grassroots, membership-based nonprofit organization representing rugby clubs throughout New England and parts of New York. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants, but we recognize that we have much to learn and improve in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (VP-DEI) is an elected position established by the Union membership in a vote at the Annual General Meeting. This position is also an Officer role on the Union Board of Directors. This position has been vacant; as such the Board of Directors is empowered to appoint an interim VP-DEI to fulfill this role.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate, motivated individual with a strong vision for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to join our Board of Directors as the Chair of DEI. This is a new and evolving role within our organization, designed for someone who can help us navigate the complexities of DEI within a sports context.

Key Responsibilities

• Vision and Strategy Development: Lead the charge in defining the purpose, goals, and responsibilities of the DEI role within our union. Work independently to develop a DEI strategy tailored to the unique needs of our organization.
• Guidance and Leadership: Serve as the key advisor to the Board on DEI matters. Educate and guide the board and member clubs on best practices in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization.
• Initiative Development: Identify and implement initiatives that promote DEI within our union, ranging from inclusive recruitment practices to educational programs for clubs and coaches.
• Community Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for DEI-related inquiries from clubs and members. Foster relationships within the rugby community to ensure diverse voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
• Reporting and Accountability: Develop mechanisms for assessing the union’s progress on DEI initiatives and regularly report back to the Board on outcomes and areas for improvement.

Who You Are

• Visionary and Independent: You bring a strong understanding of DEI principles and how they apply within sports organizations. You thrive in situations where you can set your own direction and make meaningful contributions without needing detailed oversight.
• Passionate Advocate: You care deeply about creating inclusive environments and are motivated to make a real impact in our rugby community.
• Experienced in DEI: You have a background in diversity, equity, and inclusion, ideally within a sports or nonprofit context. You understand the unique challenges and opportunities within grassroots organizations.
• Collaborative Leader: While you can work independently, you also know how to engage and inspire others to join you in making our union a more inclusive space.

What We Offer

• Autonomy: This role is your canvas. You have the freedom to shape the direction of DEI within our union and establish the framework that will guide our efforts. Expectations and goals are ambiguous, so we hope you can use that as an opportunity to define and lead the DEI efforts.
• Supportive Environment: While our board may be new to DEI, we are committed to learning and supporting your efforts. You will have a platform to educate and influence the direction of our organization.

To apply, please submit by email to jeremy@nerfu.rugby a brief statement of interest outlining your vision for DEI in a grassroots sports organization and how you would approach building this role from the ground up.