NEWPORT NEWS — Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is hiring a Diversity & Inclusion Program Lead to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community.
“It just makes sense — it’s a smart business decision,” said Rhonda Barbosa, human resources director for Jefferson Lab. “We want to make sure employees feel welcome in our environment.”
Barbosa said although it’s a new position, it’s not new in terms of the work Jefferson Lab has done in the area.
“We’re trying to stop piecemeal-ing it all out,” Barbosa said, adding multiple people were responsible for the diversity and inclusion efforts at the lab.
Now, the lab is hoping to hire a full-time, dedicated staff member who is a subject manner expert, who can focus in diversity and inclusion.
“The D&I Program Lead will raise cultural awareness, steer change and position the Lab to adopt best practices to ensure JSA [Jefferson Science Associates] as a premier employer of choice valuing diversity, inclusion and professional expertise,” according to the position’s essential functions.
Several other responsibilities of the new faculty member include reviewing the current diversity and inclusion plan as well as workplace culture, apply expert knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action laws and creating a student intern inclusion program.
In addition, the program lead will be in charge of the development of diversity and inclusion programs and creating a online library resources for staff.
Some of the new hire’s duties also include working with the human resources department and other internal duties in addition to working externally, such as a community resource.
The position was part of the lab’s staffing plan, Barbosa said, and it’s not through a grant. She added it won’t be a temporary position, adding this is an area needs ongoing and continued focus.
“We’re truly excited,” Barbosa said.
According to the job positing, Jefferson Lab has 700 employees and an annual operating budget of more than $100 million from the Department of Energy.
The Diversity & Inclusion Program Lead position is remains opent. For more information about the position, visit the job positing on Jefferson Lab’s website.
On Diversity section of Jefferson Lab’s website, the organization believes diversity and inclusion makes the facility stronger.
“At Jefferson Lab, we embrace our differences, which contribute to the excellence, passion and innovation we bring to our nation’s scientific and technological challenges. At Jefferson Lab, we are diverse in community, united in science.”
