Global Director, Culture and DEI

About the role

The Global Director, Culture and DEI will shape and operationalise WRI’s worldwide culture and diversity, equity and inclusion agenda. Reporting to the Global Director of Learning, Development, and Culture, this senior leader will work across a matrixed, international NGO to ensure that values are lived daily and that every employee feels respected and able to thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous refinement of WRI’s global culture and DEI strategy, aligning it with organisational priorities and people strategy.
• Translate strategy into a portfolio of measurable initiatives, milestones and a DEI maturity matrix, using data and staff insights to prioritise actions.
• Identify organisation‑wide culture and inclusion risks and opportunities, and develop practical interventions that strengthen belonging, equity and effectiveness across all country offices.
• Partner with People & Culture leaders, Country Directors, affinity groups and managers to embed equitable and culturally competent practices.
• Manage and develop the Culture Advisor and DEI Manager, fostering an enterprise‑wide change approach.
• Collaborate with the Global Human Resources Network and cross‑functional partners to ensure global coherence with regional adaptation.

Required profile

• Extensive senior leadership experience in culture, DEI, or people and organisational development within a global, matrixed environment.
• Proven ability to translate strategic vision into actionable, data‑driven programmes.
• Strong partnership and influencing skills with senior leaders across regions.
• Experience managing teams and driving enterprise‑wide change.

Required skills