Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-472930
Position #(s):
275-140-7500-013
Working Title:
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Classification:
C. E. A.
$13,080.00 - $14,851.00 C
This is an incentive-eligible position. The incumbent will be eligible for an annual incentive award of up to 15% of salary.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time
Department Information
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation’s largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we’re committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.
If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website !
To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video .
Job Description And Duties
This recruitment requires a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Responses to the identified qualification factors are required for this CEA recruitment. Please see the instructions for the SOQ under the Special Requirements section of this job posting.
Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding interviews on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
This position will run until filled, with cutoff dates for review every Friday.
Are you ready to lead transformative change and shape the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at one of the nation’s largest public pension funds? Do you thrive on creating innovative strategies that drive equity and foster an inclusive culture? If so, we’re looking for a visionary leader like you to join CalPERS as our Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO).
In this dynamic and high-impact role, you’ll serve as the driving force behind enterprise-wide DEI initiatives, working closely with the CEO, Executive Team, and Board to integrate DEI principles into every aspect of our organization. From crafting strategic policies to overseeing programs that break down systemic barriers, you’ll ensure that DEI is not just a priority but a core value embedded in our governance, operations, and workforce strategies.
As The CDEIO, You Will:
- Lead with a vision: Develop and execute enterprise-wide DEI strategies and policies that align with CalPERS’ mission, vision, and core values.
- Advise at the highest level: Serve as the primary DEI policy advisor to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board, providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations.
- Drive cultural transformation: Oversee programs like the CalPERS DEI Office and Diversity Outreach Program (CDOP), while supporting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster an inclusive and empowered workplace.
- Leverage data for impact: Use metrics and analytics to measure progress, identify gaps, and drive continuous improvement in DEI initiatives.
- Be a thought leader: Represent CalPERS in statewide and national DEI policy discussions, building partnerships and enhancing our reputation as a leader in public-sector DEI innovation.
This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our organization and our workforce. If you are passionate about advancing equity, championing diversity, and driving meaningful change, we want to hear from you!
Telework Information: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.
How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey .
You will find additional information about the job in the
Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ)
An SOQ is required and serves as the examination for this CEA recruitment and must be included with your application.
You must provide responses including specific examples and indicate relevant career details for EACH of the qualification factors outlined below. It must not exceed two pages in length, must have 11 point Arial font, and each question must be numbered and answered, listing all relevant experience, education, and training, including places of employment, dates, and duties performed. Failure to follow this format and the Application Instructions may result in disqualification.
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following SOQ factors provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate and must address the following:
- Describe your experience developing and driving enterprise-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies, policies, and programs. How did you ensure these initiatives were aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and core values while addressing challenges? Additionally, provide an example of a time when you served as a trusted advisor to a CEO, executive leadership team, or governing board on DEI-related matters. What strategic recommendations did you make, and how did they influence organizational priorities?
- As a leader, describe your experience preparing and presenting high-level agenda materials, reports, or recommendations to a governing board or executive leadership team. How did you ensure your recommendations were aligned with organizational strategy? How did your contributions shape organizational priorities or outcomes?
- Describe your experience developing and overseeing enterprise-wide DEI data, metrics, and reporting frameworks. How did you leverage data insights to identify organizational gaps, drive strategic improvements, and ensure accountability? Additionally, provide an example of a DEI-related report or presentation you developed for a CEO, executive team, or governing board. What key data points did you include, and how did your analysis influence strategic decision-making?
- Describe your experience representing an organization in statewide or national DEI policy discussions or external forums. How have you effectively built bridges and maintained relationships with key stakeholders? Provide a specific example of how you navigated challenging conversations or advocacy efforts in external forums. What strategies did you use to foster dialogue, build trust, and advance shared goals despite differing viewpoints?
Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications.
Applications received without the SOQ or with a SOQ not properly formatted will not be considered.
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) And Applicable Or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted To Apply For This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your CalCareer Account At Www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When Submitting Your Application In Hard Copy, a Completed Copy Of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. If You Choose To Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Package May Be Submitted Through An Alternative Method Listed Below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Public Employees Retirement System
Postal
Attn: JC-472930/AC
Human Resources Division, Recruitment
P. O. Box 942718
Sacramento , CA 94229-2718
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Public Employees Retirement System
Drop-Off
HRSD, EIR JC-472930/AC
400 Q Street, Lincoln Plaza North
1st floor drop box by security desk
Sacramento , CA 95811
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The Following Items Are Required To Be Submitted With Your Application. Applicants Who Do Not Submit The Required Items Timely May Not Be Considered For This Job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualifications - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications(SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
