At Franklin Templeton, we’re advancing our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic and diversified firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while helping our clients reach theirs.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world! 

We are seeking a seasoned diversity and inclusion practitioner to join us as Diversity and Inclusion Director – APAC in Singapore. This role will report to the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and is responsible for partnering with the Global D&I Office, Human Resources, CSR, and business leaders to create and drive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies for the Asia Pacific Region. This role must align with business objectives and global DEI initiatives but remain agile enough to be relevant to country-specific needs, legal requirements, and cultural differences.

What is the Global D&I Office responsible for?

The Global D&I Office is responsible for designing and delivering a set of tailored solutions in alignment with Franklin Templeton’s business priorities and DE&I strategic framework to attract, recruit, develop and retain an inclusive and diverse workforce and workplace culture. This work also includes leadership, advocacy, governance, and strategic program delivery for our global and regional Business Resource Groups (BRGs), Regional DE&I Executive Councils, and support for local D&I Committees, specialized investment managers and client relationships.  

What are the ongoing responsibilities of this position?

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of DEI strategies for the APAC region, ensuring alignment with global DEI priorities and firm-level strategic objectives. Customize strategies to address regional and Line of Business (LOB) needs

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with regional business leaders, HR, CSR, and other key internal and external stakeholders. Act as a trusted advisor to ensure DEI initiatives are integrated into talent and business practices

• Inclusive Leadership: Demonstrate inclusive leadership by fostering a sense of belonging, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, and ensuring all team members feel valued and included

• Program Management: Oversee the implementation of DEI programs and initiatives, including project planning, execution, and evaluation for effectiveness and impact. Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to DEI strategic framework. Manage benchmarking surveys, award submissions, and RFP requests

• Governance and Compliance: Ensure all DEI activities comply with regional legal requirements and industry standards. Manage governance processes to support the growth and effectiveness of Business Resource Groups (BRGs)

• Council Leadership: Co-Chair the APAC DEI Executive Regional Council and support local D&I committees and BRGs. Collaborate with Regional peers in EMEA and Americas to support Global DEI initiatives and foster an inclusive culture throughout the firm

• Metrics and Reporting: Work with DEI data analyst and People Analytics team to develop and track metrics for global scorecards and dashboards. Determine relevant and legally appropriate measurements for the region/country.  Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership and the CDO/Global DEI Office

• Training and Development: Design and facilitate DEI training programs and workshops. Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement around DEI topics

• External Representation: Represent the firm on industry DEI committees and at external events as appropriate in partnership with CDO. Build and maintain partnerships with external organizations to enhance the firm’s DEI brand and influence. Manage DEI consulting partners

• Communication: Develop and execute strategic communication plans in partnership with the Global DEI Office, HR, Communications, and Marketing teams. Ensure consistent and effective messaging around DEI initiatives

• Innovation and Best Practices: Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in DEI. Continuously seek opportunities to innovate, benchmark and improve DEI strategies and programs

What qualifications, skills and experience would help someone to be successful?

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Management, Political Science, or a related field is strongly preferred

• Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in diversity and inclusion (D&I) within the region, with a strong understanding of D&I principles and practices

• Proven project management experience in a corporate environment, with the ability to drive initiatives from conception to execution

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction, comfortable with ambiguity and adaptable in a dynamic environment

• Track record of designing, implementing effective D&I programs

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects, fostering collaboration and accountability

• Excellent analytical skills with an understanding of diversity metrics, capable of translating data, research, and trends into actionable insights

• Understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks and country-specific laws impacting D&I initiatives

• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills

• Skilled facilitator adept at navigating challenging conversations with senior leaders and fostering constructive dialogue

• Strong influencing skills, capable of motivating employees and peers while collaborating effectively across diverse geographies and cultures

• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time needed

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