This post explains everything you need to know about the role of a Factional Chief Diversity Officer – or Fractional CDO, as it’s also known. You’ll learn what it is, why it’s important for your business, how to hire this kind of senior-level executive, and how you can ensure your company’s Fractional CDO succeeds at helping you reach your DEI goals.

What is a Fractional Chief Diversity Officer?

A Fractional Chief Diversity Officer is a valuable asset for any organization looking to improve its DE&I efforts. Fractional CDOs bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, and they can help organizations develop and implement effective DE&I strategies. If you’re looking to take your organization’s DE&I to the next level, a Fractional CDO is a great place to start.

What are Fractional Chief Diversity Officer services?

Fractional Chief Diversity Officers off highly-specialized support that is often intended to help your company through a specific growth phase.

A Fractional Chief Diversity Officer is a valuable asset for any organization looking to improve its DE&I efforts. Fractional CDOs bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, and they can help organizations develop and implement effective DE&I strategies. If you’re looking to take your organization’s DE&I to the next level, a Fractional CDO is a great place to start.

A Fractional Chief Diversity officer (CDO) is a consultant who works with organizations to help them develop and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) strategies. They typically work on a part-time or project basis, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of the organization.

Some of the common tasks that a fractional CDO might perform include:

  • Conducting diversity audits and assessments
  • Developing DE&I training and education programs
  • Creating and implementing DE&I policies and procedures
  • Building and managing DE&I teams
  • Measuring and reporting on DE&I progress

What are the benefits of hiring a Fractional Chief Diversity Officer?

  • CDO support at a fractional cost
  • Consistent DEI advisory support
  • DEI strategy and guidance
  • Access to specialized expertise
  • Tailored DE&I initiatives
  • Ongoing support and guidance
  • Cost-effective solution

Why do you need a CDO (or someone with equivalent skills)?

You need a CDO (or someone with equivalent skills) because they can help with the following:

  • Develop and execute a data-driven and evidence-based DEI strategy for the company.
  • Identify and collect data from a variety of sources.
  • Analyze data to identify trends and patterns.
  • Communicate findings to stakeholders in a clear and concise way.
  • Develop and implement data-driven solutions to business problems.
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest data science trends and technologies.
  • Collaborate with other departments to ensure that data is being used effectively throughout the entire organization.

A Chief Diversity Officer or someone with equivalent skills can help you with all of these things and more. They can be a valuable asset to any organization that is looking to make better decisions based on data.

A Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) is a senior-level executive who is responsible for developing and implementing a company’s diversity and inclusion strategy. A CDO may also be responsible for managing diversity and inclusion programs, initiatives, and training.

There are many reasons why a company might need a CDO. A CDO can help a company to:

  • Attract and retain a diverse workforce
  • Create a more inclusive workplace
  • Address unconscious bias
  • Promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the company’s business
  • Measure and track the company’s progress on diversity and inclusion

Fractional CDOs can be a valuable resource for companies that are looking to improve their DE&I efforts but do not have the resources to hire a full-time CDO. Fractional CDOs can provide expert guidance and support on a variety of DE&I topics, such as unconscious bias, employee resource groups, and diversity training.

A CDO can also help a company to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations.

If you are looking to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, then you should consider hiring a CDO or someone with equivalent skills. A CDO can help you to develop and implement a successful diversity and inclusion strategy that will benefit your company in the long run.

However, it is important to note that fractional CDOs do not have the same level of authority or influence as CDOs. Fractional CDOs are also not typically involved in day-to-day operations, which can limit their impact.

Companies that are considering hiring a fractional CDO should carefully consider their needs and goals before making a decision.

What are the key differences between a Fractional CDO and a Chief Diversity Officer?

A Fractional Chief Diversity Officer (F-CDO) is a consultant who provides diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) services to organizations on a part-time or project basis. A Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) is a full-time employee who is responsible for leading an organization’s DE&I efforts.

The key differences between a Fractional CDO and a CDO include:

  • Time commitment: A Fractional CDO typically works with an organization for a set number of hours per week or month, while a CDO is a full-time employee.
  • Scope of work: A Fractional CDO’s scope of work is typically limited to specific DE&I projects or initiatives, while a CDO is responsible for all aspects of an organization’s DE&I program.
  • Reporting structure: A Fractional CDO typically reports to a senior-level executive, such as the CEO or COO, while a CDO reports directly to the CEO.
  • Salary and benefits: A Fractional CDO’s salary and benefits are typically lower than a CDO’s.

Fractional CDOs can be a good option for organizations that are looking to implement DE&I initiatives on a budget or that need temporary or project-based support. CDOs are a better fit for organizations that are committed to DE&I and that are looking for a full-time executive to lead their DE&I efforts.

How companies can ensure Fractional CDOs succeed?

Companies can ensure Fractional CDOs succeed by:

  • Clearly defining the role and responsibilities of the Fractional CDO.
  • Providing the Fractional CDO with the necessary resources and support.
  • Creating a culture that is conducive to success.
  • Measuring and tracking the performance of the Fractional CDO.
  • Making adjustments as needed.

Here are some additional details on each of these points:

  1. Clearly define the role and responsibilities of the Fractional CDO. This includes understanding the company’s overall strategy and how the Fractional CDO will fit into that strategy. It also includes defining the specific tasks and responsibilities that will be assigned to the Fractional CDO.
  2. Provide the Fractional CDO with the necessary resources and support. This includes providing the Fractional CDO with access to the right people, information, and technology. It also includes providing the Fractional CDO with the necessary training and development.
  3. Create a culture that is conducive to success. This includes creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking. It also includes creating a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
  4. Measure and track the performance of the Fractional CDO. This includes setting clear goals and objectives for the Fractional CDO. It also includes regularly monitoring the Fractional CDO’s progress and making adjustments as needed.
  5. Make adjustments as needed. This includes providing additional resources or support to the Fractional CDO if needed. It also includes making changes to the role or responsibilities of the Fractional CDO if needed.

By following these steps, companies can increase the chances of success for their Fractional CDOs.

How much does a Fractional CDO cost?

The cost of a Fractional CDO can vary, but it is important to consider the value you will receive and whether you will save money in the long run. For example, if you hire a Fractional CDO for $200 per hour and they work 15 hours per month, that would cost you $3,000 per month or $36,000 per year. However, a Fractional CDO can provide you with valuable expertise and experience that can help you grow your business. They can also help you save money by outsourcing tasks that you do not have the time or resources to do yourself.

How can you find a good fractional CDO?

  1. Start by defining your needs. What are you hoping to achieve by hiring a fractional Chief Diversity Officer? Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start to narrow down your search.
  2. Do your research. There are many fractional Chief Diversity Officers out there, so it’s important to do your research and find one who is a good fit for your company.
  3. Interview potential candidates. Once you’ve found a few candidates, schedule interviews to learn more about their experience and qualifications.
  4. Check references. Be sure to check references before making a decision. This will help you get a sense of the candidate’s work ethic and reputation.
  5. Trust your gut. Ultimately, the decision of who to hire is up to you. Trust your gut and go with the candidate who you feel is the best fit for your company.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when hiring a Fractional Chief Diversity Officer:

  • Look for someone with experience in the field of diversity and inclusion.
  • Make sure the candidate has a strong understanding of your company’s culture and values.
  • Choose someone who is a good communicator and has the ability to build relationships.
  • Be prepared to invest in the relationship with your fractional Chief Diversity Officer. This means providing them with the resources and support they need to be successful.

Hiring a Fractional Chief Diversity Officer can be a great way to improve your company’s diversity and inclusion efforts. By following these tips, you can find the right person to help you achieve your goals.

Is A Fractional Chief Diversity Officer Right For Your Business Today?

There are several reasons why a fractional CDO might be right for your business. First, fractional CDOs can provide you with access to specialized expertise that you may not have in-house. Second, they can help you to develop and implement DE&I initiatives that are tailored to your specific needs. Third, they can provide you with ongoing support and guidance as you work to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

If you are considering hiring a fractional CDO, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to find a CDO who has the experience and expertise that you need. Second, you should make sure that the CDO is a good fit for your company culture. Third, you should be prepared to invest in the time and resources necessary to make your DE&I initiatives successful.

If you are serious about creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, hiring a fractional CDO can be a great way to get started. Fractional CDOs can provide you with the expertise, resources, and support you need to make your DE&I initiatives a success.

You’ll want to consider experience and expertise as well as the time and resources when hiring a fractional Chief Diversity Officer.

If you are considering hiring a Fractional CDO, be sure to do your research and find a Fractional Chief Diversity Officer who is a good fit for your business based on your needs and their track record with producing results.

In conclusion

The fractional executive market is hot right now. For good reason: incredible talent with a wealth of experience and knowledge at a fraction of the cost. If you haven’t jumped on the train yet, you are missing out. Fractional Chief Diversity Officers are an industry-disrupting hiring trend.

Keep reading: Should We Stop Making the Business Case for Diversity?

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About Ambi

Amberly R. Carter, M.Ed, CDE, Fractional Chief Diversity Officer, Founder of Hello Ambi, and host of the Play Your Card Podcast.