Open to opportunities

Alex Merchant

@alexmerchant

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Creative culture leader passionate about transformational change and inclusivity.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters inclusivity and innovation, allowing me to drive impactful change in organizational culture.

I am a dedicated culture leader with extensive experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies, currently managing DEI and learning initiatives for a national organization. My work has involved crafting core organizational values and performance metrics, successfully guiding a change management process that engaged over 40% of stakeholders. I have orchestrated executive coaching programs and leadership training for C-suite leaders, enhancing their capacity to lead inclusively.

With a strong background in talent development, I have designed comprehensive training programs that upskill directors and foster a culture of appreciation within the workplace. My expertise extends to managing Employee Resource Groups and facilitating high-impact professional development initiatives. I am passionate about leveraging technology and innovative solutions to inspire positive change and create engaging experiences for diverse teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Manager, People Experience

Current

The Brennan Center for Justice

Feb 2022 - Present (3 years 3 months)

Led DEI and learning development strategies for a national organization, overseeing change management and talent performance metrics. Designed executive coaching programs and managed senior management training, enhancing leadership skills across the organization.

Equity Leadership Development Change Management Talent Management Curriculum Development Coaching Employee Engagement Data Analysis

Manager, People Experience + Training

New York University - Residential Life + Housing Services

Jul 2016 - Jan 2022 (5 years 6 months)

Designed leadership development exercises for over 400 employees and implemented training workshops on various topics including DEI and conflict management. Oversaw strategic planning and community culture building initiatives.

Leadership Development Employee Relations Project Management Change Management Curriculum Development Data Analysis Performance Management

Talent Development Manager

New York University - Residential Life + Housing Services

Jul 2013 - Jul 2016 (3 years)

Hired and trained employees while designing annual leadership training programs. Managed community engagement initiatives and resolved conflicts through restorative mediation.

Talent Management Employee Engagement Project Management Leadership Development Conflict Resolution Community Building Training Development Data Analysis Performance Management

Assistant Residence Hall Director

The University of Tennessee - Residential Life + Housing

Jun 2010 - Jul 2013 (3 years 1 month)

Trained and supervised staff in developing cultural and educational programs. Managed a large residential community and provided crisis response support.

Crisis Management Community Engagement Staff Training Program Development Conflict Resolution Leadership Customer Service Team Management

Community Director

Arizona State University - Residential Life

May 2009 - May 2010 (1 year)

Co-managed the opening of a large co-living complex, overseeing community engagement and operational management while supervising staff.

Community Management Event Planning Operational Management Team Leadership Crisis Response Program Development Communication Collaboration

Community Coordinator

Truman State University - Residence Life

Jun 2008 - May 2009 (11 months)

Led a team in developing community programs for a residential complex, managing day-to-day operations and crisis response.

Program Development Team Leadership Crisis Management Community Engagement Event Planning Communication Staff Training Conflict Resolution

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

New York University

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Certification, Diversity and Inclusion

2022 - 2022

Earned Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Certification, focusing on strategies to foster an inclusive workplace culture.

New York University

Advanced Human Capital Management Certification, Human Capital Management

2021 - 2021

Achieved Advanced Human Capital Management Certification, enhancing skills in managing human capital effectively within organizations.

New York University

Global Inclusive Leadership Management Certification, Leadership

2020 - 2020

Completed the Global Inclusive Leadership Management Certification, focusing on developing inclusive leadership skills and strategies for diverse teams.