Workforce Retention Consultant - WCEC Request for Proposals

The Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC) was created in 2021 to bring organizations together to better support women engineers of color. We believe that by working cooperatively we can provide the resources and insight needed to create a more inclusive and welcoming culture in the engineering workforce. Learn more about the WCEC and review the strategic plan at https://www.womenofcolorengineers.org.

The WCEC is seeking a consultant to serve as lead designer for a virtual workforce retention institute. The retention institute will engage stakeholders over the course of four to six weeks in practices aimed at increasing the representation, retention, and advancement of women of color in the engineering workforce. Intended participants will come from public and private organizations that employ engineers, including industry, education, and nonprofit sectors.

The objectives of the retention institute are to:

• Equip decision makers with the skills and knowledge to develop effective practices for the recruitment, retention and advancement of women of color in engineering.
• Foster a community of practice among participants.
• Provide participants with the tools needed to innovate in their retention and advancement practices.
• Support the ongoing development of retention and advancement practices that impact women of color in engineering.

The desired qualifications for the lead designer include:

• Advanced degree or equivalent in experience (8 years or more)
• More than 5 years of experience in curriculum development
• More than 5 years of experience in engaging a diversity of stakeholders in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives
• Experience leading a cross-functional team that include a team of researchers
• 8+ years of experience in facilitation, training and/or teaching
• Experience in designing and delivering training for adult audiences
• Proven record of commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Experience working in sponsored-funded projects
• Skilled in developing and managing budgets

Interested individuals should submit the following materials for consideration:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover or Intent Letter
• Proposal - up to 5 pages long, submitted as a single PDF. Proposal should include:
  • Objectives
  • Timeline and activities, from planning through pilot implementation (NOTE: All activities, including implementation and evaluation, must be scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025)
  • High-level budget
  • Personnel
  • Technology and Materials
  • Samples of previous work such as: Marketing Materials, agenda, curriculum (not included in the 5 page limit)

Contract start date: January 2nd, 2025

Contract end date: September 30th, 2025

Estimated compensation for consultant: $15,000 to $20,000

Estimated total budget available for institute development and implementation: $30,000 (not including consultant compensation)

To be considered for this opportunity, submit your materials online on or before December 15, 2024. Inquiries can be sent to wcec@swe.org. Please do not send proposals to this email address. Only submissions through the online form will be accepted: https://form.jotform.com/243284727489168