Engagement & Belonging Activation Manager

Engagement & Belonging Strategic Plan Leader

Activates the Engagement & Belonging strategic plan through initiatives that deliver outcomes by driving, energizing, coordinating, and amplifying the impact of employee resources across the organization. Supports employee groups and other stakeholder cohorts by providing strategic guidance and direction, operational support, and tools to activate engagement, drive participation, and align efforts with broader organizational goals and within the Community Markets we serve. Influences and counsels senior and executive management on related activities, including employee group (EG) leadership roles, to drive increased effectiveness and embedding of engagement and belonging activities across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Influence and counsel senior and executive management on EG activities, including the selection of those in EG leadership and Engagement & Belonging Council (EBC) roles, to drive the embedding of engagement and belonging in the fabric of the organization, while ensuring alignment to business strategies.
• Serve as leader and central point of contact for all EG and EBC leaders, driving their activities while providing direction, coaching, resources, and best practices and ensuring alignment across the groups and their embedded across the broader Bank.
• Use data to continuously iterate on employee group and Engagement & Belonging Council structure, strategy, and interaction model, and experiences; analyze the data and develop and implement recommendations to grow and improve employee, Company, and community outcomes.
• Guide EGs in planning and executing events, tracking budgets, and measuring impacts. Oversee maintenance of EG calendars, dashboards, and reporting tools.
• Partner within the HR Service Delivery model and broader Bank as required to amplify EG outcomes, visibility and storytelling helping to highlight the behaviors and outcomes associated with top talent.
• Coach leaders (at multiple levels) on effective engagement and belonging leadership helping to drive talent development and performance to contribute to the impact of the employee groups and ultimately, the broader Bank.
• Develop and facilitate the onboarding and training for new EG and EBC leaders and members ensuring the currency of the program in light of the external environment and the Bank's broader desire to embed engagement and belonging in the fabric of the organization.
• Manage and coordinate cross-EG initiatives, campaigns, and cultural moments by working to drive improvements in employee engagement and performance.
• Drive collaboration and knowledge-sharing across EGs and lead quarterly EG leader summits or forums.
• Encourage inclusive participation across the organization.
• Understand and adhere to the Company's risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company's Risk Appetite. Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports a culture of belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

This position drives the activation of the Engagement & Belonging strategic plan through high-impact initiatives that drive measurable outcomes. The role serves as a key connector across teams and leadership, aligning Employee Group strategies with broader organizational goals and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging across the Community Markets we serve.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

No Supervisory Responsibilities

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 11 years higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience

Experience in leading strategic initiatives

Experience with cross functional collaboration

Comfortable working across levels and functions

Strong organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Strong facilitation skills

Familiarity with employee group structures

Familiarity with inclusive leadership principles

Education and Experience Preferred:

Experience with employee engagement, program management, or HR roles

Prior experience leading through influence across diverse groups

Passionate about inclusion

Passionate about employee experience

Strategic thinker with a bias for action

Collaborative and empathetic leadership style

Event planning experience

Internal communications experience

Community organizing experience

Physical Requirements:

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $107,500.00 - $179,100.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location: Buffalo, New York, United States of America