Diversity
Diversity and Inclusion: Advancing the Global Mission
Our nation derives strength from its diversity and commitment to equal opportunity. We achieve our greatest accomplishments when we draw on the talents of all parts of our society and bring diverse perspectives to our greatest challenges. This is particularly true in the national security arena where we must operate in a wide range of environments. Success in the intelligence business requires people with different backgrounds and different ways of seeing things. Our workforce must reflect the world in which we operate in order to meet the expectations of the American people.
At the end of World War II, Major General William J. Donovan, head of our predecessor organization, the Office of Strategic Services, described the OSS as an "experiment...to determine whether a group of Americans constituting a cross-section of racial origins, of abilities, temperaments, and talents" could succeed at the difficult tasks of intelligence. Each day, we continue that experiment, and each day, we show what Americans of all backgrounds can do.
Attracting Diverse Talent
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce begins with robust outreach and recruitment strategies that reach a wide spectrum of the population. We focus on strengthening relations with:
- colleges and universities,
- diverse professional organizations,
- heritage-based groups, and
- minority-serving institutions from across the country.
Engagement with these groups raises awareness and understanding about CIA's work and expands sources of mission-critical talent.
Instilling Inclusive Work Practices
In our organization, we are working to ensure every officer’s views are heard and that their ideas and skills are given due consideration. This enables us to fully leverage our talented and dedicated workforce.
The CIA has a variety of Agency Resource Groups comprised of employees who share a common affinity (gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic, and racial backgrounds) and their allies. The employee resource groups make the organization stronger by:
- increasing cultural awareness,
- providing insight, practical solutions, and best practices, and
- promoting engagement and collaboration.
In addition, mentoring, coaching, training, and recognition for collaborative and inclusive behaviors foster employee engagement, professional development, and career advancement.
Explore our website to learn more about the wide range of rewarding careers and opportunities at the CIA.
