Director Of Equity And Inclusion*

General Description

Orange County has an opening for the Director of Equity and Inclusion.The work involves the responsibility for overseeing and leading the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI). The Director is responsible for the implementation of Orange County's One Orange goals to integrate equity in the organization through practical and impactful policies, procedures, programs, and services and leading the County's Government Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE) Workgroup, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Workgroup, providing support and consultation to departments/agencies, propelling the countywide values to advance equity and inclusion into organizational culture and service delivery in the County and its communities.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion currently consists of three full-time equivalent employees and operates with a $605,000 budget. The department leads countywide efforts in addressing persistent inequities experienced by County residents and throughout County departments to promote a culture of fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people.

The Office provides accessibility services, including Language Access Services (LAS) to community members throughout Orange County seeking to access government services. The Office also addresses issues of discrimination, exclusion, and inequity, develops and sustains opportunities for community dialogue on addressing concerns affecting belonging or the ability to access full civic participation. The Director provides professional staff support to the Human Relations Commission.

Work is performed under the general direction of the County Manager with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding the administration of programs. Supervision over others is required of this position. Position does related work as required.

• Background Check is required.

Examples of Essential Functions

Examples of Essential Functions

The following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Leads and coordinates department staff as well as the County Government Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE) Workgroup, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Workgroup, staff focused on equity, diversity and inclusion responsibilities, various related taskforces/committees, and provides professional staff support to the Orange County Human Relations Commission.

Develops, implements, and manages a strategic framework (County Racial Equity Action Plan) under which the county's approach to equity, inclusion, and diversity will be formalized, revised, and advanced.

Collects, analyzes, and presents data measuring the County's progress on incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives in County programs and services.

Serves as a key liaison to the Orange County Human Relations Commission (OCHRC) as well as the community for equity and human rights efforts

Leads and advises County departments on community engagement strategies and assists departments on institutionalizing those efforts.

Administers and enforces the County's Civil Rights Ordinance.

Manages and advises on efforts to improve the breadth and depth of community engagement across the organization.

Assists Human Relations Commission, and other workgroups, committees, and taskforces in carrying out policy directives and mission.

Advances and directs the County's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion of anti-discrimination laws in public accommodation, County programs, and services.

Leads the development, coordination, and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion training, tools, programs, efforts, and initiatives and collaborates with the County Manager's Office and departments.

Supervises the work of staff on applicable projects, monitors project applications and the work of assigned programs.

Develops human and civil rights discrimination educational programming and outreach for Orange County.

Administers and trains staff on the use of the Racial Equity Assessment Lens and establishes countywide performance indicators and progress benchmarks to ensure accountability toward equitable delivery of County services.

Facilitates communication, coordination, and collaboration with County departments, employees, community members, and other stakeholders to make meaningful movement toward a more equitable County.

Ensures policies, procedures, budget decisions, program design, and other County functions are evaluated using an equity perspective as part of the decision-making process.

Facilitates collaboration of interdepartmental/agency task forces, teams, and working groups; builds effective partnerships with external organizations, both public and private, to support and achieve broad community DEI efforts.

Engages with community and/or interest/stakeholder groups (e.g., neighborhood organizations, environmental advocates).

Uses a variety of computer applications as communication, organization, research, analysis, and reporting tools.

Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations.

Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of principles and best practices of diversity, equity and inclusion in both workplace and community settings.

Thorough knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and how to work within them.

Through knowledge of processes and procedures associated with development and implementation of equity programs.

Through knowledge of principles and best practices of change management; and best practices for community engagement and training.

Through knowledge of program and project management.

Good knowledge of policy and procedures of protected classes related to housing, employment, and public accommodations.

Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.

Skill in effective communication with coworkers, outside agencies, and the general public.

Skill in planning, organizing and prioritizing work, and the ability to perform a large volume of detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.

Strong analytical ability to interpret complex data, conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses, conduct research, and develop evidence-based recommendations.

Skill in communication, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Ability to plan, direct and supervise the work of others, prioritize work projects taking available resources into consideration and delegate responsibility and to exercise control.

Ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities through an engaged and competent staff.

Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and management practices with an active, visible presence in the County and Department.

Ability to create and maintain a workplace environment conducive to employee development, engagement, and collaboration.

Ability to effectively delegate authority and responsibility while maintaining appropriate levels of accountability and operational control; and

Ability to establish strong relationships with regional partners and key community stakeholders.

Ability to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving capability.

Ability to interpret and apply county, state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely.

Ability to plan and carry out program studies; ability to design effective questionnaires, reporting procedures, and statistical tables.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the general public.

Ability to effectively use a variety of computer applications as communication, organization, research, analysis, and reporting tools.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in in Sociology, Public Administration, Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, or a closely related field AND four (4) years of demonstrated successful and progressively work experience in the administration of community, education, and/or social justice programs focused on the implementation of diversity and equity programming ANDthree (3) years of work experience serving as an administrative head or deputy/assistant of a similar department with responsibility of direct supervision of others, OR

An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.

Must have the following characteristics:

Be a visionary, supportive, and inspirational leader and be able to build trust with diverse communities and stakeholders and be a champion for equity and collaborate with County departments to enact significant and systemic change.

A compassionate and collaborative professional leader who can develop and mentor a capable and professional staff and is comfortable with delegating tasks, sharing information, trusting staff to perform the work, and managing multiple projects concurrently.

Committed to serving as an integral part of the County's management team and being approachable and open.

A professional with the appropriate analytical skills and ability to provide objective recommendations and analysis relating to multiple workgroups andwho can manage the work of the Department as requirements change.

Cognizant of growth trends and issues and who will provide the necessary support to the County Board of Commissioners and other community organizations as they review both challenges and opportunities in the county and its communities.

A strong communicator with a record in developing as well as supporting the needs of a professional team and Department.

A seasoned professional leader who can "hit the ground running".

A person of the highest integrity both personally and professionally.

Committed to providing exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS

Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.

Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects including the human body.

Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting and extensive reading, and perform work on a computer and operate equipment.

Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer