Job Details

The City of Worcester seeks qualified candidates for the position of Chief Equity Officer (CEO) for the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The CEO will plan, guide and advise the City Manager and Cabinet Members on diversity, equity, inclusion, human rights, accessibility, and affirmative action matters and will provide strategic leadership and direction to all facets of DEI, Human Rights, and Affirmative Action management as it pertains to City of Worcester Employees. The CEO works intimately with executive leaders and department heads to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as core values and creates, implements, and monitors programs designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of employees and the community. The CEO must maintain the highest confidentiality of sensitive information.

Bilingual and multilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Lead the City in implementing strategic initiatives relating to the creation of a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Lead a Department responsible for six (6) boards and commissions: Human Rights Commission, Accessibility Advisory Commission, Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, Advisory Committee on Latino Affairs, Advisory Committee on African American and Black Affairs, and an Advisory Committee on LGBTQ+ Affairs.
• Partner with City leaders and both internal and external constituencies to ensure processes, policies, and structures support the City of Worcester’s Values, Mission, Vision, business plan, and strategic goals.
• In conjunction with the HR department, collect and utilize qualitative and quantitative data to assess and implement topic-specific training and programing to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility-sensitive workplaces, communities, and environments.
• In conjunction with the HR department, provide strategic direction for training initiatives on cultural competency, protected class discrimination and harassment, gender differences, disabilities, sexual harassment, bias, building a climate of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility values, and maintaining compliance with applicable laws.
• Provide assistance to the HR Department and hiring authorities for the evaluation, monitoring, implementation and improvement of HR processes and programs for equal employment opportunities and operational effectiveness. 
• In conjunction with the HR Department and the Law Department, maintain compliance with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to HR operations and employment matters, including but not limited to, Title VI and Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act, ADAA, FMLA, PLMA, M.G.L c. 149 sec. 148c, M.G.L. c. 151B, Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the City’s Affirmative Action plan.
• Represent the City of Worcester on DEI initiatives to external community, organizations, and agencies by collaborating with external and internal constituency groups.
• In conjunction with the Human Resources Department and hiring authorities, monitor equity and equal employment opportunities throughout the talent cycle, including but not limited to, job descriptions, recruiting, application process, interview pools, interview panels, interview questionnaire bank, candidate selection process, salaries, and promotions.
• In conjunction with the Human Resources Department, monitor and communicate department diversity and accessibility demographics.
• Oversee internal and external investigations and complaint process related to City employees based on protected class discrimination, harassment and retaliation based for engaging in a protected activity under relevant laws.
• Oversee denial of reasonable accommodation requests by employees. Ensures consistent investigatory process, notification, reporting and documentation.
• Oversee disciplinary recommendations when violations of City policies or departmental work rules occur.
• Provide the HR department support on employee relations investigations and employee mediations.
• Monitor the tracking of complaints, investigations, dispositions, and discipline, related to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints.
• In conjunction with the HR Department, monitor all employee discipline to ensure consistent and unbiased implementation.
• Provide oversight over Employee Resource and Affinity Groups including but not limited to, programming, membership, and budget.
• Attend professional development opportunities, maintain knowledge of industry trends and relevant legislation as well as active affiliation with appropriate DEI networks and organizations.
• Responsible for Department budget, including establishing annual budget and identifying budgetary needs; formulate, prepare, and defend budget and personnel requests and account for effective use of funds and staff provided.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and understanding of best practices and trends in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, with the ability to translate them into actionable and successful strategic goals.
• Knowledge and understanding of the City of Worcester and municipal government structures.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to proactively identify and implement data-driven solutions that are creative, innovative, and flexible.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs Word and Outlook, and exceptional familiarity with database management and utilization.
• Ability to listen to the perspectives of competing interests and making clear, well-informed decisions.
• Ability to manage, coach, and support staff in a team-based, multi-cultural environment
• Exceptional experience as a strategic thinker who can work cross-departmentally to promote an organization's values, mission, and goals.
• Exceptional leadership and management abilities and have demonstrated an exceptional record of accomplishment in managing, coaching, and supporting staff in a team-based, multi-cultural environment, with exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse communities and have demonstrated exceptional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field
• Eight (8) years of related experience in Diversity, Equity and/or Inclusion
• Excellent communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate, Master’s Degree, or Education Degree in a related field
• Experience with staff supervision
• Experience with a large public institution
• Experience with employee/citizen grievances or complaints and employee fairness and resolution of complaints
• Experience in the areas of Diversity, Human Rights, Accessibility, Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity compliance and other applicable laws
• Experience working in partnership with Human Resources, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Talent Management or a consultancy focused on diversity and inclusion or talent management.
• Experience with establishing and managing operational budgets
• Experience with the development and design of training initiatives

SALARY RANGE: $130,000 - $140,000 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.