Access & Opportunity Officer

DeKalb County•Decatur, GA

2d•$84,321 - $135,756

About The Position

The Access & Opportunity Officer provides strategic leadership and oversight for countywide equity initiatives that promote fair and consistent access to services, opportunities, and resources. The role develops and implements policies, programs, and practices that support organizational effectiveness and community responsiveness; integrates accessibility, compliance, and service excellence into County operations and decision-making; and serves as the County’s principal advisor on accessibility, community engagement, and related matters. The position manages assigned staff and work activities, provides leadership to County departments on incorporating equity principles, and serves as a subject matter expert on equity, accessibility, and related practices. It assesses organizational policies and programs, develops accountability measures, analyzes outcomes, advises executive leadership, builds strategic partnerships, supports training and organizational development, represents the County publicly, and monitors compliance with applicable requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Sciences, Organizational Development, Law, Political Science, or a closely related field.
Six years of progressively responsible experience in public sector administration, human resources, compliance, public policy, strategic planning, community engagement, or a related field.
Three years of management or supervisory experience.
Experience and qualifications must provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job.
No specific license or certification required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Manage, direct, and evaluate assigned staff, including work schedules, leave requests, employee concerns, performance appraisals, discipline, work direction, and staff training.
Organize, prioritize, assign, and monitor work; ensure staff have appropriate resources; provide technical expertise and progress reports; revise procedure manuals; and oversee contractors.
Guide County departments and employees in integrating equity principles into policies, programs, services, budgeting, planning, and operational practices.
Promote consistent application of equity-focused strategies and facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to address systemic barriers and disparities.
Research emerging trends, legislation, and practices in equity and accessibility, and recommend strategies to improve equitable access.
Conduct organizational and employee assessments, equity audits, and analyses of policies, programs, and practices; identify inequities and barriers; recommend corrective action; and monitor approved improvements.
Develop accountability frameworks, performance indicators, and reporting mechanisms; collect and analyze data; and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for County leadership and stakeholders.
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
Serve as the County’s primary liaison on equity- and access-related matters and advise executive leadership on the equity impacts of proposed policies, initiatives, programs, and legislative actions.
Collaborate with departmental leaders and employees on training, education, and organizational development initiatives that advance equity goals.
Represent the County at meetings, conferences, public forums, and community events; deliver presentations and briefings; and promote County equity initiatives and accomplishments.
Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and local equity and accessibility regulations, mandates, and reporting requirements, and recommend actions to ensure compliance.