Associate Special Assistant (Equity and Inclusion)

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority • Chelsea, MA

8d • $145,000 - $155,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary: Serves as a strategic manager in the overall direction and operations of the Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit (AACU), including planning and implementing departmental and agency objectives. Directs the daily activities of the Workforce Development and Access to Contract Opportunities Programs. Provides guidance to AACU staff as needed. Assists in monitoring compliance with and enforcing the Authority's non-discrimination, harassment prevention and other related policies, and Code of Conduct. May act as the department head in the absence of the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer (CEIO).

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in public administration, management, business administration, or related field; Graduate degree is preferred.
• An understanding of state and federal employment laws and EEO/AA principles and practices, human resource administration, dispute resolution, affirmative action and operations as acquired by at least seven (7) years of related experience preferably within a public sector environment.
• Including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial position.
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or equivalent from another state.
• Completion of MCAD investigation training within 12 months of hire.
• Excellent oral, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Experience managing in a union environment.
• Working knowledge and understanding of relevant contract compliance and M/W/DBE program development.
• Working knowledge and understanding of workforce recruitment and outreach principles and programming.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, train, and assign duties to subordinates.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and direction to the program managers and staff in accordance with organization policies and procedures and as directed by the CEIO. Oversees day-to-day Unit operations, represents the CEIO on administrative matters, and signs off on documents as necessary.
• Works with program managers and staff to ensure effective communication, identify problems and issues, and create and implement action plans as directed by the CEIO.
• Directs, recommends, and oversees the MWRA's action-oriented workforce planning and outreach in conjunction with Human Resources and in accordance with the MWRA's Affirmative Action Plan, ensuring outreach to a broad pool of applicants.
• Provides guidance and supports staff in outreach and engagement efforts to Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Businesses concerning participation in MWRA procurements and contracted services.
• Assists the CEIO in the role of MWRA's chief compliance officer under all applicable state and federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO/AA) laws, as well as the Authority's non-discrimination, harassment prevention and other related policies, and the Code of Conduct. May assist with requests for reasonable accommodations and participating in the interactive process to respond to such requests.
• In coordination with the CEIO or in the absence of the CEIO, updates, reviews and/or approves documents, as necessary, submitted by AACU and MWRA staff. Reviews and updates the MWRA Business Plan and other staff summaries prior to submission to the Board of Directors as needed; may appear before the Board on AACU matters.
• Maintains working knowledge of Authority EEO/AA policies, as well as current state and federal EEO/AA laws and regulations. In conjunction with the Manager, Training and Development, coordinates the design and presentation of workshops and trainings regarding MWRA nondiscrimination and harassment prevention policies, as well as other applicable policies, procedures, and state and federal EEO/AA laws.
• Investigates and/or supports investigations of any claims, complaints, allegations, reports or observances of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Prepares reports and collaborates with Human Resources, Law, and other departments to recommend remedies and remedial action, as appropriate, relating to investigations concerning claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other violations of MWRA policies, procedures, or Code of Conduct.
• Reviews personnel practices and makes recommendations to ensure compliance with MWRA policies, as well as state and federal EEO/AA laws.
• Assists in the development and enforcement of the Authority's affirmative action plan for employment, contracting, procurement and all activities, as well as policies and programs necessary to advance and maintain such plan and equal opportunity at the Authority, including assessment of staffing and M/W/DBE goals and benchmarks across the Authority.
• Assists in the development of the department's budget and monitors for adherence to Authority's policies and variance reporting.
• Maintains strong working relationships and affiliations with external state and federal agencies, professional organizations, community organizations, and groups as appropriate.
• Serves as a representative for the Authority before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and other entities as needed.
• Serves as a Unit liaison with federal and state agencies as necessary.
• Serves on selection committees for procurements on goods and services contracts as necessary.
• Provides assistance to hiring managers through participation in interviews and selection processes.
• Participates in working groups and committees as directed by the CEIO, including MWRA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group, and oversees activities of DEI committees.
• Oversees the MWRA's Co-op hiring program, including developing and maintaining strong working relationships with local vocational-technical high schools and other educational institutions.
• Promotes an understanding of the MWRA's commitment to equal opportunity among its employees, those whom the MWRA serves, and those with whom it does business.
• Manages the Department in a manner that is consistent with MWRA's values of diversity, equity, inclusion, equal opportunity, and environmental justice.
• Acts as the CEIO's designee as requested.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• MWRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager