Director Equal Opportunity, Box EXEC-214/04201

State of New York • Albany, NY

397d • $111,925 - $141,439 • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Equal Opportunity at the New York State Education Department (NYSED) is responsible for leading the Office of Diversity and Access (ODA). This role focuses on fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The Director will oversee various programs aimed at promoting equal employment opportunities and addressing issues related to discrimination and harassment within the department.

Requirements

• Ten years of experience in equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, and/or human rights, with three years at a supervisory level or one year at a managerial level.
• Experience working with organizations concerned with equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, civil rights, minority business development, or similar programs.
• Experience in recruiting, training, and upgrading the educational and job qualifications of protected class members.
• A bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of the required experience; an associate's degree may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer, update and maintain Department policies regarding reasonable accommodations, harassment, workplace violence, domestic violence, and non-discrimination.
• Interpret laws, rules, regulations, and policy for staff and others governed by NYSED's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and equal opportunity programs.
• Meet with executive staff to explain the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and equal opportunity programs, the impact on the Department's workforce, and obligations and strategies for meeting goals and requirements.
• Plan, develop, and monitor NYSED's diversity and inclusion plan and programs.
• Review and evaluate programs and reports, determine problem areas, and develop and implement strategies to improve diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
• Oversee and conduct investigations related to employee complaints, including complaints of harassment and discrimination.
• Develop and implement recommendations for the resolution of employee complaints.
• Engage in mediation and facilitate resolution of employee disputes, conflicts, and complaints.
• Represent the Office of Diversity and Access within the Department and with government regulatory agencies, other State, federal and community agencies, community organizations, civil rights groups, unions, and others.
• Direct and participate in special projects, events, programs, and studies about the program and the impact of proposed statutory, regulatory, policy, and program changes.
• Serve as the Domestic Violence Liaison on the Domestic Violence Advisory Council.
• Serve as the Department's Veteran's Liaison.
• Oversee the Department's Language Access Program.
• Supervise professional staff in the ODA.
• Supervise and provide direction and support to SED's Employee Assistance Program Coordinators, and other staff as assigned.

Benefits

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• Enrollment in the New York State pension system or Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match.
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Associate degree