Director for Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights, Exempt

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Executive Management Division as the Director for Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights. The Director of Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights serves as the Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights Officer for DNR, supporting review of program policies supporting equity, inclusion, belonging, civil rights, and environmental justice. This position is responsible for recommending, elevating, and leading changes at the agency, state, and federal policy levels where DNR has authority and will serve as the executive responsible for documenting and assessing the impact of all environmental justice and equity actions taken by the agency. The incumbent will lead the HEAL account for DNR, will manage the agency's compliance with and implementation of the HEAL Act requirements, including leading the teams tasked with completing Environmental Justice Assessments, reporting on HEAL investments, tribal consultation, and equitable community engagement. The incumbent works to protect the rights of the residents of Washington to utilize our state lands without discrimination based on protected characteristics. The position will develop protocol and identify responsible parties to receive complaints and investigate problems to mitigate risk and ensure the civil rights of the public are met.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree or higher in sociology, public policy, urban planning, business administration, environmental science, cultural studies, or another field relevant to the position's responsibilities AND 4 years' experience or a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
A strong history of engaging with disproportionately impacted and historically marginalized communities, including Tribal governments, on natural resource management or environmental issues.
A deep understanding of the HEAL Act and its application within a state agency.
Experience leading a team to produce meaningful change.
Experience conducting public hearings, meetings, and Town Halls in diverse communities and regions.
Experience working with or applying policy decisions using data-driven equity tools.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and requests are followed.
Experience working for an elected official, a government agency, or a high-level executive.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experience leading policy and system change or managing in a large agency or organization to advance equity initiatives.
A strong understanding of the legislative process and the ability to develop and/or analyze legislation.
Strategic planning experience, including development of annual plans with demonstrated ability to conceptualize and articulate future direction and measurable goals.
Policy development or program implementation related to environmental justice and/or civil rights.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners and collaborators to cultivate an environment of engagement, belonging, respect, empathy, active listening, and trust.
A successful track record working with state agencies, city, county, and federal governments, and tribal and public entities.
Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and evaluate complex research using mixed methods in qualitative and quantitative measurements.
Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking abilities, and an innovative mindset and approach.
Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts, and information.

Nice To Haves

The ability to communicate in languages other than English.

Responsibilities

Serve as the leading Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights Officer for DNR, supporting review of program policies supporting equity, environmental justice, and civil rights.
Serve as the executive responsible for documenting and assessing the impact of all environmental justice and equity actions taken by the agency
Serve as the executive responsible for developing a protocol to ensure the rights of Washington State citizens who utilize our state lands are protected from discrimination.
Identify and oversee responsible parties to develop policy and protocol to receive and process complaints of discrimination to ensure the civil rights of the public who utilize DNR state lands are met.
Regularly review agency practices of DNR state lands public access to identify potential areas of non-compliance with civil rights laws.
Recommend, elevate. and lead changes at the agency, state, and federal policy levels where DNR has authority.
Assess and design interventions into agency operations where improvements in equity, environmental justice, and DEIB outcomes can be improved or implemented.
Represent DNR on the statewide Environmental Justice Council and on other statewide and national councils, task forces, and workgroups related to Equity and Environmental Justice.
Co-create and lead processes in service to Overburdened Communities and Vulnerable Populations to mitigate environmental harm.
Partner with DNR's Workplace Culture and Development office and Human Resources to design, propose, and implement best practices to address biases in recruitment, hiring, retention, and promote a workforce that reflects the diversity of Washington state.
Support the implementation of the agency's CAIP Plan in partnership with the Workplace Culture and Development office.
Create and implement relevant training and programs focused on environmental justice and equity across the agency.
Lead the HEAL Act implementation for DNR.
Serve as the Chair of the Committee on Geographic Names.
Supervise the staff of the Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights team.
Proactively engage with overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes.

Benefits

Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.