Senior Program Manager - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Thurston County Career Site • Olympia, WA

111d • $7,537 - $10,050

About The Position

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Senior Program Manager is responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and management of the DEIA Action Plan. This includes working on programs and initiatives; policy development; development of short- and long-range goals; business analysis; community planning and process facilitation; extensive work with elected officials, other agencies, and the public; program evaluation and providing progress reports to the Board of County Commissioners and regional stakeholders as required; and you will serve as an advocate for the public on racial equity issues relating to the appointed departments of county government. This position is also responsible for assisting the Human Resources Department to develop and implement a strategic framework that supports an internal County culture of equity, inclusiveness and engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field closely related to the specific position.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience related to public program and policy development at a regional level, including experience working with elected officials.
• Demonstrated competence in the principles and practices of public policy development and administration.
• Must be able to demonstrate competency in supervising personnel involved in program implementation and in establishing and controlling budgets.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or field closely related to specific position.
• Extensive knowledge of current principles and practices relating to planning, public policy development and implementation of programs related to the specific position being advertised for which occur at a regional level.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local policies and regulations pertaining to the specific position being advertised for.
• Ability to create innovative programs and projects in response to community needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or service.
• Strong business leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong project management, organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills focused on identifying organizational challenges and opportunities, along with the ability to implement appropriate solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with elected officials, staff, and the community.
• Ability to quickly assess problems and act to positively resolve conflicts and coordinate efforts to the satisfaction of consultants, contractors and the public.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations and laws to complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Provides consultation and guidance to the County Manager and leads equity and inclusion projects as assigned by the County Manager in support of internal and external initiatives.
• Implements and/or manages existing programs that support both internal and external initiatives.
• Assists in providing support, communications and recommendations to County Commissioners, County Manager, and Racial Equity and Inclusion Council (REIC) regarding equity and inclusion related items and best practices.
• Assists the County Manager with anticipating, identifying and addressing short-term and long-term internal and external communication needs to support the County’s equity, and inclusion strategic initiatives.
• Works with the Human Resources Department to develop organizational training to enhance awareness for supervisors and managers on best practices for integrating equity and inclusion strategies into work culture, workforce strategies, recruitment, training, including performance management, leadership development, and retention strategies.
• Develops, presents and evaluates training programs to increase awareness, understanding and support of equity, inclusion and cultural proficiency in the organization.
• Assists the Human Resources Department with identifying and updating personnel rules to ensure alignment with equity and inclusion best practices.
• Provide support and guidance to County offices and departments on outreach, best practices, and strategies to conduct public outreach efforts to include and achieve participation from underrepresented members of the community.
• Develop and administer assessment tools, collect and analyze data, and provide periodic presentations or reports to the BoCC and the REIC that evaluate the progress and effectiveness of equity and inclusion initiatives.
• Perform outreach to the community, including hosting and/or attending special events, promoting civic engagement, community collaboration and building relationships.
• Advise the BoCC and REIC on meaningful policies to advance racial equity across county government for the benefit of the entire community.
• Collaborate with the community to establish alliances and secure adequate resources, including funding, to successfully accomplish the actions laid out in Thurston County Resolution No. 15995.
• Provide an ongoing comprehensive analysis of county and community activity to the BoCC to ensure decision making supports the County’s intention to address the root causes of disparities and distribute resources using equity and racial justice as primary factors for defining objectives and measuring progress.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees