Assistant Chief Equity Officer at City of Tacoma in Tacoma, WA

Position Description The Office of Equity and Human Rights, a division of the City Manager’s Office, is seeking an experienced Assistant Chief Equity Officer (Assistant Director Classificati

Other Jobs You May Be Interested In

on) to serve as a departmental and organizational leader advancing equity and human rights for the City of Tacoma. The OEHR Assistant Director reports directly to the Director of the Office of Equity and Human Rights. This role will share leadership in managing department operations, setting strategic direction, and developing and implementing key equity-related initiatives across city departments for the benefit of the community and organization in alignment with the City of Tacoma’s Anti-Racist Systems Transformation efforts and City Council Resolution 40622.

Tacoma hosts a vibrant and passionate community deeply engaged in race and social justice actions to create sustainable change. The City of Tacoma partners with numerous cultural organizations, social justice advocates, and nationally recognized institutions, including the Government Alliance for Race and Equity, National League of Cities, and International City Management Association (ICMA) to lead efforts in advancing racial equity. In addition, we work in close collaboration with government and non-government entities in the region to create a socially just and equitable place for all. Find out more about the Office of Equity and Human Rights and the City Council adopted Equity and Empowerment Framework that guides the work of the office here.

Essential Duties:
In partnership with the Chief Equity Officer, set the strategic direction, develop strategic goals, and objectives for the department. Assist in managing the day-to-day activities of Office of Equity and Human Rights including direct supervision of policy analysts and program and policy managers. Coach, mentor and professionally develop staff; providing regular and ongoing feedback on performance. Plan and coordinate change efforts that advance equity and reduce inequities in policy, services and community engagement.

Oversee implantation of City of Tacoma Racial Equity Action Plan process, engage with City department to include Tacoma Public Utilities in the successful execution of plans resulting in transformational and equitable outcomes in workforce representation, service delivery and meaningful community engagement.

Serve as advisor and resource person for management and staff in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and community engagement. Oversee development and administration of the department budget, act as a liaison between the department, Human Resources and labor management, and approve major expenditures. Foster and maintain relationships with external agencies, commissions, and organizations to coordinate efforts, resolve problems and exchange information. Prepare and deliver presentations and correspondence on departmental and organizational issues to the City Manager, City Council, and internal and external organizations as required.

Attend and conduct a variety of staff, management and City Council meetings; provide technical information and expertise concerning proposed anti-racism and other equity related initiatives. Ensure compliance with federal, local and state laws, regulations and internal policies.

Your ability to do the following will lead to success in this role:
Understand and integrate principles of antiracism, racial equity and other equity into policy and practice to eliminate disparities and undo institutional and structural racism in government. Model cultural competency, effectively engage in challenging conversations about race, racism, antiracism, and equity. Communicate effectively, with respect and tact. Demonstrate well-developed self and situational awareness. Inspire others and create positive momentum for the future. Navigate and nurture relationships with diverse groups of people- build bridges. Facilitate strategic planning and lead major change projects. Conduct research and find resources to support programs and initiatives. Adapt easily to changing priorities and manage multiple deliverables with overlapping deadlines. Embrace transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Develop, manage and monitor budget processes and allocations.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY? The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee

Benefits:
Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment. Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26. Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits. Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26. Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code. Personal time off.

Paid holidays. A great pension plan. City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Tacoma’s diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character.

Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma’s entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play. Qualifications An equivalent combination of seven or more years of progressively responsible related experience in social sciences, public administration, law, and social justice. This may include lived experience and/or graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in social services, public or business administration, including two or more years of administrative and supervisory experience.

A strong combination of experience includes:
Education and experience in community development and/or organizing, human/civil rights work, community-based services, and/or volunteer work comparable to professional work. Lived, experienced and/or work experience in and with communities of color including immigrant and refugee communities and a specific understanding of the issues facing Tacoma. Proven experience in supporting and facilitating diverse underrepresented stakeholders to build consensus, develop and implement effective work plans, and coordinate activities. An understanding of policy and the role of local government in a democracy, including an awareness of community culture and subcultures within the community. This role may be required to work nights, evenings, and weekends; or attend meetings at locations outside of the office. Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. Selection Process & Supplemental Information Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing your experience and capacity as it relates to the responsibilities of this position. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process. Appointment is subject to passing a background check. The Community Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of over 210,000.

The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim. Tacoma boasts the state’s highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city’s vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry. Tacoma’s natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area.

Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location – just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier military installation on the West Coast – only adds to Tacoma’s desirability.

To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video! When you work for the City of Tacoma you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program.

Apply Now For This Job

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *