DescriptionVacancy is in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer. Under direction from the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Equity and Opportunity works to foster equality, diversity, inclusion, representation, and understanding of related and relevant matters in support of the efforts of the City of Hartford’s policy leadership team in seeking social and economic justice for all City of Hartford residents, employees and constituent stakeholders.
The work involves providing direct support to the Commission on Human Relations, the Civilian Police Review Board and Commissions on Disability, Gender Equality, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) issues. Duties include administering and ensuring compliance with the City of Hartford policies and procedures on matters relating to diversity, inclusion, representation, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action while serving as the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:This position is in the unclassified service and the incumbent is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor in accordance with the City Charter.
In accordance with Chapter 2, Article IV, Section 2-102 of the Municipal Code, shall be a resident of the City.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Administers and ensures compliance with the City of Hartford policies and procedures related to EEO, Affirmative Action and the ADA, including conducting and/or overseeing investigations of complaints and serving as the City’s ADA coordinator. Develops, supports, and models a positive and productive workplace culture based on respect, dignity, honesty, and integrity; Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative and innovative; continuously learning; and communicating clearly. Makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Leadership on overall equity and inclusion programs, policies, training, learning, and other related areas as needed. Develops ongoing training, education, and learning programs; Assists with the application of these trainings in the workplace. Compiles data for the purposes of analyzing potential issues, ensuring compliance with various policies and procedures, and monitoring programs; prepares reports to the Mayor and the Court of Common Council on the activities of the office, including, but not limited to, compliance by developers and contractors with the provisions of the living wage ordinance and Hartford resident hiring requirements and the activities of the Civilian Police Review Board and other relevant boards and commissions. Collaborates with the Human Resources Department on special projects and in the preparation of the City’s Affirmative Action Plan and with identifying existing barriers and strategies to promote a diverse and culturally proficient workforce. May represent the City in local, State, Regional and National discussions related to equity and inclusiveness. Proactively resolves conflicts and misunderstandings in order to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace. Develops, prepares and administers the Office of Equity and Opportunity budget. Manages other related activities and functions as assigned.
The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.
Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesThe City of Hartford is seeking candidates for this role with:
Considerable Knowledge of:- Frameworks, models, and best practices around internal diversity, equity and inclusion practices and change management for staff at all levels
- Social, political and environmental issues influencing equity, diversity, inclusion, representation and social justice
- Techniques required to foster affirmative and cooperative responses from various entities
- Economic and social problems of minority and ethnic groups and the causes of discrimination
- Federal, State and local legislation pertaining to civil and human rights
- Training programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion and representation
Ability to:- Plan and direct programs and supervises staff in activities necessary for accomplishing goals of relevant programs
- Research, identify, and implement best practices of equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion
- Prepare and administer fiscal year budgets
- Use persuasive communication, oral, written and other mediums, to effectively relay information to groups and individuals regarding Commission programs and objectives
- Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with subordinates, City government departments, City Council and the various commissions
- Analyze and effectively resolve problems and conflicts, often involving sensitive and emotionally charged situations
QualificationsThe City of Hartford is seeking candidates for the Director of Equity and Opportunity position who meet the following minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, public administration, human services, human resources or a related field
and five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience in human relations, including experience working with affirmative action and EEO compliance functions, diversity and inclusion, and representation training, relevant program management and/or experience in related fields.
A DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY, INCLUDING REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION. APPLICATIONS WITHOUT PROPER DOCUMENTATION SHALL RESULT IN YOUR DISQUALIFICATION.APPLICATIONS VIA FACSIMILE OR EMAIL ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.
Other InformationIf selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening examination, and a background check.
ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION CONCERNING THE APPLICATION AND TESTING PROCESS WILL OCCUR THROUGH EMAIL, UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUESTED AT TIME OF APPLICATION.The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous