DIRECTOR OF EQUITABLE WELL-BEING - 40010325

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this job is to perform equity focused professional and administrative work. Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Director of Equitable Well-Being will lead the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives which will support the County’s strategic plan.

This job is performed under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Works with the County Manager, Chief of Staff, and Chief Human Resources Officer/Chief Employment Counsel to address equity issues and concerns;
• Plans, guides, and advises the Board of County Commissioners and County Manager on diversity, equity, and inclusion matter;.
• Collaborates with County Management to create, implement and monitor programs designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of staff;
• Manages the division budget, including developing budget proposals;
• Provides analysis of legislation and regulations related to equity and inclusion;
• Promotes, coordinates, implements, improves, and evaluates best and emergent
• practices that support principles for equitable development;
• Collaborates with consultants, committees, stakeholders, community boards, coalitions, businesses, local elected officials, and trade associations to impact the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Facilitates recruitment and retention for all job opportunities through the identification, promotion and coordination of available apprenticeship, training, internship, and related job-readiness programs as well as incentive programs;
• Supports the identification and understanding of the underlying drivers within the community and organization that perpetuate inequity and helps provide opportunities towards their mitigation;
• Focuses on identifying disparities in community programs and services;  
• Trains staff and redirects engagement and outreach efforts toward centering the voices and needs of underrepresented populations;
• Improves processes that have perceived or known disparate impacts on persons because of race, gender, age, and other protected classes;
• Provides input for business and strategic planning;
• Works with departments and individual managers to set mutually supportive goals and objectives;
• Collaborates with colleagues to implement policies and development improvements through a lens of collective progress and accountability;  
• Develops and implements county-wide trainings to promote cultural understanding and a climate of equity and inclusion;
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1991 Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, and other applicable laws;
• Knowledge of training, conflict resolution and mediation methods;
• Ability to engage with diverse staff and leadership to promote trust, collaboration, and partnership between departments and leadership;
• Demonstrated track record in challenging and influencing peers to approach all work with an equity lens;
• Strong interpersonal skills: able to quickly establish credibility to develop and manage productive relationships with internal and external individuals and agencies;
• Ability to create/design adult learning and teaching of the content and skills associated with operating with an equity lens.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a master’s degree in public administration, human resource management, sociology, social anthropology or other related fields from an appropriate accredited college or university with experience performing the duties described above may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Five (5) years of experience working in an affirmative action and EEO compliance function which involved the duties and principal accountabilities described for the position of Director of Equitable Well Being. Management and supervisory experience are highly desired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) years of experience developing and implementing diversity/equity/inclusion programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

• None

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• None

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer