Equity and Inclusion Officer

at  City of Norwalk CT

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Position Definition: Provides leadership to ensure that the City of Norwalk prioritizes, institutes, invests in, demonstrates, and sustains a commitment to systemic changes that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) throughout City services and within City government.
General Duties: Leads the City’s efforts in addressing City practices, policies, and structures that have produced distinct disparate outcomes for those who have historically been underrepresented and oppressed. Plans and manages the development and implementation of DEIB strategic goals and activities on behalf of the City, delivering a comprehensive and strategic program. Sets key equity performance objectives and operational indicators to support departments. Collaborates, partners, assists, and engages with all departments, including Norwalk Public Schools, to achieve DEIB objectives and develops a strong, functional, and collaborative culture. Plans, coordinates, directs, and implements activities that improve access to City services, resources, and opportunities for the advancement of constituents who have historically been underrepresented and oppressed. Researches and monitors trends at the city, county, state, and national levels that impact constituents who have historically been underrepresented and oppressed. Provides guidance to leadership on integrating DEIB principles into core decisions, systems, and processes throughout the City. Serves as technical advisor for City boards and commissions when DEIB issues arise, focusing on developing strategies to increase participation and diversity. Collaborates with the City’s ADA coordinator to help ensure compliance with the ADA. Develops training opportunities to educate employees and managers on how to recognize, accommodate, and appreciate individual differences and disrupt/eliminate structures that lead to discriminatory practices. Creates periodic reports related to City DEIB activities and initiatives.
Additional Duties: Provides consultation and assistance to the Human Resources Department to ensure equitable hiring practices. Prepares reports related to the City’s Affirmative Action Program. Remains current on legislation, emerging trends, and benchmarks to aid in adopting DEIB best practices and compliance requirements. Participates in community, City, state, and regional collaborations on behalf of the City.
Supervised By: Receives general supervision from the Mayor.
Note: The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and responsibility.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of methods in cultural competency skills development and implementing DEIB programs, training, and educational tools. Knowledge of methods to establish initiatives and processes in outreach and sourcing strategies. Ability to develop a vision and mission for the City’s DEIB goals, with metrics of success and a means of assessing progress toward these goals. Ability to develop, deliver/facilitate, and evaluate effective DEIB programs. Ability to work with diverse communities to include all dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, tribal affiliation, religious affiliation, disability/ability status, and national origin. Ability to effectively lead change by building trust and credibility. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, specifically as it relates to communicating to a variety of internal and external stakeholders about DEIB. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal direction, as well as at times with direct guidance, and to be adaptive to changing needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, sociology, psychology, political science, government, organizational development, communications, social sciences, human resources, business, or related disciplines, a Master’s Degree in stated fields or a law degree is preferred, and five years’ of experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in an organization, including two years of management or supervisory experience.

Please refer the Job description for details