Parks and Nature Equity and Racial Justice Program Manager
Salary
$77,396.80 - $103,708.80 Annually
Location
Portland, OR
Job Type
Full Time
Department
Parks and Nature
Job Number
2019-0356-PN-REDI
Closing
10/14/2019 5:00 PM Pacific
Position summary
Are you committed to advancing racial equity to build a future where all communities can thrive? Are you a collaborative, creative, solutions-oriented thinker who centers a racial equity analysis in decision-making? Do you have experience incorporating racial equity practices and transforming systems at all levels of an organization? If so, Metro is excited to learn more about you.
Metro's Parks and Nature Department is seeking an Equity and Racial Justice Program Manager to oversee the implementation of the Parks and Nature Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (Download PDF reader) – the blueprint for advancing Metro's commitment to racial equity across 17,000 acres of parks, trails and natural areas. In this role, you would develop internal systems and lead Parks and Nature staff in bringing the plan to life through Metro's work to protect clean water, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and connect people with nature close to home. Action steps will span the parks and nature system, from budgeting and contracting to education programming and communications.
This position will be placed within the department's Special Projects Team – a specialized team that works on a variety of strategic projects that bring together colleagues to maximize equitable impacts of Metro's parks and nature system.
As a member of department's Special Projects team, the Equity and Racial Justice Program Manager will play a key role in overseeing the implementation of the Parks and Nature Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (REDI Action plan), and act a resource and support for staff and project champions to advance racial equity in the department. This work will be internal within the department and agency and will coordinate with other racial equity leaders throughout the organization to advance racial equity within the Parks and Nature department. In addition, this position will serve as the coordinator and facilitator for the department's equity advisory committee, engaging community leaders in shaping the future of Metro's work.
A successful candidate will have experience leading complex projects, programs or initiatives using a racial equity lens. This person must have strong communication skills and a desire and ability to work with people at all stages of racial equity competency, to grow team capacity to understand and apply a racial equity framework. This position will build and maintain strong relationships with different work teams and develop creative and collaborative solutions to bring the department's racial equity plan to life.
At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
Application Requirements: (1) Electronic application; (2) responses to supplemental questions; and (3) a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications related to this position.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks that an employee in this position may be expected to perform.
Support teams across Parks and Nature as they continue to build their capacity to implement the equity action plan by integrating it into work plans, budgets, processes, policy and programs.
Serve as a facilitator for Metro's Parks and Nature Equity Advisory Committee; helping shape agendas, facilitating meetings, and acting as a liaison for staff who work with the committee.
Manage complex projects including: develop, organize and coordinate across Parks and Nature.
Provide project support through the Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. Roles could be advisory or a convener between staff.
Manage established system for tracking progress on actions in the REDI action plan.
Coordinate responses to requests for information from Parks and Nature staff, other agencies or departments.
Support the coordination of diversity, equity and inclusion cultural competency trainings for department. This includes tracking and accountability.
Serve as liaison to Metro's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team and other DEI leaders throughout the organization.
Responsible for complex and advanced assignments that require a high level of judgment, communication, negotiation and project management skills.
Work with managers and staff to coordinate trainings, policies and procedures to enhance understanding how to undo the impacts of white supremacy across policies, procedures and programs in Parks and Nature (land acquisition, park planning, park operations, science and development, permitting and community engagement).
Coordinate internal communications strategy for department equity work.
Represent the department in select regional cohorts and processes.
Serve on various inter-department teams and initiatives.
Prepares work programs for consultant contracts and manages consultant contracts.
Contributes to the department's collaborative project planning process and approach.
Effectively work with, and present to, external partners and stakeholders including other agencies, elected officials, non-profits, community-based organizations and the public at large.
This position is represented by AFSCME 3580 and is classified as a Senior Regional Planner. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Minimum Requirements
We will consider any combination of education and experience that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job. An example of relevant education and experience would be:
At least three years of related experience in policy advocacy and development; AND
A bachelor's degree in regional planning, natural resource management, community development, communications or related field (additional experience can substitute for a degree).
Preferred qualifications:
Demonstrated deep understanding of racial equity and how systems of oppression continue to impact Indigenous communities and People of Color
Demonstrated ability to apply a racial equity lens to policy and process development and implementation
Demonstrated commitment to understanding and eradicating structural racial inequity
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Experience developing and implementing racial equity, diversity and inclusion strategies that involve multiple stakeholders
Strong project management skills; demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple initiatives; and experience overseeing project deliverables
Demonstrated ability to develop impact measurement and/or evaluation tools
Knowledge of principles of environmental justice
Experience developing and executing engagement strategies that involve a variety of people and partners
Advanced organizational skills with a proven ability to multi-task in an efficient and effective manner and attention to detail
Experience representing an organization at community meetings and events
Experience and or ability to apply adult learning methods to facilitating meetings and workshops around individual and interpersonal diversity, equity and inclusion competencies
Skill in verbal communication including public speaking
Ability to work occasional evenings, weekend or holiday shifts
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and set up and break down tables, tents, banners and other event equipment
Ability to use Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel proficiently
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to fulfill Metro's employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.
Additional Information
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources at 503-797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the wellbeing of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
AgencyMetro
Address600 NE Grand Ave
Portland, Oregon, 97232
Phone503-797-1570