Metro DEI Policy and Programs Manager (Close Mar 8)

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregonmetro/jobs/4383950-0/dei-policy-and-programs-manager

SALARY: $112,000.00 - $142,944.00 Annually

LOCATION: Portland, OR

JOB TYPE: Full Time

REMOTE EMPLOYMENT: Flexible/Hybrid

JOB NUMBER: 2024-1410-DEI

DEPARTMENT: Diversity Equity and Inclusion

OPENING DATE: 02/12/2024

CLOSING DATE: 3/8/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Position summary

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers. 
 
Are you committed to advancing equity and inclusion? Are you looking to make a difference in the Portland-metro region? Metro is looking for a collaborative and inclusive leader to join the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Department as the DEI Policy and Programs Manager and we encourage you to apply for the position.  
 
The DEI Policy and Programs Manager plays a critical role in the development and implementation of external racial equity policies and strategies at Metro. This includes initiatives lead by the DEI Departments like the Civic Engagement Capacity Building Grant Program and Construction Career Pathways, and efforts advanced in collaboration with agency department and regional partners including investment measures and long-range planning efforts.  
 
The DEI Policy and Programs Manager will manage a dynamic team and guide the strategic direction of existing programs, while also managing special initiatives. This manager will build structures for how the DEI Department provides technical assistance across the agency and lead the application of the Racial Equity Framework, Metro’s equity centered decision making and project management tool, to projects and programs.  
 
Interested in joining our team and learning more about this opportunity? Join us for a virtual information session on February 27th, 2024 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. 
 

As the DEI Policy and Programs Manager you will:

  • Manage a portfolio of dynamic programs that includes Construction Career Pathways, Civic Engagement Capacity Building Grant Program, the Committee on Racial Equity. 

    • Guide the strategic direction of each program and supporting staff in navigating complex political dynamic and obstacles.

    • Manage the programmatic planning and reporting processes, providing day-to-day oversight of project implementation, and providing regular updates on progress and results to key stakeholders.

    • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with a wide range of external partners (Community Based Organizations, labor unions, jurisdictions, etc.) to build alignment and advance shared policy goals.  

    • Build internal partnerships to support effective implementation and identify opportunities for coordination and shared learning. 

  • Provide strategic consultation, technical assistance and content expertise to assist Metro departments and venues in operationalizing racial equity through policy/strategy development, inclusive decision-making practices, grant programs, investment strategies, and more.

    • Ensure the Metro’s Racial Equity Framework is applied to projects and programs throughout the agency. 

    • Participate in agency-wide project teams to develop and advance racial equity strategies including investment measure development and implementation, long-term regional plans, program development, and more.

    • Develop structures and systems for how the DEI Department provides technical assistance, coaching and strategic advices to departments and venues.  

    • Manage and consult in research and analysis conducted to inform the development of effective racial equity strategies.  

  • Supervise a dynamic and committed team that includes the Workforce Equity Project Manager, Civic Engagement & Outreach Coordinator and Equity Analyst.

    • Provide people centered and supportive supervision that supports the professional growth, success, and well-being of staff.   

    • Build a team dynamic that supports coordination, collaboration, collective problem solving, celebration of successes.

    • Participate in DEI Management Team and support consistency in management practices and team building across the department. support department development, direction, processes/procedures (budget, priorities, staff management, culture, etc.

Attributes for success:
Leadership: 

  • Strong commitment and analysis of systems of oppression and experience advancing racial equity strategies and outcomes.

  • Ability to build relationships with organizational and political leaders, advise as a subject matter expert on equity, diversity, and inclusion and consult on the navigation of politically sensitive projects and issues.   

  • Ability to support learning and cultivate equity leadership among peers.

  • Lifelong learner committed to the journey just as much as the destination.

  • Empathic listener who cultivates a restorative and inclusive workplace.

  • Successful record of initiating and cultivating relationships with community-based partners and proven ability to collaborate successfully.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build teams and gain trust working in a dynamic and demanding environment.

  • Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills.

  • Understanding and experience communicating the principles of racial justice and or the dimensions of racial equity or critical race theory with individuals at different levels of understanding.

Program, Policy and Strategy Development:

  • Strategic thinker with experience analyzing systems, identifying opportunities for structural change and advancing strategies to achieve racial equity outcomes.

  • Proven ability to identify and develop innovative policies and/or practices informed by political and budgetary context, research and data, and strong analytic skills

  • Resourceful and proactive in navigating complex dynamics and institutional contexts to advance the work. 

  • Experience managing/utilizing strategic communications to build support for policy/program.

  • Familiarity with approaches to understanding and measuring equity impacts, benefits, outcomes, etc. 

Program & Project Management: 

  • Experienced project or program manager who understands how to effectively pace multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.

  • Ability to take highly complex issues and formulate and advance long-term strategy.

  • Ability to track, implement, evaluate, and report on program success.

  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to develop effective workplans when working across teams.

  • Experience building teams or coalitions unified by shared goals, navigating and reconciling opposing perspectives, and advancing shared workplans/objectives.

  • Cultivate and maintain positive and effective working relationships with Metro staff, jurisdictional partners, community members and community partner organizations.

  • Ability to manage a program budget according to DEI Department procedures.  

Management:

  • Supportive and effective manager that brings a people-centered approach to supervision and a track record of supporting staff’s professional growth and achievement of goals.

  • Proven ability to develop, articulate, and execute a vision and lead a team.

  • Experience developing and/or applying management skills including, workplans, expectation setting, coaching, etc. 

Diversity and inclusion:  At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
 
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
 
Minimum qualifications: 

  • Three years leading or supervising people and

  • Bachelor's degree in the assigned program area or a related field and

  • Two years project management experience in area of responsibility or

  • Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

 
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
 
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
 
Like to have qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position. 

  • Applied knowledge and experience developing equity centered policies and programs related to Metro lines of business.

  • Experience facilitating workshops and/or providing technical assistance that advance equity literacy or equity outcomes.

  • Experience leading implementation of an equity work plan, ideally in a government organization.

  • Expertise and/or experience related to equitable community engagement, workforce equity strategies, equitable economic development, or climate and environmental justice.  

COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION
 
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made between $112,000.00 to $134,144.00 annually. The full-salary range for this position is $112,000.00 to 142,944.00 annually.
 
This position is not eligible for overtime, and is non-represented. It is classified as a Manager I classification. (Download PDF reader) Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
 
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

  • A completed online application, AND

  • A cover letter including what interests you most about this role and your experience as it relates to the listed attributes for success:

    • Leadership 

    • Program, Policy and Strategy Development 

    • Program Management

    • Staff Management and/or Supervision

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

  • Initial review of minimum qualifications

  • In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates

  • Consideration of top candidates/interviews

  • Testing/assessments 

  • Reference check 

Additional Information

Questions?
Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann 
Email: carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov
 
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.
 
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 503-797-1570.
 
Pay equity at Metro: Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
 
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement, Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.  
 
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.