City of Portland - Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (JDEI) Director

Start Date: September 18, 2024 | End Date: March 17, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Manager
More Information: Click here

City of Portland - Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (JDEI) Director

The City of Portland is committed to being a safe, welcoming, and equitable community and workplace for all people across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, country of origin, or any other identity. We are proud that we have a growing team whose work will help the City to advance this commitment and are excited to begin the search for our next JDEI Director.

Reporting to the City Manager, the Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI) Director leads the Office of Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As part of that role, this position will also act as advisor to the City Manager on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusive practices within City of Portland government and throughout the broader community, including working collaboratively with the City Manager on the structure of the Office and ongoing resources necessary to accomplish the City’s JDEI goals.

The JDEI Director works both internally and externally to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in an effort to address racial justice and equality and will help define a shared vision, strategy, and work plan to achieve short and long term progress in this area. In addition, the JDEI Director performs professional and organizational duties related to formulating a culture and practice of diversity, equity and inclusion related to the delivery of City services and operations, as well as administrative policy. Furthermore, the Director ensures organizational consistency in the application of DEI-focused policies and practices. To learn more about the JDEI Office, click here.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assesses and analyzes the gap the City needs to close between where City government is at any given time, and what diverse, equitable and inclusive City services should look like. Proposes specific, realistic, and actionable steps to work to close any gaps found.

• Takes a lead role in facilitating the development of strategies, policies and guidelines that advance understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues across the community

• Guides and advises the City Manager and City departments on matters pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion in the provision of City services.

• Leads the consideration of recommendations recently made by the Racial Equity Steering Committee.

• Serves as the City’s ADA coordinator, responsible for all ADA requests from the public.

• Serves as the City’s sister city coordinator, responsible for managing the City’s sister city relationships.

• Interacts with all City departments to enhance existing programs and develop new programs that encourage active engagement in activities that demonstrate the City’s commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Represents the City at community meetings and public meetings associated with diversity, equity and inclusion.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in the field of JDEI, including experience with strategic implementation at an organizational level.

• Demonstrated understanding of cultural values and norms of various communities, particularly BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disability communities, among others.

• Effective communication skills and ability to advocate/address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and with significant judgment.

• Experience developing and implementing policies, practices, and training.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Organizational Development, Counseling, Human Resources or related field.

• Two years of experience supervising, mentoring, and leading teams.

• Experience in budget and grant management.

• Experience with ADA compliance requirements.

• Bilingual preferred but not required.

• A legal background is helpful, but not necessary.

Applications Accepted Until:

This position is open until filled, but resume review will begin October 4, 2024.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a non-union position (Grade D72) - Starting salary range: $110,933.00 - $128,622.00

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment. City benefits include:

• Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives

• Thirteen paid holidays

• Sick, vacation, and personal leave

• Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances

• Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan

• Use of City recreation facilities

• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have questions or need assistance with the application, please contact Shae Gonzalez (City of Portland Recruiter) at sgonzalez@portlandmaine.gov or 207-653-3615

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5641087