Chief Diversity and Equity Officer (Special Assistant for Affirmative Action and Compliance) - Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

DIVISION: Executive Director's Office

DEPARTMENT: Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit

UNION/GRADE: Non-Union/Grade 16

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SALARY: $150,000.00 - $191,000.00 Annually

BASIC PURPOSE:

Leads the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's (MWRA) Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit (AACU). Serves as MWRA's Chief Diversity and Equity Officer. Supervises, administers, cultivates and monitors all activities, policies and programs necessary to advance and maintain the Authority's affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals and objectives in employment, contracting and procurement.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Chair of the MWRA Board of Directors; however, reports to the MWRA Executive Director on day-to-day administrative functions of the Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises close supervision of the staff of the Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and advances an annual affirmative action plan for the MWRA including systematic enumeration of goals and timetables consistent with applicable state and federal laws for equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.
• Develops and maintains the strategic vision and implements the operational plan to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for MWRA.
• Develops and implements policies and programs for affirmative action, equal employment opportunities and DEI in hiring, contracting and procurement, to meet the requirements, goals and objectives of the affirmative action plan, (Minority Business Enterprise) MBE, WBE (Women Business Enterprise), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals and related statutory requirements.
• Works with the MWRA Executive Director, Director of Human Resources and Division Directors in setting, revising and achieving the affirmative action, equal opportunity and DEI objectives of the MWRA.
• Develops and provides support on business planning strategies and objectives, including affirmative action, equal opportunity and DEI.
• Works with the MWRA Law Division to keep the Executive Director, Director of Human Resources and Division Directors apprised of legislative initiatives and changes in legal requirements related to affirmative action, equal opportunity and DEI.
• Presents the annual affirmative action plan to the MWRA Board of Directors for review and approval. Provides the MWRA Board of Directors with updates on MWRA's affirmative action, equal opportunity and DEI policies, programs and initiatives. Files other required reports and updates.
• Informs the Board of Directors, Executive Director, Divisions and Units of current policies, principles and practices relative to affirmative action, equal opportunity and DEI. Reports on MWRA's performance measurements for all categories of positions within the MWRA.
• Serves as MWRA's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) chief compliance officer. Collaborates with appropriate staff to ensure the Authority's compliance with the ADA, including provision of training, employee notifications, the review of requests for reasonable accommodations and completion of interactive processes to respond to such requests.
• Advises all levels of MWRA staff on issues related to compliance with constitutional requirements, statutes and regulations pertaining to civil rights, affirmative action and equal opportunity.
• Monitors MWRA workforce compliance with the MWRA Code of Conduct, applicable policies and procedures and applicable state and federal laws.
• Promotes an understanding of the MWRA's commitment to DEI among its employees, those whom the MWRA serves, and those with whom it does business.
• In coordination with MWRA's Human Resources Department, develops and/or procures mandatory training for MWRA staff on DEI, fair employment practices and harassment prevention.
• Monitors and reports on all aspects of MWRA's responsibilities for equal opportunity, diversity, equity and inclusion, affirmative action and related matters of compliance under pertinent state and federal requirements, including maintaining statistical data and producing statutory reporting under the Enabling Act and other state and federal laws.
• Serves in a leadership role on MWRA's Environmental Justice Task Force.
• Serves as the co-chair of the MWRA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group and providing leadership, guidance and support.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science/government, management, human resources, gender studies, ethnic studies, or other related field. Graduate degree preferred; and
• A strong understanding of state and federal employment grant compliance regulations and the principles and practices of affirmative action, contract compliance and personnel administration as acquired through at least ten (10) years' experience, of which five (5) years should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated record of professional accomplishment and an ability to work with all levels of management and employees.
• Experience with construction and professional service contract management and compliance preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License.

Ability to work evenings or weekends for urgent business issues or respond to business calls on MWRA assigned phone after hours.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Office machines as normally associated with professional administrative settings, including but not limited to the use of telephone, personal computer, word processing and other software, videoconferencing applications, copier, scanner and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.

There are no requirements that weight is lifted or force is exerted in the performance of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually a moderately quiet office setting. This position may be eligible for up to 50% telework.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.