People & Belonging Director

Salary: $96,992.00 - $115,541.00 Annually

Location: Georgia 30601, GA

Job Type: Appointed

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2024-3007

Department: People & Belonging Department

Opening Date: 12/04/2024

REPORTS TO: Athens-Clarke County Manager, Deputy Manager, or Assistant Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Merit - Serves at the discretion of the Athens-Clarke County Manager
PAY GRADE: 130
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No 

Purpose of Job
This position is responsible for day-to-day management, supervision, and ongoing support of, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; provides leadership and direction to build capacity for and support of measures that break down barriers in creating a more just and inclusive community for all; supports the Manager, Mayor & Commission, and staff in all areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and outreach.

Job Related Requirements:
WORK SCHEDULE:  Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm, with some holidays and evenings. 

• May be required to work on religious holidays.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Must work cooperatively with others.
• When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACCGov's safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Education, Social Work or related field; with five years related leadership experience that includes project/process management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Four years of supervisory experience is required. 

Must possess a valid driver's license; 

Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Education or related field preferred. 

Certified Diversity Professional (CDP), Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Cornell Certified Diversity Professional (CCPD) or other related diversity certification preferred.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all- inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Strategic Leadership and Community Awareness
Support the Mayor and Commission goals in the establishment of short- and long- range strategies for advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (IDE) within the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov) and for the Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Community (ACC Community).

Develop and implement strategic initiatives to advance IDE and outreach within ACCGov and for the ACC Community, under the direction of the ACCGov Manager, incorporating feedback from community listening sessions and departmental data analysis.

Develop and recommend performance indicators to ensure accountability; collect, analyze and present data measuring IDE efforts on a regular basis; conduct surveys, focus groups, or perform/coordinate other methods of data collection in order to track outcomes for initiatives.

Plan, guide and advise the ACCGov Manager, elected/appointed officials and other departmental leadership on IDE to create awareness, understanding, and sustainable integration into programs, policies, and processes.

Collaborate and coordinate with the ACCGov Manager and Department Directors, Constitutional Officers, the Mayor and Commission, its Committees, as well as ACC community stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to advance IDE initiatives.

Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to advance shared equity goals and build a unified approach to inclusion.

Serve as the staff liaison to the Human Relations Commission and Athens Justice and Memory Project. 

Provide information and resources regarding the Unlawful Discrimination Ordinance. 

Policy Development and Legal Compliance
Coordinate with the ACCGov Manager, Attorney's Office and ACCGov Departments to ensure compliance with relevant federal, state and local laws, including the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and others.  

Provide departmental support via analysis and reporting, including but not limited to timely federal EEO-4 reporting and related updates of the ACCGov Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP). Provide recommendations and direct support in operationalization of the EEOP.

Support the Human Relations Commission in their work surrounding community awareness, and conducting reviews of local ordinances and policies.
 
Community Engagement and Inclusion Initiatives

• Promote equity consideration by ACCGov leadership, departments and staff for new and existing programs and policies by developing toolkits and providing data, support, and recommendations.
• Develop and implement IDE strategic plan; assess existing programs, services, and initiatives that support equity; and identify opportunities to maximize efforts.
• Oversee the development and management of a centralized resources hub to provide resources and information for entities seeking to address systemic inequities. 
• Develop, coordinate and implement IDE training programs for ACCGov staff and community leaders, using feedback to refine and scale those initiatives.
• Coordinate, support, and/or participate in IDE-aligned community events such as the Athens Civil Rights Tour, Pride Month, Juneteenth, the Hot Corner Festival, Latinx Fest, and other similar events.
• Attend and/or facilitate meetings and presentations with internal and external stakeholders to support outreach, education, and community trust-building efforts.
• Oversee the creation of accessible communication plans for key initiatives (e.g., Non-Discrimination Ordinance [NDO] awareness campaigns) to maximize public understanding and impact.

Administrative Oversight

• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff; manage employee concerns, direct work assignments, counsel and discipline employees when necessary, and ensure timely completion of performance evaluations. 
• Approve and/or initiate employee selection, termination, and disciplinary actions.
• Review employee time sheets, payroll, and incident reports to ensure accuracy, and provide follow-up action as needed.
• Develop departmental policies and procedures.
• Develop budgetary recommendations; effectively monitor and administer budget responsibilities.
• Write agenda items, reports, presentations and other documents in support of IDE and the ACCGov Manager's Office and ACCGov Mayor and Commission.

Grants and Special Projects

• Research and apply for grant opportunities, and manage awarded grants to ensure compliance and maximize program funding.
• Provide guidance, direction, and coordination for community initiatives such as, but not limited to, the Linnentown Project, the Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures, the Mayor's Youth Commission and Council, and other IDE initiatives where the ACC Community and ACCGov intersect. 
• Coordinate the development and implementation of special projects assigned by the ACCGov Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion, public policy development and implementation, and diverse populations.
• Knowledge of Public Administration practices, budget development, project management, contract administration, and policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
• Knowledge of affirmative action and equal opportunity laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of inclusive digital outreach, including website accessibility, social media, and communication tailored to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge and skill in public process methods and conflict resolution.
• Knowledgeable and proficient with the use of computers.
• Skill in guiding discussions and negotiations among stakeholders with conflicting perspectives to build consensus.
• Skill in in leading organizational change initiatives, with an emphasis on equity and belonging.
• Skill in coordinating community events and activities. 
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data to evaluate equity initiatives and present actionable insights to stakeholders.
• Ability to understand, facilitate, and balance interests of a wide range of stakeholders, strategic partners, and community members.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflict in contentious and sensitive matters.
• Ability to exercise good judgement in workplace communication and decision-making. 
• Ability to quickly evaluate complex issues, particularly those involving IDE, and design innovative solutions.
• Ability to determine informational needs to collect, analyze information, perform statistical analysis and interpret statistical information; and/or to knowledgeably coordinate such activity.
• Ability to assemble information and produce written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively present sensitive information and topics to both small and large groups.
• Ability to effectively manage sensitive topics, public criticisms, and crises related to equity issues with diplomacy and composure.
• Ability to organize, facilitate, and lead groups and teams.
• Ability to develop and deliver comprehensive training tailored to varied organizational levels and cultural contexts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from various cultures and backgrounds. 
• Ability to design, execute, and monitor projects like centralized resource hubs or IDE training programs.
• Ability to identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.

Supplemental Information

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, TV, and overhead projector. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to move around a training facility for extended periods of time while training. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of light work.
 
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
 
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants. Requires the ability to influence and motivate individuals and resolve conflict. Requires extensive experience and skill in verbal and written communication. Requires presentation skills to communicate in front of both large and small groups of individuals.
 
 LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of reports, surveys, policies, informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures as well as management policies and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, budget, agenda and summary reports, and surveys using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people and/or groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
 
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to use independent judgments.
 
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including legal, counseling, accounting, personnel, and training terminology.
 
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; utilize and determine percentages; interpret graphs.
 
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a computer, copier, fax machine, calculator, and audiovisual equipment.
 
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using visual aides, computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, office equipment, and facilitating training. Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
 
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as a computer, TV, and overhead projector. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
 
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
 
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be open, patient, enthusiastic, and supportive in the classroom. Must create and maintain a non-threatening and trusting classroom environment, and show respect to all training participants. Must be able to resolve conflicts involving employees and the general public and must be able to perform under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
 
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone and before an audience.

ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.