Equity And Engagement Manager

Pierce Transit is an independent municipal organization, dedicated to fulfilling the mission of improving people's quality of life by providing safe, reliable, innovative, and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.

Pierce Transit's Human Resources department is recruiting for the exciting job of Equity and Engagement Manager! In this important role, you will provide strategic leadership and collaboration efforts as they relate to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO); Title VI compliance; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs working cross-departmentally throughout the Agency. Additionally, the Equity and Engagement Manager is responsible for managing and implementing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program that is aligned with the agency's mission and core values. The ideal candidate will have the ability to ensure compliance with applicable federal/state laws, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines and requirements, and other regulatory agency guidelines while serving as liaison across the Agency to design, implement, and evaluate transit practices that foster diversity and equity throughout the Pierce Transit system.

Under guidance from the Executive Director of Administration/EEO Officer, this job oversees and advises on programs, services and functions of Equity and Engagement initiatives and strategic priorities, provides professional support in the development and implementation of a comprehensive approach to advance DEI, and integrate DEI best practices throughout Agency programs, policies, budgets, decision-making, and service delivery.

If you're not currently living in the Lakewood-area, that's not a problem! We may be able to help with reimbursing up to $2,500 in moving expenses for those who physically relocate their primary residence to the Pierce/King/Thurston County area (substantiated with receipts). Washington State was recently recognized as being number 1 in the nation for quality of life; read more about that here.
BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees' health is important to us too! That's why we offer two on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.
If your career goals change while you're employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit.
Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.
Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.
PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 6 days of major sick leave, and 22 days of paid time off (PTO) per year. PTO accrual rates increase per policy.The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Under the direction of the EEO Officer, manages and administers the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program. Assists in the implementation of and compliance with program elements. Provides advice and recommendations to agency staff.
• Serve as the DEI subject matter expert for the agency. Provide vision and execution of Equity and Engagement that fosters a culture of inclusion. Lead efforts to build partnerships with employees, leadership, executives, and community stakeholders.
• Design, implement, and administer a comprehensive Equity and Engagement program focused internally and externally, with input from key stakeholders and leadership. Monitor and identify trends and climate on a local, state, and national level. Keep leadership and executive team apprised on trends. Consult with managers and executives on organizational matters, conduct assessments to identify needs and make recommendations on appropriate actions to align the departments' interests with equity initiatives.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the agency's DEI committee. Facilitate trainings, presentations, and events both internally and externally.
• Work with leadership, community, and agency partners in the analysis and evaluation of programs related to Title VI and EEO. Ensure compliance with federal programs, state, local laws and regulations. Review and analyze policies, processes, services, and programs to identify barriers for equitable access and make recommendations for changes.
• Consult with leadership, executives, and employees to guide and identify areas of opportunity that deliver efforts which align with the agency's mission, core values, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Training and Workforce Development to develop and implement training and awareness programs, ensuring employee compliance with annual training requirements.
• Oversee engagement activities focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion activities in cooperation with Human Resources and Training and Workforce Development
• Serve as a liaison with management and staff, external agencies, and organizations. Represent the Agency at a variety of meetings, public events, training sessions; attend committees, and/or other related events.
• Supervise the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Collect necessary data and information to conduct program evaluation and lead program design to increase program effectiveness.
• Assist in preparation of department budget; prepare narrative reports to justify budget requests; manage staffing strategies in alignment with budget.
• Demonstrates regular and consistent attendance.
• Performs related work as required.

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development/Leadership or a related field and
• Five (5) years of experience of program management in Human Resources or diversity, Equity and inclusion involving equity analysis, or closely related work.
• Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Desired:

• Recent experience managing a DEI, EEO or similar program.
• Public sector experience.
• Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) or similar DEI certification.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision
• Principles, practices and standards of civil rights programs
• Diversity, Equity and inclusion best practices
• Local, state and federal regulations relating to employment law, EEO and Title VI
• Strategic planning techniques and principles, policy development and analysis and process improvement techniques and principles
• Performance assessment tools; individual development planning methodologies and formats
• Managerial principles
• Policy and procedure development practices
• Research methods
• Awareness of global and cultural issues

Skill in:

• Strong communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Developing and delivering presentations and training
• Establishing effective and cooperative working relationships with senior leaders, executives, coworkers, supervisors, the general public, etc.
• Organization, self-motivation and working independently.
• Linking Agency values, goals and priorities to programs
• Influencing, motivating and encouraging others
• Facilitating teams and broad groups of stakeholders without direct authority
• Fostering creative and divergent thinking
• Strategic thinking
• Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to:

• Deliver training to a variety of participants.
• Successfully deliver culturally responsive services
• Synthesize input and narrow the focus to a specific set of tasks or recommendations.
• Present information to employees, external agencies, management and the Board
• Adapt to rapidly changing environments.
• Conduct research and analyze complex issues.
• Solve problems.
• Coordinate and execute multiple tasks.
• Create work plans and corresponding budgets.
• Utilize a computer and relevant software applications.

Competencies:

• Understands and has the ability to apply public sector human resources principles
• Shows respect and openness toward those whose social and cultural backgrounds are different from one's own.
• Working effectively and productively with others, sometimes in a team setting.
• Working cooperatively, effectively, and productively with internal and external customers.
• Identifies networks and builds/maintains relationships that are useful in achieving personal and organizational objectives.
• Utilizes an understanding of how individual tasks and objectives contribute to organizational goals and define staffing requirements and assignments.
• Creates opportunities for employee engagement and enrichment, motivates others to participate; helps to remove obstacles for employees to attend training courses or participate in developmental activity.
• Learns from training, reading, or research to improve own performance.
• Clearly assigns responsibilities for tasks and decisions; sets clear objectives and measures, monitors process, progress, and results; provides feedback to employees and management.

Physical requirements:

• The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 40 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• May occasionally need to move boxes from 5 to 40 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• This position works in an office environment relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.

Licensing, certifications, and other legal requirements:

• Individuals must pass a background check.

Education

• Any required education must come from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.

Application Instructions
To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply online:

1. The online application must include a chronological work history and/or education, applicants (A resume will not substitute for completing the employment history section of the application)
2. A letter of interest that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications as listed for the position in order to be considered.
3. At least 3 professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with names, phone numbers and email addresses.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• Please ensure that your work history has been updated to include employment end dates as applicable.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the information provided in the supplemental questions and the content and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application at www.piercetransit/careers/.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Pierce Transit Employee Services @ 253-581-8095 or @ jobs@piercetransit.org
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
Pierce Transit Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Pierce Transit has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.
Pierce Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. Employment Type: Full-time