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SalaryUnder general supervision by the Policy Manager or their designee, the Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Coordinator directs implementation of the District’s REDI Action Plan, including strategies to make the Forest Preserves welcoming and accessible to all residents, to engage County residents who have historically been excluded, and to recruit and retain employees and volunteers that reflect the rich diversity of Cook County.
Typical Duties
Coordinate District’s REDI team and working groups and guide efforts to implement the REDI Action Plan.
Research, analyze, and implement best practices for RACIAL EQUITY, diversity, and inclusion in local government.
Report on-going progress for REDI initiatives. Update key performance indicators to be included in the District’s on-line performance dashboard.
Educate District employees about REDI initiatives, goals, and strategies.
Represent the District and present information about REDI efforts at various conferences and workshops.
Manage contracts with REDI consultants.
Supervise college and graduate interns.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in public policy, social work, business or public administration, education or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least 1 year of full-time work experience in stakeholder engagement, employee training, leadership development, or substantially similar area; OR an associate degree or higher in public policy, social work, business or public administration, education or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least 3 years of full-time work experience in stakeholder engagement, employee training, leadership development or substantially similar area; OR a high school diploma or a GED AND at least 5 years of full-time work experience in stakeholder engagement, employee training, leadership development or substantially similar area.
Must possess at least 1 year full-time work experience in developing diversity, equity, and inclusion programming, training, and strategies.
Preferred Qualifications
Possession of at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corps Crew member (including with Audubon Great Lakes, Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association, and GreenCorps), OR at least 1 season of work experience on property of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, or Chicago Botanic Garden.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Possesses a passion for social equity, an understanding of systems-level versus individual-level change, and transactional and transformational leadership as it relates to improving outcomes for RACIAL EQUITY, diversity, and inclusion.
Ability to deal with highly sensitive, complex situations in advancing equity and racial justice with tact and diplomacy.
Skill in conflict resolution, facilitation, and presentations on topics of structural racism and RACIAL EQUITY.
Ability to work with a highly diverse workforce and motivate colleagues to embrace and promote RACIAL EQUITY, diversity, and inclusion.
Strong research skills including experience in researching topics online and in various databases.
Experience writing and editing a wide variety of documents such as white papers, policies, training materials, and reports.
Possession of strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with good judgment.
High attention to detail and understanding of its importance.
Ability to develop meeting agendas and facilitate meetings with internal staff and external partners.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
Benefits Package
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:
http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
Veteran’s Preference
When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:
Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
Identify him/herself as a Veteran on their employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”
Attach a copy of his/her DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).
Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.
General District Employment Requirements
PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.
MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY OR ESTABLISH RESIDENCY IN COOK COUNTY WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT.
MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AT THE TIME OF HIRE OR SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHIN 1 WEEK OF START DATE.
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.
