HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Rights Coordinator & Equity DirectorUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Human Rights Coordinator & Equity Director
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: Equity and Human Rights
Supervisor: City Manager
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: No
Pay Grade: 29
Job Number: 2905
Job Summary
Serves as advisor to the City Manager on issues of racial equity and within the community and
the City government organiza�on. Plans and coordinates change efforts that advance equity and
reduce inequi�es in policy, services, and community engagement. Works with City departments
to promote and measure equity and inclusion to create equitable outcomes within City
opera�ons. Provides and coordinates community presenta�ons, educa�on, outreach, and
equity ini�a�ves on behalf of the City. Supervises the inves�ga�on of complaints filed with the
office alleging unlawful discrimina�on, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local civil
rights laws and regula�ons, and staff to the human rights commission.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es:
The following du�es are normal for this posi�on. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other du�es may be required and assigned.
• Leads, directs, and supports training for city staff, boards/commissions, external
partners, and community members on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Sets the strategic direc�on, develops strategic goals, and objec�ves for the office.
• Plans and coordinates change efforts that advance equity and reduce inequi�es in policy,
services, and community engagement.
• Prepares and delivers programs, presenta�ons, and correspondence on key equity
related ini�a�ves and issues to internal and external organiza�ons as required.
• Collaborates with external partners to promote and advance EDI throughout the
community.
• Manages the day-to-day ac�vi�es of the office including the work of the Engagement
Specialist, Human Rights Inves�gator, and Communica�ons Assistant.
• Enforces the human rights ordinance and makes final determina�ons on complaints filed
with the office.
• Serves as staff to and resource person for the human rights commission.
• Oversees development and administra�on of the division budget, serves as office liaison
to other divisions and departments.
• Ensures compliance with federal, local, state laws, and internal policies and regula�ons
related to civil rights.
Updated: March 2024
• Par�cipates in con�nuing educa�on to remain current in EDI and unlawful
discrimina�on.
• Reports on trends in discrimina�on filings.
• Monitors changing priori�es and manages mul�ple deliverables with overlapping
deadlines.
• Maintains transparency, accountability, and collabora�ons.
• Models cultural competency, effec�vely engages in challenging conversa�ons about
race, racism, equity, and human rights.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other related du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and three to five years of
related experience; or seven to nine years of related experience and/or equivalent
combina�on of educa�on and experience. Degree in Human Resources, Poli�cal Science,
Social Sciences, Civil Rights, or related. Experience in inves�ga�ve work or related.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record required. Must be 18
years of age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and five years of related
experience; or Juris Doctorate from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and three years
of related experience; and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience.
Experience in the areas of diversity, equity, compliance, and community outreach.
Supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
propor�ons, percentages.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effec�vely supervise professional staff.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruc�ons in mathema�cal or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scien�fic and technical journals, financial
reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to remain an impar�al fact finder, collect and analyze data, and summarize and
produce writen findings.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to use sound judgment, high integrity, and ability to maintain strict
confiden�ality.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to work with other governmental en��es and community organiza�ons in
planning, organizing, and carrying out events promo�ng equity and human rights.
• Ability to write reports and ar�cles for publica�on that conform to prescribed style and
format.
• Effec�ve interviewing and inves�ga�ve techniques.
• Knowledge of civil rights law and social implica�ons of diversity management.
• Skill in facilita�on, presenta�on, nego�a�on, conflict resolu�on, legal research, oral and
writen communica�on.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat).
Supervision
Assists with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a program function or unit for
the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's
policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports including
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing
and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Du�es are generally performed in
an office se�ng with a controlled environment. The job requires si�ng for extended periods of
�me and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situa�ons and significant
work pace pressure. Ability to travel in the community and atend evening and weekend
mee�ngs.
Updated: March 2024
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Geoff Fruin, City Manager (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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