WDVA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager (WMS Band 2), Full-Time - Permanent, Olympia

About the position Join our team as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager and play a key role in shaping the future of inclusion at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs! This role leads the agency's efforts to advance DEI strategies by building on existing objectives, survey results, and agency-wide initiatives, while also developing new goals to foster an inclusive environment. Partnering with mid-level to senior leadership, you'll drive the implementation of Washington State's Pro-Equity Anti-Racism Plan and Playbook (PEAR) to create impactful change. This position serves as an integral part of the WDVA Human Resources Management Team. If you're passionate about fulfilling our mission and championing equity - apply today! Please note: The schedule for this position is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday in-office at our Central Office in Olympia. A hybrid remote work schedule may be approved at supervisor's discretion, with the understanding that components of the DEI Manager's role require in-person, face-to-face communication. This position also requires local travel to WDVA locations throughout the state. At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families. As the DEI Manager, you will advise the Director, Deputy Director, and Leadership Team (LT) on best practices for ensuring that our services are accessible to all Washingtonians and reflect our agency's commitment to equity and inclusion. You will also serve as the subject matter expert in the formulation of DEI executive policies and manage complex agency-wide project teams in implementation of strategies initiatives to improve WDVA service delivery. As this role requires frequent interaction with agency leaders, staff, and multiple external partners, our ideal candidate has excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience facilitating trainings on diversity awareness, racial equity, and related topics.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and review Title VI (Civil Rights) program in preparation of annual report and Title VI program update. ,
• Brief public entities and advocacy groups on business processes and the management of customer data. ,
• Develop, review, and participate in the development of WDVA's operating policies and processes to ensure all employees continuously meet the intent of Executive Order 17-01. ,
• Facilitate the informal resolution of concerns of community partners across all agency operations. ,
• Conduct inquiries into concerns, resolve them, and bring systemic concerns to the attention of the Agency Director. ,
• Work closely with WDVA's Communications Division to develop communication strategies that resonate with our customers and explain why we collect data and how we use it. ,
• Create dynamic partnerships that maximize engagement opportunities and strengthen customer confidence in our services. ,
• Provide resources and training content to WDVA staff to help them understand the complex and sensitive issues our customers are facing to give them the skills they need to be friendly and helpful to all Washingtonians. ,
• Serve as a key advisor on DEI to the management and will collaborate closely with members of the Management Team, building upon the strategic plan. ,
• Develop and lead the implementation of the long-term vision and goals for DEI. ,
• Review and/or develop new DEI programs and training for staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree AND Three (3) years of successful professional experience related to DEI or in Human Resources Management. ,
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse and historically underserved communities. ,
• Leading and implementing equity and inclusion programs. ,
• Developing and implementing strategies with progressive responsibility. ,
• Facilitating and leading training work groups. ,
• Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives within an organization. ,
• Influence without structural authority. ,
• Manage intra- and inter-agency project teams and projects. ,
• Use leadership skills to develop, execute, and drive innovation. ,
• Conduct investigations, write investigation reports, and communicate effectively. ,
• Build strong relationships across a variety of stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes using interdisciplinary creative thinking skills. ,
• Implement strong analytical skills and assess highly sensitive situations. ,
• Commit and implement program innovation, assessment, and metrics-based management. ,
• Thorough understanding of nondiscrimination laws, DEI fundamentals, and national and regional conversation around DEI. Nice-to-haves
• Experience with collective bargaining policies and procedures, labor relations, civil services laws, and HR principles and practices. ,
• Experience facilitating trainings on diversity awareness, racial equity, and related topics.

Benefits

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