Job Details

Working Title: Director of Equity and Inclusion
Job Class: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant Senior
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 80355
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/20/2024
• Closing Date: 10/10/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / BHDH Administration
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, (5-10% for occasional in-state travel)
• Salary Range: $39.34 - $58.47 / hourly; $82,141 - $122,085 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

• Telework (Within Minnesota or Neighboring States) and Flexible Hours Options Are Available.

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, direction, and subject-matter expertise to leaders and staff in the Behavioral Health Administration and Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services Administration. The position supports each administration to promote access and more equitable outcomes for Minnesotans who receive publicly funded services through strategic planning, equity analysis, and stakeholder and employee engagement. To achieve this, the person in this position must work with each administration to:

• Engage in and champion strategic planning around equity to develop and implement promising and achievable goals and strategies.
• Lead efforts to understand gaps in social and physical determinants of health between the communities experiencing health disparities and the population receiving services.
• Work closely with leadership, the Equity Committees, legislative staff, and internal and external stakeholders to promote changes in public policy to improve outcomes for cultural and ethnic communities, American Indians, people with disabilities, and other populations experiencing health disparities.
• Partner with leadership, division directors, and legislative directors to develop, recommend, and champion policy changes and budget requests with engagement of stakeholders and agency colleagues.
• Evaluate the success of the equity agenda and share results with internal and external stakeholders; and
• Use performance data to inform future initiatives to further each administration's equity agenda.

This position is responsible for each administration's internal equity agenda, leading staff, and directors at all levels to assess equity and inclusion awareness/capacity, identify activities to build equity and inclusion, and implement activities at all levels of each administration by:

• Serving as a member of the leadership for each administration, working with senior administration leaders to oversee compliance with the DHS Equity Policy, ensuring that equity and inclusion are considered in administration policies and processes to reduce population health inequities.
• Supporting each administration's Equity Committee, the group charged with advising each administration's leaders on equity and inclusion issues.*
• Supporting and advising the equity-related work of the "equity champions," staff members from each administration who promote equity within their work areas as a portion of their professional duties.
• Working closely and coordinating with the Equity Directors in other administrations, the Community Relations Division, Human Resources, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.

• This position description reflects the mission of each administration's Equity Committee, which is described in their Charter as "to advise each administration and champion equity work throughout each Administration. Their work will lessen the potential for harm, reduce inequities, and ensure equitable, respectful, quality services for communities that include, but are not limited to, communities of color, American Indians, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ people, and people with disabilities. It will also help build an equitable culture within each Administration so that all staff are treated fairly and with respect.”

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years specialized expert experience building and/or leading a medium to large organization in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion related programs.
Experience must demonstrate:

• Championing equity, inclusion, and anti-racism by evaluating policies, procedures, and ideas to interrupt systemic racism and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Knowledge of and xperience with contemporary diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism theories and issues.
• Strategic planning, change management and project management.
• Working with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, American Indian communities, people with disabilities, and other communities that experience health inequities.
• Influencing/directing goals, objectives, or policy and/or influencing decision makers/policymakers.
• Experience supporting and advising teams; coordinate training and staff development; meeting facilitation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of programs and policies related to housing, homelessness, and/or behavioral health.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns.
• Understanding for the role and operation of state government in building the health and human services infrastructure.
• Facilitator of groups to solicit information, feedback, and areas of development.
• Must have a strong grasp of overall DHS goals and the DHS Equity Policy and be able to translate those into everyday decisions and actions.
• Bachelors’ degree or higher in Public Policy, Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or similar field.

Additional Requirements

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Dennis Stevenson at Eric Grumdahl at eric.grumdahl@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 80355, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at dennis.b.stevenson@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.