Director - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Washington State Parks is looking for a dynamic, collaborative and experienced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional to provide strategic leadership for the agency with the goal of ensuring that all Washington State Parks services, processes and places are accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all people. This includes the internal work to ensure an agency culture and practices that fully support a diverse and engaged workforce, and the more outward facing efforts to connect, listen to and partner with parks users and potential users - especially with those representing non-majority communities.This position will advise the State Parks and Recreation Commission and agency leadership on all related issues, and serve on point for the development and implementation of long-term DEI vision, goals, strategies and initiatives. We are looking for someone with a passion for connecting individuals from all backgrounds to nature and outdoor experiences, because we know how important access to nature is for everyone. We want you to have a depth of knowledge on issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with experience to evaluate agency needs and to co-create policies and strategies that meaningfully advance the work.You will be a strong collaborator and thoughtful communicator who can lead, facilitate, and hold space for conversations that support your work, even when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative. This is a new position at the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, so the possibilities to effect positive change are significant. The Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion reports to the agency Director, and is part of the Executive Leadership Team. At his time, we expect at least one additional position to be part of our core DEI team, and hope to add one or two additional positions in the near future.WHO WE ARE:The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful—parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 125 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere – from law enforcement park rangers, park managers, and other field staff who take care of our parks (construction, maintenance, customer service) to planners, engineers, managers, administrative professionals and central support staff.We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here. SOME DETAILS ABOUT THE POSITION-The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is currently seeking a full-time permanent Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, located at Headquarters, in Tumwater, WA. This position is exempt from civil service. This position will be located at our Headquarters' building in Tumwater, Washington. Any schedule of other than 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, is at the discretion of the Director.The incumbent of this position may also be eligible for telework. The annual range of compensation is between $103,080 - $128,856 depending upon qualifications. This posting will remain open until filled. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply before July 6, 2022 when a first review of applicants will be completed. The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time after that date without notice. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:• In partnership with the Commission, agency Director and Executive Leadership Team (ELT), develops, implements and measures strategic initiatives and programs that promote diversity, inclusion, cultural humility, equity and social and environmental justice.Serves as the primary author and owner of the State Parks Equity Action Plan, developing DEI strategy, framework and roadmap that aligns with the agency’s vision, mission and goals. • Collaborates with leaders across the agency to embed DEI into business strategy and assure continuity across divisions and workgroups; advises how to coordinate and operationalize equity and inclusion objectives and intent into all services, policies, procedures, processes and places. • Provides expert advice and consultation to the Commission, Director, Executive Leadership and leaders/managers regarding DEI and recommends avenues to increase awareness, engagement and culture change.• Researches, recommends and implements agency-wide training and development opportunities for all team members to promote cultural understanding and competence. • Serves as the agency’s liaison with the statewide Office of Equity and the DEI Council. • In partnership with HR leadership, develops and implements DEI strategies related to recruitment, talent management, leadership development, and engagement and retention of diverse talent within the agency. • Develops ongoing relationships and partnerships with groups and individuals who can inform agency policy and operational decisions through a DEI lens, to achieve the goal that all Washington State Parks services, processes and places are accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all people.• Develops metrics for assessing DEI goals; analyzes the results of agency DEI strategies to determine effectiveness. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through formal professional employment, volunteer experience, lived experience or a combination. • Bachelor’s degree. • Three (3) years of professional experience leading programs that focus on diversity and inclusion, equity, addressing social disparities, social justice, and/or working with historically marginalized groups.• Experience may be substituted year for year of education. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:• A minimum of two years of experience successfully developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion strategies and initiatives in a larger organization, designed to improve business performance, foster talent recruitment and retention, and improve organizational culture. • Working in or collaborating with state government. • Working in or collaborating with Native American tribal communities and/or governments.• Working on and/or knowledge of the topics of equity in the outdoors or environmental justice. • Program management experience, including leading and managing multiple, complex projects at the same time. • Significant experience engaging in difficult conversations and/or leading training on topics that relate to diversity and inclusion, racism and/or inequity. • Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) or Certified DiversityProfessional (CDP). OTHER CRITICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSPECTIVES:• Deep knowledge or and/or connection to marginalized communities.• Ability to effectively interact with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, veterans status and disability status to promote trust, collaboration and partnership. • Can establish and maintain credibility; have a voice and share that voice to inspire and influence change. Does so with moral courage and great diplomacy. • Can build effective partnerships and work collaboratively with others.• Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity. Always open to learning and gaining knowledge, working through difficult situations with positive intent, resiliency, and patience. • Uses data and research as the foundation for decision making and program development. • Successful track record of gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENTPursuant to Emergency Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), all Washington State Parks employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time of hire.As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 Vaccination as part of the hire process for all positions within our agency. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected]. Please note, a medical or religious accommodation may be requested, once an offer of employment is made. For more information about this position, please contact Becki Ellison at [email protected] or (360) 902-8502.• * Travel throughout the state will be necessary for this position, including overnight stays. Expected frequency of travel will vary. To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. You must attach in your application package the following:• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the REQUIRED and DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS listed in this announcement (you do NOT need to address the items in the “OTHER CRITICAL” section in your letter, but these will factor in our further evaluation of candidates).• Current resume in chronological order. • Three professional references. Important Note: Do not attach documents that contain a photo or private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.) or documents that are password protected. These documents will not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded. • * All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment – one that embraces the full bolthires of all community members' contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:• Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability; Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences; Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society;• Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to the people of this state today and in the future;• Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.The Commission encourages and supports staff efforts to reach out to people of all races, national origins, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, veteran status, ages, and genders who use the parks and who live in communities nearby parks. This outreach is to focus on engaging in partnerships that expand programs and services in a way that is meaningful and of value to all people. The Commission is dedicated to offering quality experiences to all visitors through a workforce and volunteer corps that reflects the diversity of Washington State.The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565.Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. Apply tot his job